Grandkids are the best

Scaffolding

2009-08-05T21:15:00.006-06:00

We are re-stuccoing the house after Daryl put in new windows. It is almost done and it looks wonderful. The top picture is the back of the house after the stucco is done and the deck is finished. The bottom photos are of all the scaffolding around the house while the work was/is being done. They are now on the front of the house.

2009-08-05T21:15:00.001-06:00

2009-06-19T09:46:00.002-06:00

I went to a basic podcast class yesterday. It was really amazing. I hope to get on the ball and post more to this blog.

Happy Chinese New Years

2009-01-27T12:41:00.001-07:00

Dallas Michael Draper

2009-01-15T23:29:00.005-07:00

My new grandson!
http://mikeandkris.blogspot.com/

Fancy Nancy Party

2009-01-08T13:10:00.003-07:00

Melissa put the slide show on my blog and I am hoping that I don't mess it up while telling about the party. On my birthday, which was a Saturday, Daryl took me to breakfast. When we got home, Melissa, Kristin, Jen, and many of my friends (Megen, Melanie, Stephanie, Karalee, Dixie) were at my house and surprised me. It was so fun to see them all. I love the book "Fancy Nancy" and my grandsons humor me and allow me read it to them. They girls gave me a Fancy Nancy party, complete with tiara, boas, napkin holders, fancy dishes, and tea. It was a wonderful surprise - thanks all!

Aren't they handsome!

2008-12-22T12:57:00.002-07:00

Santa

2008-12-22T12:22:00.002-07:00

My cute China boys on Santa's lap. They are staying home for Christmas this year. We did see Kathleen the first part of December when she came for her brother's wedding. She enjoyed the flight by herself! Kathleen's mom is spending Christmas with them.

China #2

2008-12-22T11:55:00.009-07:00

The end of September, first of October, Daryl and I went to China. We had a great time. Daryl was up at 5 am every morning and went for a 2 hour bike ride. He came home and then took Liam to school on his bike. There are not many people out that time of day and so he said he could ride most anywhere. There are groups of older people doing exercises and dances or yoga. Jeff and Kathleen were on vacation the first week we were there and we took advantage of the bikes and bike carriers and went on a lot of bike rides. Daryl found a Walmart - it isn't ANYTHING like our Walmart - especially the meat department! We did some sightseeing and shopping.

This is Liam's school. This is a temple in a Chinese garden.

This is Century Park and the city is getting ready for the World Expo to be held there in 2010. It is a very nice park that has a stream of water running down both sides with tons of flowers.

One of the fun things we did was our visit to the planning and zoning building. Now, I know this doesn't sound like much fun, but they had an amazing scale model of the city of Shanghai including the new buildings, especially those for the Expo. Daryl could have spent days there.

We found a few shopping malls that are ten stories high with BMW's, Rolls Royce's, Mercedes Benz, etc. There are many many people at each station in the malls waiting to help you.

We were there for 2 1/2 weeks and can't wait to go back for another visit.

House

2008-12-22T09:39:00.002-07:00

Daryl has wanted a project for awhile and every Sunday looks in the paper to see what houses are for sale. With the economy and housing market the way it is, there have been quite a few houses on short sales - ready to go into foreclosure. In August, we looked at a couple that needed some work (a project) and made an offer. It was accepted and the next weekend (Labor Day), we started moving in.

The house really can't be classified as a "fixer-upper" but needs some extensive work. All the windows and outside doors have leaked for a long time and need to be replaced; the inside is/was purple and all needed paint; the basement is completely unfinished. Oh, and it is a big house - our plan is to do the work and update it and then sell it in a couple years when the market turns.

The work done at this point is the basement has all new windows and one new door. We still need to replace one door in the basement. There is also a new window in the kitchen. The window replacement has been stopped at this point due to weather. We have done quite a bit of painting and have replaced some of the lighting and are now doing some electrical work. By they way, I use the term "we" loosely - Daryl works, I watch and run errands. I will post some pictures when I get them from one computer to another.

Summer 2008

2008-11-07T10:45:00.007-07:00

As I sit waiting for it to snow (UGH), I am remembering the fun we had this summer. Ali came from Philadelphia. When I picked her up from the airport, I couldn't believe how much she had grown - such a little lady. Kathleen and the boys were here and we got to see Jeff for a short time. It is always fun to have them here. Melissa and boys and Kristin and Jen came often we we had a good time. The boys are the BEST! Papa built them a tree house and, as Liam would say, "No girls allowed!" Ali, Liam and I spent one night in the tree house - it took me awhile to recover from that!

Uncle Mike's favorite holiday is July 4th. He helped the boys with the fireworks. Both Liam and Tyler, however, weren't sure about the noise!

A few of my favorites!

2008-08-02T19:16:00.016-06:00

I apologize in advance for how this turns out. As you know, Grandma is very creative and my girls are very creative - it skipped a generation! The pictures are in no particular order, and even if I wanted them to be, I wouldn't be able to make it happen!

The Schall's NOT playing whiffle ball!

Maddie showing her smile

This was my favorite of all the pics of the greats because ALL of the greats were there.

Jen and Curtis

Katie and Hunter
Megan on the scale, weighing purses
Dylan going down - and up - the slide
Richard - even he is getting old!

Gramps with Elsa
Tyler, Sierra and Jake fishing - he became Tyler's favorite
Four generations (look at the proud grandma!)

Liam and Olivia feeding the ducks.

Jeff helping one of the nieces play whiffle ball.
My four grandsons - this is my favorite because they are all looking in different directions - it is perfect!
Liam, Tyler, Hunter, Jesse

Collin swimming

Grams with Jasmine - she loves the greats!
Gramps and Dylan going for a ride.
Tyler running after Jesse - it kept them busy for hours.
Kristin and Mike cleaning Grams kitchen - getting ready for the festivities.
Phil and family - I just love it!

A few more photos .....

2008-08-02T19:00:00.005-06:00

Nate took Ali fishing and she brought her fish home to show us. They cleaned it and put it the fridge. I promptly (and secretly) threw it away.

Ali and Tyler at the fireworks. We went to the University where Daryl used to work to watch them. Tyler didn't like the noise much; Dylan thought the whole thing was great!

Ali

2008-08-02T18:51:00.003-06:00

Ali came from Philadelphia the end of June and is going home Monday (Aug 4). We have had a good time, but she is ready to see her family! We did a lot of things: the reunion (floating the river, swimming, the jump house, whiffle ball); went swimming; played in the river; went to my office where she organized a project for the front office and another one for me. (She is truly her mother's daughter, although is still learning the fine art of the details!) She played with Tori, her friend from before, and made new friends (Noelle and Jude). She got to spend some time with Nonnie, and she also informed us several times she was BORED! She also spent time doing Math and Reading.

2008-05-30T09:53:00.002-06:00

This is a picture of the bike my family gave me for Mother's Day. I love riding it and am working on the hills. Thank you so much!

Streets of Shanghai

2008-04-29T10:20:00.013-06:00

This is the best way to get around Shanghai. Everyone rides bikes and they have the right of way - first bikes, then taxis, last pedestrians. An interesting note - the lines in the roads are just suggestions! We used a taxi a lot - sometimes a scary experience (they aren't very expensive).
Jeff, Liam and I went for a bike ride to the Puxi side of Shanghai.

Liam and I were looking at some eels, fish and octopus that were being sold on the street when a rooster (just across from where we were standing) ran in front of us squawking - scared us to death!
This is what we had for lunch. It was really good!

Shanghai

2008-04-29T09:50:00.006-06:00

Here are some pictures of my trip to China. It was the best and I really loved it. This building is Jin Mao. There is an observation deck on the 86th floor and you can see as far as the smog will let you. On the elevator to the deck, it is like going up a high mountain - ears plugging and all. There are over 6,000 skyscrapers in Shanghai and since there are no building rules or codes, you see a little of everything. Amazing!

This is the Pearl - a landmark in Shanghai. It is close to Jin Mao and you can see both from the window of Jeff and Kathleen's apartment. The pink is really pretty. Of to the side of both Jin Mao (which is the 5th tallest building in the world) and the Pearl, is the 3rd tallest building which is still being contructed.

The buildings with the red tops are the complex where Jeff and Kathleen live. They live in the shorter group - tower 10, third floor. There is a lot of green space - pools, parks, flowers - very pretty and nice.

Not a fan

2008-04-01T17:30:00.003-06:00

I suppose one of these days it will be spring. We have had a few days of warm, sunny weather - in between snow storms. It has been a long, snowy, cold winter (I am grateful for the water) but it is time for ol' man winter to give up and go away.

Tagged

2008-03-02T22:37:00.002-07:00

While I am trying to get my China trip in order, and so I can rest in peace, here goes.....

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning. B. Each player answers the questions about themselves. C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago... We had lived in Logan about a year and I started working at the University. It was also the year Daryl and I went to Nagano for the Olympics - well, me for the fun and Daryl for the work.

5 things on my to do list today...

laundry, something I am not good at remembering - so different from 10 years ago
exercise
although I don't work on Mondays, I have a meeting tomorrow that I have to attend
work on my China trip pictures
exercise

Snacks I enjoy... I really like chips, but I rarely buy them. I would rather have licorice than chocolate. And I really love peanut butter.

What I would do if I were suddenly a billionaire... I would quit my job. I would travel First Class when I go to China (or anywhere else). I would love to have enough money to really help others.

5 bad habits....

I never get movies back in time and always have late fees
I am not great at keeping records
I RARELY cook, or grocery shop for that matter
I don't drink enough water
Playing Solitaire

5 jobs that I have had...

My first job was at Taco Time in Caldwell
Western Auto
secretary
Academic Advisor
my favorite - a mom and a grammy

5 things people don't know about me...

I rode and elephant and went on a hot air balloon ride when I was young (at different times)
I get really cranky when I am hungry
There is a bar of soap between my sheet and mattress. I stops for leg cramps (and yes, it does work)
I generally have more than one book going at a time
My favorite car is a Bentley - maybe I would buy one if I were a billionaire.

As for those of you who are tagged, I don't think there is anyone left. I would tag Tami, but, well, you know .........

Worry

2008-01-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know where this came from, but I know it is true. When do you stop worrying? I have found the answer to be "Never."
"Is there a magic cutoff period when offspring become accountable for their own actions?
Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, "It's their life," and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my daughter's head.
I asked, "When do you stop worrying?"
The nurse said, "When they get out of the accident stage."
My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class,
and was headed for a career making license plates.
As if to read my mind, a teacher said, "Don't worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them."
My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open.
A friend said, "They're trying to find themselves.
Don't! worry, in a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults."
My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable.
I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle.
There was nothing I could do about it.
My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

I continued to anguish over their failures, be tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in their disappointments.
My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life.
I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my dad's warm smile and his occasional,
"You look pale. Are you all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are you depressed about something?"

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry?
Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the unknown?
Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to me,
"Where were you? I've been calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was worried."
I smiled a warm smile.
The torch has been passed.

Breakfast

2008-01-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Jen and I went to Boise to see all her grandparents before she leaves for Minnesota. It was a great visit with Grams and Gramps and Grandma and Grandpa Reece. Two unexpected discoveries:

Tawi and Tip became friends. Now, we did leave Tawi in his cage and occasionally Tawi would nip Tip's nose and Tip would growl and nip back, but mostly they just hung out together.
I discovered a new breakfast: Yoplait yogurt with biotics, sliced banana, raisins, and sliced almonds. It is really good.

I also began to realize that Jen is leaving - soon. She is really happy and excited and ready to begin learning Spanish and teaching the gospel.

Our family

2007-12-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great Christmas with everyone at home and took advantage of the opportunity to have a family picture taken.

Visit

2007-12-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit with the Schall's - we missed you Megan.

Christmas tree skirt

2007-12-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Kathleen had a Christmas tree skirt made for me in China. It is made from red and green silk. It has the Chinese knots down the front and scalloped around the edges. The colors are vivid and brilliant and it is gorgeous. Thanks Kathleen!

Craft day

2007-12-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Once a month, Melissa plans a craft day and the girls all congregate at my house. We had craft day Friday and Saturday and Kathleen was able to join us! Papa was flying to Logan from Georgia on Friday but Saturday morning,he took Liam and Tyler to breakfast at Angie's (a Logan hang-out), bought dart guns and soldiers to shoot, and roasted marshmallows in the wood burning stove. He had a great time with the boys!

As anyone who knows me, my girls' craftiness was inherited from their grandmother (it skipped a generation) and anyway, I had better things to do!

Trip from China

2007-12-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Kathleen, Liam and Collin arrived in the States Wednesday evening, after an interesting adventure. They had tickets for Sunday, Dec. 9, but when they got to the airport Collin didn't have an exit visa. After pulling a favor, Jeff was able to get him a visa and they arrived at the airport Wednesday morning. While getting their luggage out of the car (from Jeff's company) the car locked with Collin inside. In order for Kathleen and the boys to make their flight, Jeff had to break the car window. The plane ride from China to Los Angeles was uneventful, although very long. Their flight from LA to SLC was delayed 45 minutes and then when they did take off, a passenger had a seizure and the plane had to turn around. We are very, very happy to have them here and safe.

Mission Call!!

2007-11-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

This morning at 7:30 am, our postman called and told us Jen's mission call was here and we could come and get it. We went to the back of the Post Office and got her big white envelope. When we got home, she opened it and while we were messing with the camera, she saw the place. Then she read it - "Minneapolis Minnesota." She was happy to have her call, then she read further and it said "Spanish speaking" and she freaked out! She has always wanted to learn a language. It is a perfect place for her.

The mission covers most of Minnesota, except a small part in the west, about 1/3 of Wisconsin, and up into Ontario, Canada. The first order of business is a passport!

It makes it all seem much more real!

New Arrival

2007-11-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Growing up, Jeff was outnumbered by sisters. He would have loved a brother to play with. Instead he had to settle for G.I. Joe harassing Barbie :). The balance has changed!

Collin Jeffrey Reece was born at 5:49 p.m. today (November 19) weighing 3,525 (7.77 lbs) and is 51 centimeters (20 inches) long. Jeff reports that Kathleen and Collin are doing well. I can hardly wait to hold him!

Six things

2007-10-28T00:55:00.000-06:00

I miss living with Daryl. I'm not picky about where we live, although close to the grandkids is preferable, as well as warmth.
I hate cold weather. It isn't just a dislike where you can put up with it until spring - I truly despise it. I don't know why we live in Logan. There aren't even grandchildren in town anymore. Daryl agrees and has threatened not to come home (It has been in the mid 30's at night; mid to high 50's during the day).
I love it when the grandkids call. It is the highlight of my life (and Daryl's, too). It is amazing and wonderful that technology allows us to call from places like China so easily. Please keep calling - as often as possible! I would endure the cold for the phone calls.
I love the ocean, any ocean. Unless it is cold. I'm not a fan of swimming pools unless it involves the grandbabies :).
I am not a fan of vegetables - fresh, frozen or canned. I eat them because Weight Watchers insists that I do. Jen is disgusted at my dislike of vegetables. Fresh broccoli is the worst.
It is my goal to be "the favorite aunt." I have succeeded with the first generation. Either that or they just humor me. I am now working on the grandnieces and nephews!

I tag Tami (get a gmail account and start a blog); Katie (maybe their favorite aunt will start seeing photos of the cute boys); Jake and AJ (two of my favorite nephews)!

Baltimore

2007-10-28T00:37:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday I went to Baltimore to an advising conference with other advisors from my office. We spent Wednesday in Washington DC. One of the advisors in the office grew up in the DC area and her dad is a "big wig". He was able to get a tour of the White House and they drove us all over town, dropping us off and picking us up at each site. We had a tour of the Beaureau of Printing and Engraving where they make money. It was an amazing process. We also saw the Declaration of Independence , Bill of Rights and the Constitution. I had not seen them before.

When I was in Dallas with Liam, we watched "Night at the Museum" several times. I went to the Museum of Natural History and had my picture taken with the dinosaur! It made me really miss Liam.

The conference started Thursday night with the awards ceremony and Daryl few in to be there with me. It was really nice to have him there. The conference was really good as was all the fresh seafood!

While I was in Baltimore, I drove to Philadelphia and visited with Ana and family. It was SO nice to see them and the kids have grown so much. I can't believe how grown up Ali is. She will be 10 in January, she comes to my shoulder and is turning into a little lady. Parker ran and jumped in my arms when I got there. He is a sweet, sensitive little guy. Put simply, Paige runs the show! Ana is working in a dental office and Kenny is doing well in school.

My favorite person.

2007-09-26T20:38:00.001-06:00

2007-09-26T20:23:00.000-06:00

I met Daryl in Los Angeles over the weekend. I am always so happy to see him and spend time together. We met Sunday and went to the beach. There had been a rain storm the night before we we couldn't get in the water. The next day after Daryl and Roger (from Inland Oil) had some training on equipment they purchased, we went sight-seeing. We tried to get close to the Hollywood sign but couldn't find an access. We drove through Beverly Hills and tried to see some of the houses, which were mostly behind fences. We did see some amazing cars however. One of my favorite, which on the lot next to the hotel, was a new Bentley, black with red leather interior - it was a beautiful car. At $180,000 we ordered two :). I flew home Tuesday and Daryl flew back to Georgia. October 5th is my next trip :)

2007-09-26T20:02:00.001-06:00

Today is the second anniversary of the van accident that killed Evan Parker and 8 students. The University had a tractor prosession on Monday for Ag Week, which will become a tradition. They are also designing a bronze memorial remembering those killed for their accomplishments and who each were as an individual. It was such a sad day two years ago. I remember Bruce Miller calling late one night and telling me what had happened and asked me to tell Daryl. He was in Virginia and was not able to make it back for the funeral. It is had to lose good friends.

2007-09-14T07:34:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning to a sweet little voice - all the way from China. It is amazing to me the technology that allows us to call all over the world. The difference from when Jeff and Melissa were in Russia compared to now is considerable - easier to dial, connect, hear/listen.
I love when the grandkids call - they are so sweet and I can hear them smile through the phone.

2007-09-06T05:42:00.000-06:00

SEPTEMBER
September to me is a time to get things back to a routine. With the kids home for summer, bedtime wasn't as big a deal (except to dad) and time of less structured. I loved it when summer began after a long year of school, homework, etc. (even for me). September was as welcome as June - time to be more scheduled.
I am hoping to get back to a routine of doing laundry and ironing, "cooking" some meals, keeping things picked up. I'm sure there is more. The main thing that has to happen is I have to get back to WW and exercise. I am not sleeping well and I know that is related to the not exercising. I am 4 lbs. over my WW goal (from 7 lbs. under) and it is time to pay more attention.
One stumbling block to the whole routine idea is traveling. I haven't figured out how to keep things scheduled and still be gone - especially the food/exercise thing. I have three trips booked right now -

9/23-9/25 - I am going to meet dad in Los Angeles. He will be there for training on some equipment they bought.
10/05-10/11 - Georgia - probably the last one. Dad hopes the job will be done Oct. 1 and then 2-3 weeks training.
10/16-10/21 - Baltimore/Washington DC - Advising Conference. I'm hoping to see Ana and the kids while I am there.

Looking forward to seeing the two boys soon!

2007-08-22T05:58:00.000-06:00

I WAS TAGGED
4 jobs I've had:
1. secretary
2. mom
3. teacher
4. academic advisor
4 movies I could watch over and over (although I don't):
1. It's a Beautiful Mind
2. The Secret Window (if she hadn't been driving a Saab, she would have been able to get the car into reverse and escape)
3. Steel Magnolias
4. Fried Green Tomatoes
4 places I've lived:
1. Idaho (Rexburg, Pocatello (twice), Caldwell, Boise)
2. Utah (SLC, Ogden, Orem, Provo, Logan)
3. Moscow, which I claim as home
4. on an airplane, in an airport
4 favoite TV/reality shows
1. The Today Show
2. Grey's Anatomy - unless it gets too trashy and then I bag it for a season
3. Friends in rerun
4. Apprentice, but I'm done watching
4 of my favorite places I've been (not necessarily in order, and not counting with the grandkids)
1. Caribbean
2. Fiji
3. Vanuatu
4. Japan
4 favorite foods
1. Anything Jeffrey cooks (like peppered bacon wrapped shrimp, grilled)
2. Avacados
3. Bacon
4. Carbs
4 websites I check daily
1. gmail
2. myfamily (blogs)
3. work email
4. MSN
4 hobbies
1. Daryl
2. The grandkids
3. The grandkids
4. Reading

2007-08-21T00:35:00.000-06:00

TRAVEL
Sometimes I feel like I spend half my life on an airplane. The thought of traveling used to be romantic, until I started traveling more. The farther the grandkids get, though, the more I will be traveling (North Salt Lake, China, Philadelphia...) and, of course, wherever Daryl is working.
I did have a great weekend with Daryl, going to the beach (Gulf of Mexico) where the water was at least 80 degrees, checking out a BMW, "cooking" dinner, watching movies. I don't think his phone rang once! And I love the Georgia weather, humidity and all - except the gnats. I think of movies where the environment drives people insane (deranged) - that is the way I feel about the gnats. I've decided that Southern Belles didn't carry fans for the heat - it was to keep the gnats away :).

2007-08-04T23:01:00.000-06:00

Today Jen and I helped Melissa, Nathan, Tyler and Dylan move to North Salt Lake. I was so sad to leave them there, especially the boys. Then when we got home, Jeff and Liam called to say goodbye before leaving for China in the morning. :( I love hearing the boys' voices on the phone - it is the highlight of our day, week, month ......

2007-08-02T22:27:00.000-06:00

While waiting for grandkids, we "adopted" cute little Ali Audria, age two-months-old. She is now nine years old and lives in Philadelphia with her family, Parker, age six and Paige, age five.