The Stafford Snippets

Daniel's New Suit!

2011-11-21T14:37:00.001-08:00

We bought Daniel a new suit. Actually this is his first suit! He was excited to have one and to wear it to church on Sunday! This first picture I told him to smile and then he could be silly!

Here he is as a suit model!

Stafford, Daniel Stafford!

Thanksgiving Cards 2011

2011-11-15T17:43:00.001-08:00

Here are my Thanksgiving cards for our family and friends for this year! I always feel like I'm going crazy trying to come up with ideas so close! I almost forgot that Thanksgiving was right around the corner! Now onto Christmas cards!

Halloween Cards 2011

2011-11-15T17:40:00.001-08:00

The first picture is not a Halloween card. I made this one as a "Thank You" card for a good friend!

This last picture are the Halloween cards that I sent to family and friends this year!

Our New Headboard

2011-09-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Dan and I had been talking about making a headboard for our bed but never really did anything else about it other than talk about our plans. Well, a few weeks ago Dan had a week off from work and spent his time making our headboard! I think he did an awesome job!

Daniel Turns 15!!

2011-09-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Daniel actully turned 15 at the end of July! I just got around to blogging it!

He got a new cell phone! He jokes that he is part of the cool club because he has one like ours!

Daniel being Daniel!!

I made him his favorite cake: German Chocolate! If my mom was here she would have made from scratch! I have yet to attempt that!

Card Catch Up 2

2011-09-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here are more cards that I have done in the past month!

Card Catch Up

2011-09-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Just finally got around to updating the blog. Here are some of the cards I have made in the last few months!

Daniel as a Pioneer

2011-06-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Daniel left this morning to our church's youth conference. They were heading to a cattle ranch and will be living like the pioneers for the next few days. Here he is in his outfit! He is excited to go. But we will see how excited he will be when he has to pull handcarts to their next destination!

Graduation Cards and Mother's Day Cards part 2

2011-05-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

The picture above was an impromptu mother's day card I was ask to make.
These are some graduation cards that I made for some family and some for Daniel's friends.

I did personalize them to colors of their school.

Cards

2011-04-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

I've been making some more cards. The one above is for Mother's Day this year.
This one I made as a get well card for a friend.

This one was for a cousins wedding. The hard part of making cards is coming up with new ideas. Thank goodness for magazines out there to help me find new ideas!

Michael Turns 3!

2011-04-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

My nephew Michael turned 3 earlier this week. His birthday party was yesterday! This is his cake that his mom (my sister) made! Michael really likes Mickey Mouse! Here is the birthday boy and his cheesy smile (really, it is a cheesy smile from eating cheese puffs)!

Listening to everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to him! I think he likes all the attention!

His reaction when everyone was done singing!

Making his wish to blow out the candles!

Happy Birthday Mr. Mike!

REALLY!!

2011-03-27T16:49:00.001-07:00

In a few days March will turn into April and it has decided to snow on this day! Really! I was wanting warm spring weather, not snow and cold, gray weather!

These were taken about 5 in the evening. It had been snowing for at least an hour before that and it still is snowing about 2 hours after these pictures were taken. Hopefully it will be all gone tomorrow!

Silly Daniel

2011-03-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

I was just taking some pictures of Daniel and he decided to be silly for the rest of them!

That's Daniel!

Chef Daniel's Creations!

2011-02-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

Daniel has been taking a culinary prep class this semester at school and has been wanting to cook more at home! I'm fine with that! I'm all for letting someone else cook dinner for me! Tonight he made Italian Sausage Rigatoni! It was yummy!
Here is "Chef" Daniel with his latest creation! Such a silly guy!

Valentine's Day Cards

2011-02-05T13:23:00.001-08:00

Here are my cards to send to my family and friends for Valentine's Day!

Kansas City Blizzard 2011

2011-02-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

The first 2 pictures were taken in our backyard on the 1st of February during the blizzard.

Looking across the street in our front yard. You really can't see much!

Looking down the street one way.

Looking down the street the other way! It of course snowed for about 12 more hours after these photos were taken. I believe we ended up getting about 13 inches! This was crazy!

January Snow Storms

2011-02-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

The first 2 pictures above were taken on the 11th of January. This was our first storm for the year.

The three pictures above were taken on the 19th of January. We got more snow this storm then the last!

More card making

2011-01-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try harder this year to make cards for all occasions. The one above is an anniversary card for my sister and her husband.
This one above is for a friends baby shower.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

So I know I'm late about getting Christmas morning pictures up. I have no excuse, I just didn't do it earlier!

All the pictures are of Daniel and his gifts. For some reason I never take any of Dan and I opening gifts. I guess it is more exciting to see Daniel open his!

We finally got Daniel a new TV for his bedroom. The one he had was OLD! Christmas was laid back. Just relaxing and eating good food and enjoying the Christmas season!

Dan's Soda Can Stove

2010-11-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

This is actually really cool! It is made out of 2 soda cans. He used it at work the other day and it actually boiled a coffee pot of water. He has been looking online at things to take camping and that doesn't require much weight. He is excited at how well this really works!

Thanksgiving Cards 2010

2010-11-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here are the Thanksgiving cards for this year! I hope the ones to receive these enjoy them. Now time to plan the Christmas cards! I have fun doing these even though they take alot of time to plan and make!

Halloween Cards 2010 Part 2

2010-10-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I made more Halloween cards! I really like this black and white vintage paper. I still have more of this paper and I'm thinking of new ideas to work with!

Halloween Cards 2010

2010-10-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

Here are the Halloween cards for this year!
I intended to get these cards done awhile ago, but I just didn't get them done until now! Now on to Thanksgiving cards!

Daniel and His Homework

2010-10-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

Here is Daniel doing his homework! In this he is making a cell for Biology. He has a grapefruit, cookies, twizzlers and fruit roll ups for all the things to label it! And he is listening to music on his IPod! As long as he gets it done right the first time that's fine with me! I'm glad he is putting more effort in this school year than before! That means he listen to us!

Youth Temple Trip to St. Louis

2010-10-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday our ward planned a youth temple trip to St. Louis Missouri temple. Dan and I went with Daniel. We had his friend James tag along with us in our car. It was a fun trip and it was great to get time out of all of our busy schedules to go to the temple! It made the week better.

This is Daniel and his friend James.

Daniel and Michael

2010-08-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

The look on Michael's face says "Really Aunt Roxy, more pictures?!"
Playing with Daniel's hot wheel cars (whats left of them).

Michael really likes cars!

The look on Daniel's face says "Really Mom, more pictures?!" Isn't it funny how relatives are alike! Two different people, same look! :)

Daniel entertaining Michael! What a great big cousin!

Daniel's Birthday Party!

2010-08-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

After the lesson in packing the proper attire for camping the boys played Wii Rockband!
I think they all had fun!

Here was Daniel's cake for the party. It was pretty much all gone after 6 boys had a slice!

Daniel's Birthday Party!

2010-08-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

These are all the boys eating pizza!
Having fun!

Here is Daniel being explained to about the importance of this gift!

I think he understands!

He got pink socks!

Daniel don't forget to bring new socks with you on your next High Adventure or your friends will be sure to remind you! :)

Daniel's Birthday Gift From Bamps!

2010-08-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Daniel opened up his gift from his Bamps (grandpa) yesterday!

It was the Untied States made with license plates. He has been wanting one of these since Dan and I came back from Las Vegas and told him about one made of real license plates.

The things that make our kids happy! :)

Daniel's 14th Birthday!!

2010-07-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

Daniel turned 14 yesterday! I can't believe that he is now 14! The picture above is his new body pillow. The one that was on his bed was flat as a pancake!
He is opening the "only gift that he wants for his birthday!"

And it is.....

An ipod touch! And that was all he got!

Oh, and his birthday cake! That was good too!

Frog

2010-05-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Daniel took this picture in our front yard. It is just a frog blending in with the ground.

Hibiscus flower

2010-05-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

We bought hibiscus trees to put in our front yard. These are one of the blooms from the tree. I think I will also use these pictures to put as pictures in our half bath downstairs. I haven't had any ideas as what to use for decor in that bathroom and I think this is it!

Daniel's 8th grade graduation ceremony!

2010-05-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Daniel's school had a graduation ceremony for the kids who were leaving 8th grade. They made it more like a graduation with the stage for them to walk across because these boys and girls are the first class to go to high school. They recently changed the school grades. So 6th grade will go to middle school and 9th grades will now be in high school. We are proud of Daniel and his accomplishments. Hopefully next year will be even better! But as the mom, I feel weird that I'm the parent of a high school kid!

Blowing out candles and random pictures!

2010-03-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

Micheal playing with his new trucks and the other kids.

Blowing out the candles.He really enjoyed all of us singing "Happy Birthday" to him.

Micheal's 2nd Birthday (gifts)

2010-03-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here's little Micheal opening his gifts for everyone!
I think this one was his favorite. After opening this one he was ready to leave with it and not open any more!

Do you notice a reoccurring thing with little Micheal? His pants give him a plumbers crack! Someone did give him suspenders for his birthday!

Micheal's 2nd Birthday (games)

2010-03-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here are all the kids playing games at Micheal's birthday party.

All the goodies for everyone to take home!

All the kids had fun!

Micheal's 2nd Birthday (cake)

2010-03-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today was Micheal's (my nephew) 2nd birthday. This is his cake that my sister, her husband and his mother made.

Backyard friends

2010-03-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

We have lots of backyard friends that visit us!
Not for sure what kind of bird this one is. It is black and white with red on the side of his head!

Just Dance, Daniel!

2010-03-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we bought the Just Dance for the Wii. We all had fun playing it (and also had a good workout!)
Here is Daniel dancing to the Spice Girls!

No Help At All!

2010-02-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

I was trying to change the sheets on our bed today and the cat just would not get off the bed for me to do so. She would just go from one spot to another as I pulled off blankets and sheets. Then when I tried to put the clean sheets on, she just laid there looking at me. She finally left after I took this picture. Now I know what to do next time.

Daniel

2010-02-13T14:15:00.001-08:00

Here is Daniel (with a new haircut). He also goes by: Buggus, Danielson and Wilbur (the last 2 are a toss up of what he hates being called by. Wilbur was what our old neighbor called him! She says he looks like a Wilbur to her! I like to call him Danielson. But he still okay with being called Buggus.) No matter what we call him, we still love Daniel!

Feburary Choir Concert

2010-02-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Daniel had a school choir concert on Monday. The songs that all groups sang were from different countries. One song that Daniel's class sang was a German song! Between all 4 groups they had sang song from America, Spain, Mexico, South Africa, Caribbean, Ghana, and Germany. They all did a wonderful job. And I think Daniel looks handsome in his choir uniform!

Winter Weather

2010-02-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

These were taken last Friday. I was coming home from work and thought all the snow was pretty. I'am tired of all the snow that we have received this winter but I have to say it was pretty! The picture above is our big tree in our backyard.
Our front yard.

I love that the older neighborhoods have these big trees that line the streets. The snow makes the street look awesome as you drive down them!

Our Cardinal Friend

2010-02-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

Dan took these pictures back in January. There was this cardinal who kept coming to the trees in our backyard and singing. Dan kept trying to get it's picture and it would fly away. One Saturday afternoon he finally let Dan take his picture.

He has been coming back since then. We hear him singing and flying from one tree to the next. He also likes to peck at the window to the storage room in the basement. Our dog could care less about the bird, but our cat watches like she's ready to attack it!

New Curtains

2010-01-19T14:58:00.000-08:00

We finally got curtains for our living room. I didn't realize how hard it would be to decide what color and what kind of material I wanted. But I'm excited to have them up. It makes the living room look so different!

Mr. Squirrel

2010-01-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

I was doing dishes today and wanted to look out the window and watch the snow fall and found that we had a furry friend playing in our backyard!
It took me awhile to get some pictures because he kept running up the tree. He finally came down and was played in the snow.

He would bury his head in the snow....

and pop it back up!

Watching the squirrel was amusing, but then he ran away!

One Big Icicle!!

2010-01-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

I originally went outside to take a picture if these icicles hanging off the back of our house, because I thought these were big. Then.....

I looked to my left and saw this one!

Dan measured it about a week ago at 7 feet long! The only thing that came to my mind was what Ralphie's mom said in "A Christmas Story", "Icicles have been known to kill people!" Even as I blog this today it is still hanging from our roof and growing!

Let it Snow!

2009-12-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

We started to get snow late afternoon on Christmas eve and it continued to snow until afternoon on Saturday. This is our backyard. Daniel wanted a white Christmas (and I did too!)

The front yard.

This was taken on our back porch. That is how much we got here!

And I want to send a big thanks to Dan for shoveling snow! And then it snowed some more!

Daniel and his new toy!

2009-12-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

Daniel has been busy doing this! I feel like a bad parent because I think this is all he has done since he got his laptop. He does manage to eat, sleep and use the restroom! Does this count as family time with him and Dan on their laptops and me reading together in the living room!?!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

Daniel's bag of coal! There really wasn't any coal in there, but I told him he would a bag of coal! He thought it was funny!

His favorite gift that he received was his new laptop! It was something he didn't really think he wanted but was VERY excited to get.

He also got lots of DVD's (he watches them on the laptop), a CD, cologne, books and as a family gift we got the Tony Hawk Ride for our Wii (it has been played but I was taking a nap when Dan and Daniel were playing it. I'll get pictures later). So our Christmas was very good. Great gifts, family and good food!

Gingerbread House Take 2

2009-12-19T13:01:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have been following our blog since last year may remember how our gingerbread house turned out last year. It was not pretty! A tornado ran through the house year and it did not make it :) So this year I tried again. The house is still standing! I actually bought a pre-bulit kit. All I had to do was put the decorations on it! So much easier than last year! Maybe next years will be even better than this one!

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

I always get excited to put the Christmas tree up every year. But this year I wanted to make the tree different than I usually do. In the past we would put ornaments that we have gotten over years from people and what we have bought. But this time I went with a theme. My inspiration was a big bow (at the top) that was cream, gold, and silver. It looks really pretty when the lights are out. And it makes me happy!

Daniel in front of the tree. I think he'll enjoy the Christmas season as much as I do!

Little Michael

2009-12-01T18:00:00.001-08:00

Rosie came over to use our computer and Daniel & I got to entertain Little Michael. This was him at the table eating a snack!
Snack must have been "finger lickin' good!"

JENGA!!!

2009-12-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we played Jenga. We all had fun trying to figure out who would be the one to make it fall.
I thought this was crazy!

Jenga!!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

Daniel went trick or treating this year! He went with a friend across the street and he dressed up as Phantom of the Opera. He got alot of candy (plus what we still have leftover from handing out)! He had lots of fun and his costume looks great!

He Is

2009-10-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, for I am he; I am the first, and I am also the last.
1 Nephi 20:12

Master Bedroom Closet-Done!

2009-10-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Before
After

We finally got a closet organizer set for our master bedroom closet. When we moved into our home there wasn't any rods in any of the closets. So we are slowly trying to customize the closets. But I'm excited to have shelves and rods in my closet to put our clothes on instead of the closet floor!

In Honor of Deirdre

2009-10-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Monday was the 5th anniversary of Deirdre passing away from breast cancer. We always remember her by getting flowers that she would have gotten herself. This time I decided to get pink roses. The pink is for Breast Cancer Awareness month. And to honor mothers, daughters, wives and many others who have lost the battle to cancer or who are currently battling cancer. My hope is that one day we can find a cure and that breast cancer won't be such a scary thing to watch someone go through.
We love you Deirdre and never does a day go by that we don't think of you and what loving, kind and wonderful wife, mother, friend and mammaw you are!!

A Busy Day

2009-09-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

I had the day off from work yesterday and decided to clean the house. Here is what I did:
-cleaned the sliding glass door (our dog leaves her mouth and nose print on it)
-swept and mopped the kitchen, bathroom, and entry way
-cleaned out the microwave
-washed 5 loads of laundry (it was REALLY nice to get into bed after a long day to fresh smelling sheets and comforter)
-unloaded the dishwasher
-loaded the dishwasher back up
-dropped clothes off at the Salvation Army
-dust the house (and the sneezed all day)
-vacuumed the whole house including the stairs (the stairs I hate to vacuum!)
-made a grocery list and planned meals for the week

So this morning I was planning on sleeping in but I woke up at 8! Oh well! My house feels clean and that's a good feeling! I just read for most of the day!

My Flower

2009-09-19T13:35:00.001-07:00

Daniel gave me this flower yesterday. We picked him up from school after his play rehearsal and he had picked this from a bush in the school yard. He is so sweet! Thank you Daniel!

Old Settler's Day Parade

2009-09-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

We went to the annul Old Settler's Day Parade last Saturday here in town.

The parade was of the local Jr High and High school bands and the businesses around the area. It was still fun to go and see all the floats and people.

The school bands were great to hear. Daniel told us that he wanted to play the drums in the band some day.

My sister and her little one, Michael meet us at the parade. He didn't care to watch anything but the bands.

New Moon Candy

2009-09-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

I feel silly buying this candy! I was in Hy-Vee looking at their huge selection of Halloween candy and just happened to see at the very bottom shelf a bag of chocolates for Stephanie Meyer's New Moon! So I had to get them! I just hope that I'm not the only adult out there buying this bag of chocolates! :)

The Old Clock

2009-09-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

We were given this clock from my father-in-law. It was my mother-in -law's. She got it from an antique shop and took it in to get it working again. I'm not for sure about the history behind it (or if there is one). The only things we know is that it is at least 100 years old. Danny (my father-in-law) found the key to wind it up every few days. So now it works again. It is really cool to hear the tick tock and to hear it chime!

What is this?

2009-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

We found this weird looking bug outside on our house after church today. No one has any idea what it is. All I can say is it gives me the heebie jeebies!
If anyone has a clue as to what it is, let us know. It was in some kind of web.

Daniel the Future Movie Star?!

2009-08-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday this week Daniel tried out for the school play. And today he found out that he made it! He will be playing on of the main characters in the play called "Cybermare". He is beyond excited and ready for rehearsals to start. We will keep you updated on things and any pictures that I can put up! Congratulations Daniel!!

Daniel's 1st Day of School (and new haircut)!

2009-08-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Here is Daniel on his first day of 8th grade!! Can you believe that he is an eighth grader?! I can't and I sure don't feel old enough to be the mom of and eighth grader! We are hoping and praying that this year is really great! He has lots of plans to keep him busy this year. Hopefully all those plans come true! Have a great year Daniel!!

5 Things I Love About Dad

2009-08-05T18:37:00.001-07:00

1. He has a sense of humor.
2. He's smart.
3. He is helpful to me.
4. He loves and cares for me.
5. He is someone I look up to.

This post is from Daniel. I want to tell you that I love you and "Happy Birthday!"

10 Things I Love About Dan

2009-08-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

1. His ability to make people laugh.
He always knows when to say something funny when you need it (and you don't know you need it until he does it!) Just ask him about his voices!
2. He is a great father.
No matter how busy he is he always there for Daniel. Especially now that Daniel is a teen!
3. He is opinionated.
He is never afraid to say what he feels, thinks, or likes (or dislikes).
4. He is confidant.
This kind of goes along with number 3. He has the confidence to say what is on his mind to whoever and whenever. And he doesn't worry about what others will think.
5. He is kind.
He is always willing to help anyone, no matter who you are or what you have done. He will be there waiting.
6. He puts God and family first.
There isn't much to explain here. He just puts God and family first as it should be.
7. He is a great son.
I can't speak for his Mom or Dad, but from what I see he always respect and loves his parents. Through all the good and bad times he maintains a great relationship with them.
8. He is romantic.
When I say this one it reminds me of a story. When his mom was sick and in the hospital during her 25th wedding anniversary, Dan had the Chaplin from his work stop by to have his parents renew their wedding vows. It was a surprise to them, but were happy that he did that!
9. He is the best husband.
We have been through some tough times during our marriage, but he has (and still is) been there when I need him. He helps me with a smile, joke and a plan. And he is a great provider to me and his family. To me, he is a great example of what a husband should be.
10. He is so smart.
And he keeps on learning! I know his Mom is very proud of him. I joke that he needs to write a book on all the information he has stored in his brain. He was always there to help me with my homework in school and he still continues to help when I need some information. He is the go to man!

I just want to say "Happy Birthday Dan!" I'm so glad to have you in my life. I cannot imagine what life would be like without you. You are so wonderful. Making this list makes me think of many things that I could write about. Thank you for the last 15 years and here is to many more birthdays ahead!

Dan's Brush With Poison Ivy

2009-08-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dan has gotten into some poison ivy and it is on his face as you can see from the above picture.

And on his arms and legs.

He went to the doctors today. They gave him a steroid shot in the office. We then proceeded to the pharmacy to get his other medicines. He is to take Claritin and Prednisone in the morning. Apply an antibiotic cream to his rash twice daily and take Zyrtec in the evening! Right now he home resting and trying to see out of his eye! He should be fine soon!

Daniel's Birthday!

2009-08-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Daniel's birthday was on Thursday! He turned 13! I had the day off from work and I took him out to lunch and a movie! Danny, my father-in-law came over for dinner and cake and to watch Daniel open all his gifts!

Daniel got a new comforter set for his bed, Inkheart DVD, Inkspell and Inkdeath books, Harry Potter DS game.

It is hard to believe that he is 13 now! He is growing up SO fast!

Steamboat Arabia

2009-07-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

After breakfast on Saturday morning we took our parents to the River Market in Kansas City. We also saw the steamboat Arabia. This picture is the back of the boat where the rudder is. It was pretty big when you are standing there looking at it.
This gentleman that Daniel is standing with is one of the men who help find and preserve the artifacts from the Arabia. His name is Bob Hawley.

This is the snag that sunk the Steamboat Arabia in the Missouri River.

The paddle wheel is a replica of what would have been on the boat. But the engine is the original from the steamboat.

Here is the paddle wheel from a different angle. This thing was huge!

Saturday Morning

2009-07-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

My parents came in Friday evening and spent the night at our place. So I had this great idea to invite my sister Rosie and her family to our house for breakfast on Saturday morning before we went out. Here is Little Micheal eating biscuits and gravy.

Here is my Dad. That is probably the only picture that we have of him smiling!

Here is me, my mom and my sister, Rosie!

How Many People Does It Take To Make A Ship?

2009-07-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

My parents came up from Texas to make rounds to all the family. Our place was there first stop. They gave Daniel this pirate ship that you have to build.
As you can see there are 4 people reading instructions and trying to figure it out. In their defense the instructions were not clear on how to put it together.

As of today it is not finished :)

Linen Closet Project Complete

2009-07-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Before!

We got our linen closet finished with new shelves.
After!
It is nice to have shelves to put our things on. No more piling it on the floor.
Thanks Dan for all your hard work!

Yard Work

2009-07-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

We finally started to clean up the backyard. It had a lot of overgrowth of vines. Most of it was intertwined in the fence.

We still have a lot more to do and lot more to cut down but so far what we have done makes the yard look bigger and cleaner.

Been Busy Again!

2009-07-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

We hung more pictures in the house. This one was given to us by a member in our old ward. I absolutely LOVE this picture. It makes me feel calm and peaceful.

My Grandma Jackson had this made for us before she passed away 5 years ago. I have been waiting to find a frame big enough to fit it and get it hung up! And I found the perfect spot for it. We put it on the wall as you come up the stairs from the entry way!

Been Busy!

2009-07-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

We are finally getting around to hanging up decorations throughout the house. These are plates that belonged to my mother-in-law. I have placed them in the kitchen/dining room.

Dan is the one who took the time to measure and put up the hooks. He made sure that everything was perfectly even!

As Daniel said when we showed him what we were doing "It finally feels like our home!" And he is right!

Ms. Norris

2009-07-11T14:43:00.001-07:00

This is our cat, Middi. But lately we have been calling her Ms. Norris. Ms. Norris is a character (a cat) in the the Harry Potter books. Ms. Norris is a very mean cat who none of the students at Hogwarts like. Our cat Middi (a.k.a. Ms. Norris) has been very mean to just about everyone in the house. I know it is because she is getting up there in age (she is 10 years old.) So to make light of the situation we just call her Ms. Norris! Even our dog (Nikki) gets some of Ms. Norris' abuse! No one is safe! So be careful-looks are deceiving:) She may look sweet and cuddly, but she is mean:)

Playing Wii

2009-06-24T17:58:00.001-07:00

Dan and Daniel playing Wii Rockband!
We made Daniel play Panic Attack by Dream Theatre on the impossible list. He hasn't played that one before but was smart enough to pick easy. Just on the easy was crazy to play and keep up! Daniel had fun anyway!

Mimosa Tree

2009-06-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is an cool looking tree that is in our front yard. Dan looked it up online and found out it is called a mimosa tree. The pink/white "feather duster" looking things grow very fast. I noticed that it looked like flowers one morning and by the afternoon it looked like the "feather dusters".
The "feather dusters" are all the way up the branch.

They start out looking like this and then bloom.

It has been really cool to watch this tree. I was afraid that Daniel wouldn't get to see them because I notice them blooming last week when he was a camp. But they just continue to bloom day after day. The "feather dusters" do die out quickly as they bloom. I never have seen anything like this before but I really like it.

Michael

2009-06-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

Rosie came over to drop off some things and Michael had fun playing. Here is he thinking about showing us how he goes down the stairs. It is something that he learned over the weekend.
Going down the stairs is hard work and you need a break!

This is about the only picture that we could try to get. He doesn't really like to smile for the camera let alone sit long enough for you to take a picture. He would smile after you take a picture! Hope Grandma and Grandpa enjoy the pictures!

Boy Scout camp update

2009-06-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

I didn't get any pictures while we were visiting Daniel at camp. He is having fun and enjoying his time there. He has been busy doing things for his merit badges and swimming. But he didn't listen to us about wearing sunscreen and got a second degree sunburn on his shoulder! But otherwise he is doing great. He did cry a little when he saw us. He said he missed us and of course we missed him, too. And I still miss him right now. He showed us where he was sleeping. It is a cot on a deck with a tent over it. They have been having a raccoon coming to visit them often. They had to be evacuated twice last week because of thunderstorms and tornado warnings! But he seemed like he was okay. We talked to him and his friend Josh and they told us that the Bishop brought them lunch of fried chicken and beans. They enjoyed that. It was probably better than the mess hall food he has had all week. Then they got ready to go to play water polo. So we made sure he had his sunscreen on and said our good byes until Wednesday. I feel better that I got to see him but I would like to have him home. Only two and half more days and he'll be home. He said the first thing he'll do when he gets home is take a shower and then take a nap! We will keep everyone posted when he gets back!

Leaving for Boy Scouts camp!

2009-06-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Daniel left this morning Camp Bartle (after some drama!). He will be gone for 10 days! I feel sad that he will be gone that long but I'm also excited that he has this opportunity to do things like this. Last night as I was trying to go to sleep I was thinking how much I would miss him and then I was thinking how much I will miss him when he goes on his mission. But then I felt silly that I would worry about him going on a mission because that is 6 years away! Anyway, I hope he has alot of fun! We will keep you updated when we go to visit him on Sunday!

Our New Home (part 4)

2009-06-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

This is our big backyard. We have many plans for the yard as well inside the home. We of course will keep you updated on all our projects that are finished. We hope you enjoyed seeing our home!

Our New Home (part 3)

2009-06-13T17:41:00.001-07:00

Daniel's bedroom (It is a little messy, sorry).

Entry to downstairs.

Half bath downstairs.

Dan's work out room.

The storage room.

Our New Home (part 2)

2009-06-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

The dining room. It is part of the kitchen.
The hallway to the bedrooms and bathroom.

The bathroom that all 3 of us get to share!!

The computer room.

The master bedroom.

Our New Home (part 1)

2009-06-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is the front of the house!
The entry.

The living room (sorry about it looking blah, I haven't unpack everything yet).

The kitchen.

The kitchen again!

Pay It Forward

2009-05-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Pay It Forward concept is you do something nice for someone and they do something nice for someone and so on. This sounds like a great thing to do. So I will do this and hopefully it will continue on. I got this from my friend Laura's blog.

So this is how it works. By you signing on, my commitment is to make and send something to the first 3 people who commit to this. You then promise to Pay It Forward to 3 people and so on.

I don't know what I'll make for the gifts to send. And I will have it to you within the 90 days. It should be within 365 days but if I don't get it out sooner, I might forget. By signing on you have to make the same announcement and commitment on your blog.

If you happen to be one of the first 3, please be sure I can contact you through your blog or email.

So... Who will be my PIFs??

Daniel's Mothers Day card

2009-05-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Daniel made this Mother's Day card for me. I think he may be better at making cards than me. He has help in the past and always does a pretty good job. Thank you Daniel for my Mother's Day card! It's beautiful!

Happy Mother's Day to all our friends and family! You all are great Mothers!!

Michael

2009-05-10T17:32:00.000-07:00

We got to babysit little Michael again yesterday. I didn't get very many pictures because we had some errands to run.
He likes to eat out of the container himself. I had to watch him because he would shove a handful in his mouth and dump the container over.

I wanted to make sure everyone knows that Daniel was a BIG help while we ran our errands. He sat in the back with Michael and entertained him and made sure his every need was met. And Daniel will not play outside or video games when we are babysitting Michael. He is right there helping with whatever needs to be done! Thanks a bunch Daniel!

Mother's Day cards

2009-04-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm really trying to be better about getting holiday, birthday and anniversary cards made and sent out on time. So on Sunday I made some mother's day cards. I even have the envelopes addressed and ready to mail out! Hopefully I won't forget to put them in the mail! I hope they enjoy the cards because I enjoy making them (when I have spare time!)

Worlds Of Fun

2009-04-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Here is Daniel and his friends Levi and Kayla making sure they are tall enough to ride!!!
Daniel wanting to ride The Patriot. But they didn't get a chance to because of thunderstroms shutting down the rides:(

Daniel, "I'm so cool!" Stafford!

(Sorry about the picture being blurry, it was our old digital camera!)

All the group trying to decide where to go next. So many rides and not enough time to ride them all!!

Trying to stay dry from the rain we went into the arcade to play.

It's In The Valleys I Grow

2009-04-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
full of sorrow, trouble and woe
it's then I have to remember
that it's in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
and never experienced pain
I would never appreciate God's love
and would be living in vain.
I have so much to learn
and my growth is very slow
sometimes I need mountain tops
but it's in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand
why things happen as they do,
but I am very sure of one thing
my Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing
when I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death
His victory was Satan's loss.
Forgive me Lord, for complaining
when I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
that's it's in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strength me, Lord
and use my life each day
to share your love with others
and help them find their way.
Thank you for the valleys, Lord
for this one thing I know
the mountain tops are glorious
but it's in the valleys I grow.
By Jane Eggleston

Chef Daniel

2009-04-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

Daniel cooked dinner for us the other night. Usually when he asks to help I'll have do some things to help. But this time I let him do it all. I just basically supervised him (to make sure he didn't burn the food or the house!)
Here he is learning how to multitask!

"Do you want me to cook your dinner?"

Here is the end result! I have to say it was pretty good!

Spring time snow

2009-03-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

It is the end of March and it is suppose to be spring. But here in Kansas the weather is never what it is suppose to be. We had a winter storm come thru. It started with sleet and then freezing rain and the snow! The top picture is when the freezing rain started. Some on the trees around here were drooping to the street because of the ice on the branches.
This is when it started to snow. We got a lot more snow then you see here. But today the weather was in 40's and the sun was shining so the snow is quickly melting away.

For Grandma & Grandpa Jones

2009-03-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Daniel
Hayden

Michael

Here are some recent photos of some of the grand kids for Grandma and Grandpa Jones. We missed you guys being at the birthday party. But know that you both were not forgotten! We love you guys!!

Michael's 1st birthday: cake!

2009-03-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

We are all signing happy birthday to Michael! And waiting for the candle to blown out!
Time to dig into the cake!

He really like the cake and the frosting. He wanted more after this was demolished!

Happy 1st Birthday Michael!!

Michael's 1st birthday: games & gifts

2009-03-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here is Michael playing pin the beak on the duck. He did get a little help from his mom!
Michael sitting on the duck. We were playing a game where you tossed the hoola hoop over the duck. The younger kids had fun throwing the hoop.

It was time to open the gifts! I think Michael had more fun with the packages than the actual toy.

This train was the only toy he seemed interested in. Once he open this one the other gifts were not of any importance anymore.

New camping gear

2009-03-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

We bought Daniel and Dan new sleeping bags. Daniel needed one for scouts. The scouts go camping every month and Daniel was pretty cold last month! So we got him a sleeping bag for cold weather. Of course Dan got himself one too! Now the two are planning a camp out very soon. I'll stay home and sleep in my bed!
"What's up!!"

Here is Daniel trying out his new sleeping bag. He was very excited to get one. He also got a new backpack to use and straps so he can carry his sleeping bag under his backpack. Thanks Dad for using your gift cards that you worked hard for! Your a great Dad :)

"Hello!"

Flowers and an Angel

2009-03-04T14:15:00.001-08:00

Yesterday would have been my mother-in-law's birthday. On her birthday ever since she past away we buy yellow flowers in honor of her. Yellow was her favorite color and I think yellow fits her perfectly. She was always bright and happy and everyone was a little more cheery when she walked in the room.

And this is the Angel with the flowers! Deirdre would always call Daniel her Angel from Heaven!

Happy Birthday Deirdre!!