Furry Mom

Dancing on Christmas morning

2012-01-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween from the Sherwood Forest!

2011-11-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

What an adorable face!

2011-07-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

Wendy was always up to jumping on the trampoline, playing in the river, climbing on the monkey bars!

Dancing Carter

2011-07-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

Fun run and fun in the river

2011-07-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

4th of July in Crouch

2011-07-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Slip and slide

2011-07-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Taking time to smell the roses and paddle the boats

2011-07-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Juggling the soccer ball

2011-07-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Playing in the river and skipping rocks

2011-07-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Gene singing

2011-07-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

The two boys were singing in the truck and one would sing and say now it's your turn and the other would sing and it continued each taking many turns.

Carter singing abc's

2011-07-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Wendy enjoying the watermelon, fun at the river and Wendy after playing in the river

2011-07-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Grandson, greatgrandson, granddaughters and greatgranddaughters with Grandma

2011-07-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

More summer fun

2011-07-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

It is not summer without the little pool and sprinklers on the trampoline!

Jake with his lovely bride Makenna

2011-07-18T12:28:00.001-07:00

When the dad graduates the whole family is happy!

2011-06-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Katrina who made it through Garin getting two Masters and having a new baby too!

Another graduation

2011-06-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Garin on completing his double Master degrees!

Dance Recital 2011

2011-06-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Aren't my dance girls adorable. The recital went really well this year. I taught them harder dances I was really pleased. One of the mothers said that they put their daughter in Ballet Idaho and were disappointed at the recital but were extremely happy with mine.

Graduation

2011-06-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

From beginning to end with a hint of the future on the side.

The graduation quilts

2011-06-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

The graduation present I made for Cordens friends.

2011-06-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Mothers day flowers!

2011-06-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Our trip to San Diego was really fun! The best was spending time with these cute boys!

Rainbow

2011-06-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

Somewhere over the rainbow.........

My grandparents

2011-05-06T06:39:00.001-07:00

When I was a child we lived by my grandparents for my first four or five years. My grandma Martin lived down the street. I remember snapping beans with her on her front porch. We also had round the block parades in primary and we passed her house as she waved from us from that same porch. I helped her by swatting flies and collecting eggs. Mostly I remember walking down to see her dressed as a princess. When I got there she had company and when I looked down at my princess dress it was a towel. Grandma thought I looked beautiful.

After we moved to Utah we traveled back every year to visit my grandparents. It was a two day trip that my parents usually made in one so that we didn't have to get a hotel. It was hard traveling in the hot car to Arizona but my parents were very committed to us knowing our Arizona relatives. On one trip I didn't get my ride on grandpa's tractor and I pulled a big fit until I got my way before we started our trip home.

When my grandma and grandpa Carpenter retired they visited us for an extended visit in the summer to get out of the Arizona sun. Those are special memories. I trusted my grandma's judgement and I didn't want to get engaged until she met Mike and said that she approved.

When Mike and I were going to get married He wanted to get married in the same temple as his parents. We planned a trip to Logan and took pictures of us at the temple. Then, my grandma Carpenter called and said that she would come if we met her half way and got married in Provo. I was so excited and didn't even think about it. It was wonderful to have them there. Because we were always the family that lived away it was special to me when my grandparents visited or we visited them.

When Mike and I got married, we were both from the same town, just like my parents. However, we stayed and my children knew both sets of their grandparents. Like my parents before me it was a priority. We sacrificed to go to as many reunions as we could.

Now I am a grandparent and I have 17 grandchildren. I only have four of them in town and I love being apart of their lives. It is painful not to be close and miss out on so many special times.

Our Bird wants in the house!

2011-04-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

It takes a while for the bird to fly but he has been doing this for weeks. He will do it over and over. It is showing what an insult it is to call someone a bird brain. Even his bird friends scold him for trying over and over.

Corden gets accepted to USU

2011-04-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Visiting Grandma

2011-04-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here's my mom with Garin's family.

Those who got beenies

2011-04-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Corden and Troy were signed up for the race but Corden hurt his leg. They all got beenies.

Mad Hatter Race in Boise

2011-04-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Showing off their hats are the runners. Each ran two legs of a two mile relay.

Images for grandsons that like big machinery

2011-04-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of our sidewalk getting fixed. I took pictures of the backhoe and cement truck for any grandsons that like to see the big machinery at work. When I was in Houston I read a book to Carter about the big tracks that these trucks make. I thought it was interesting that when I got home there were some big track trucks working outside my house!

Quilt for our bed

2011-04-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of the quilt I finished for our bed.

Cape for Corden

2011-04-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

I cut out these felt letter and sewed them on a cape for Corden to wear for basketball games.

2011-04-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

I made these cute bibs.

2011-04-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Corden. Kimberly, Calvin, Destenee, Thomas and Isabel came with presents and a cake. Some of Corden's friends came for cake. Sammie, Cody, Corden, Kiri and Calvin shown in picture. He is now 18.

Family Dinner Video

2011-02-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

"Go My Son" from SEASONS - BYU Living Legends

2011-01-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

Living Legends

2011-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

On Friday we went with our friends the Olaso's to BYU Living Legends. The dances are performed by descendants of the native American, Polynesian and Latin American peoples. The dances and costumes were exceptional and the story line was so touching. We got to sit in the 2nd row in the orchestra pit and it was perfect for viewing the dances in an intimate way. So glad we got to go. The Hawaiian hula was so wonderful. Their hands were so gentle and lovely it is hard to explain. I loved it. Also the Mexican dancers with their ribbon skirts were so beautiful!

Genealogy

2011-01-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

What happens when you start to look on family search? You get started and can't stop. There are so many things to update and so many names to look at. This week I changed about a thousand places on my computer so that the family search could recognize them. Was it fun? No but it is time consuming and then next time I search it will be faster. Spend 6 hours of tedious mind numbing work so that you can search faster next time. I have thousands left to do. My friend at the temple said that we are the clean up generation. That's what I am doing. Fixing the places, recording the work that has already been done and merging the same people into one entry. All for that time of finding one that has been overlooked to get their temple work done!

Great weekend

2011-01-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

I had a great weekend. Landon and Jaden Jarvis and Destenee, Thomas and Isabel Fuhriman came over friday night. They spent the night. The next morning was pancakes because that's what I always do when they come to spend the night. Destenee and I made mickey mouse, ogre and bunny pancakes. One of them looked like a dinosaur but was suppose to be a star!

After breakfast we went to Monkey business. We got there at 9 am and stayed until 11am. They went down the big slide, climbed and went through the obstacle course getting tired and sweaty. Landon and Destenee were helping the kids keep organized on the slide. The kids were easy to boss but the parents weren't so cooperative. Destenee said that adults don't like to be told what to do.

We then went for a hamburger and more climbing. Landon was so helpful and went for napkins for all of us. After an ice-cream it was back home to pick up the pass for Discovery Center. We needed to rest for a while so the kids played video games while Mike and I rested.

At the discovery center Landon loved the robots that you build yourself. Jaden and Thomas were the best buds trying everything. Isabel stuck close by Mike and I and Destenee roamed. They even brought out the stuff to make goo. Thomas and Jaden were the first in line. The kids were so cooperative and nice.

I made pizza scones for dinner. Then, we watched a movie and the great weekend was over.

quilt for Owen

2011-01-06T07:09:00.001-08:00

New Pajamas Christmas Eve

2011-01-03T10:32:00.001-08:00

Some hero pajama bottoms for Troy and some Tickle Me Elmo sleeping shorts for Corden.

Ginger bread houses

2011-01-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

We all made a gingerbread house except Corden who fashioned a snowman on a snowboard.

Flowers for the tables.

2010-11-29T11:58:00.001-08:00

Evelyn asked me to come and help arrange the flowers for the tables. We had a great time visiting and working together. I love my sister!

2010-11-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

Evelyn, Dan, Bretton and Hannah and Hannah's parents at the reception.

The Quilt for Bretton and Hannah

2010-11-29T11:52:00.000-08:00

This is the finished quilt that I made for Bretton and Hannah for their wedding. It was fun to do and turned out good. I was going to just do the squares but decided to try something new.

Footloose

2010-11-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the cast of the production. The girl in red played Ariel Moore the star of the show. Her name is Cristina Warner. You will probably recognize Seth. He played Chuck Cranston the bad boyfriend that beat people up. Then Kylie, Corden and Emily Russell-Smith.

2010-11-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

Corden and Kylie after their performance in Footloose. They were dance partners and in the chorus together. It was such a cute production.

2010-11-29T11:44:00.000-08:00

Idaho sunset. My husband, Mike, always the romantic loves to have me come and look at the beautiful sunset with him. Thanks to the creator for the splash of color to the sky.

Aunt, Uncle and cousins at funeral

2010-11-29T11:40:00.001-08:00

My moms sister, Raylene, my mom and my mom's brother Jerry. My cousins, Lanelle, Jerry and Linda who traveled from Arizona to attend my dads funeral. Thank you for your sacrifice to come and the love we felt from you.

Choir concert

2010-11-29T11:38:00.001-08:00

My sweet little baboo.

Homecoming

2010-11-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

Corden went to the Homecoming dance. They ate lunch here. Went to Jump Time, out to dinner, to the dance and watched a movie.

My dad and his harmonica

2010-11-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

There isn't anything else that brings such warm and loving memories to me than my dad playing his harmonica. He learned how to play in grade school and is seen playing here with his brother. My dad played silent night every Christmas eve that I can remember except this last one. He was too weak to play. When he got a visit from his 3 brothers and 2 sisters he gathered enough strength to play for a while. I was lucky enough to be there and enjoy it. His brother Lavelle would start a song and dad would join in. We sang along on I am a child of God and the tears flowed in joy at hearing him play one last time.

Marching Band Competition

2010-11-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

What is more fun than watching the High School marching band competition? Not much for Jill and I. We arrive early to get a good seat. We watch every band and take notes. The bands start out small and end with the BSU marching band. We rush out to buy a hot dog for dinner and then hurry back to our seat so we won't miss a band. We love the music, the marching and the auxiliaries. We stay for the awards and cheer for all of them. We watch the parents come and go as they come to watch their child participate. We stay put and although we do not have a child in the Marching band we applaud their dedication, hours of practice and the skill it takes to put on the show.

How much joy can one weekend bring.

2010-10-08T08:58:00.001-07:00

Gretchen and Kirk arrived with their two children. We were thrilled to see Wendy, our newest grandchild. Carter still had his cast on from breaking his leg. It didn't slow him down. They got to go to Sun Valley to celebrate their anniversary and visit with friends in Boise along with the family fun.

Then, Garin and Katrina came from Seattle with Olivia. We went to the park, went to discovery center, played in the water, had family dinners, went to church and took a day trip to McCall. We went to see Grandma and Grandpa Martin and the cousins and aunts and uncles. We went to monkey bizness and out to lunch. We watched the Boise state game and enjoyed the time together.

Troy and Ben came from BYU for the weekend. This was the first time Troy got to see Olivia, Carter and Wendy. They got to go to the tail gate party and watch the game and go to church and be here for the Family dinner.

I got to fly to Houston with Gretchen and Kirk. The apartment complex is beautiful with lots of trees, a secluded swimming pool and a weight room. I helped them settle in to their new apartment and spend more time with Carter and Wendy. It was a great weekend. Thanks for the fun time.

2010-10-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

These are the expecting parents. Garin is getting prepared by holding Wendy and Katrina has the beautiful glow of an expectant mother.

2010-10-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

These are the Boise State fans. Adam, Corden and Kirk on the top row and Mike, Troy, Ben, Gretchen and Wendy on the bottom row. The boys enjoyed the festivities at the tail gate party and we all watched the game together. Go Boise!

2010-10-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

I took Carter and Olivia to the discovery center. This was picture was taken there. Carter ran from one thing to another touching and looking at everything. Olivia stayed and played at each station that interested her for a long time. They both liked to shop at the store. They both liked the shadow box and they both liked the camera.

2010-10-08T08:41:00.001-07:00

Olivia is Oma's little monkey. She climbs and slides and jumps without any fear. She likes music and dancing and getting her picture taken. She can concentrate on one thing for a long time and has a great memory.

2010-10-08T08:29:00.001-07:00

Carter. A fun boy who likes to jump on Oma's trampoline, go on bike rides and play foose ball. He has a great imagination and will play imaginary games. He is helpful and kind with good manners.

2010-10-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is Wendy. She has a sweet smile and cute baby rolls. She sleeps well at night and likes to be held and bounced. She likes the outdoors but doesn't like riding in a car.

Happy Birthday Lauren

2010-09-12T15:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to Lauren. She is now 18!

2010-09-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to have Destenee, Thomas and Isabel for four days while Adam and Kim were in San Diego. They jumped on the trampoline, played board games and played with playdough. The Barbies got played with again! Friday I went to school to have lunch with Destenee. I watched her jump double dutch at recess. I took the kids to see Despicable Me. It was a movie that Isabel was wanting to see. Saturday they went with us to a service project. They worked hard and then we went for treats. On the way home we stopped by a yard sale and they each got something. For Adam's birthday dad fixed up his red sports car. It needed a few things done to it so it would pass emission inspection.

We enjoyed having a house full of kids again. They were so good. Such a joy to have. After scriptures and prayers one night Destenee started asking questions about her dad when he was little. Then, it hit me. When we moved into this house, Adam was Destenee's age and Garin was Isabel's age.

Boise state wins the game.

2010-09-07T18:01:00.001-07:00

Go Broncos! Dad and I went to my parents home to watch the game. We brought dinner and had a great time! We were so excited that the Broncos won the game!

Idaho weather

2010-09-05T16:50:00.001-07:00

The blue skies of a hot summer with the promise of cooler weather and showers.

Adams Birthday wish comes true.....

2010-09-05T16:37:00.001-07:00

All Adam wanted for his birthday was VICTORY. The Capital Eagles were playing on his birthday with the home turf advantage. They all played their hearts out to grant his wish. The Victors leave the field knowing that they were influential in granting a birthday wish. Thanks Capital.

2010-09-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

The start of football season begins the ritual of the mocking of the other High school teams at the pep assembly. Here is Corden dressed as a Patriot ready to be ridiculed and beated up by the mighty Borah Lion. Next comes the dressing up for the game to show your school spirit. Are you a Pirate or a Rowdy?

Quilts

2010-08-30T07:38:00.001-07:00

I took some pictures of some of the quilts I have made. Here they are

Lagoon and Byu

2010-08-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

We left early Sat. Morning with a caravan of two cars. Dad and I in one car and Lauren, Troy, Corden and Calvin in the other. We went straight to Lagoon and spent the day there. The kids were all thrill seekers and went on all the scary rides. They even paid extra to go on the one that they hoist you way up in the air and drop you. They free fall until the cable catches you and then you look like you are flying high in the air. Dad and I took in the haunted house and the bumper cars and the performances. We loved watching the kids.

When we were all exhausted we went to Wilma and Merlins and spent the night. We went to church the next day and visited all day. Tara and her new baby boy came for a visit. Pam and Jeff stopped by and we enjoyed the whole day.

The next day we went to BYU and dropped Troy off at his new apartment. We traveled home and got home safe.

The next Wednesday Boise schools started and my youngest son started his first day as a Senior in High School. Thus, starts the ....this is the last time..........saga.

More Carnival pictures

2010-08-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

The face painting was a hit. Corden, Lauren and Calvin all joined in the fun and helped out!

The Fuhrimans visit the Fuhrimans

2010-08-29T16:25:00.001-07:00

David, Leticia, Gene and Jeremiah all visited Boise. We enjoyed their visit very much!! Leticia's sister Emi had a baby girl and they came for the blessing. I had Oma day and put on a carnival for the kids. We had all kinds of games and they won tickets for participation. Then, they bought their lunch with their tickets. Here is the hula hoop contest and the face painting. We enjoyed playing with Jeremiah. He reminds me so much of David when he was a baby. He is very sweet and affectionate.

Happy Birthday Krew!

2010-08-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Woody and Buzz. Those two words conjure up a lot of images. Most of them were represented at Krew's 2nd birthday party. There were aliens, cowboys and a space ship. It started with decorating a cowboy vest to go along with the hats and neckerchief. Then, we galloped on our pretend horses. We ate our aliens and finished with destroying the galactic pinata filled with candy and toys. Krew got his own Woody and Buzz and lots of toys from his friends he was leaving in Rexburg.

The Birds who lived with us for this season

2010-08-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

June 2010

2010-07-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

I hosted book club June 3rd. It was an outside potluck party. I had to make sure our yard was presentable. Then, the weatherman said it was going to rain so I had to clean the inside of the house too!

I had my dance recital on June 5th. It turned out wonderful. I was so pleased. Then, we went to Rexburg for Barton Graham's blessing. Diedre and Brandon were such wonderful hosts for all of us crashing at their place.

The next week I worked for Waddell and Reed. On that Tuesday night I trained for cub scout day camp. On Friday of that week I took 10 girls to Angie and Kents cabin for the overnighter. We had dutch oven chicken and cobbler. We played games, studied the stars and had a devotional. Early the next morning we took them in the truck to overlook the valley. We also got to hike a bit. That morning we cooked our eggs on a tin can stove for breakfast. Mike, Bishop Schley and Kent taught the girls how to shoot guns. Then, they went out in nature to draw what they saw. We had lunch and came home.

On Tuesday I taught a class at cubscout day camp so I worked all day Monday. On Friday we had our ward camp out. Dad, Destenee and I all shared a talent there. Adam and Kim and family camped with us. We roasted hotdogs, hiked, had a program and put our feet in the hotsprings. We had a nice breakfast and enjoyed the outdoors together while Thomas played in the fire.

The next week on Tuesday I went to pack meeting and presented the arrow of light. I dress up like an Indian and do this fun presentation.

On Monday the 28th I headed to girls camp and stayed until Thursday. I was the 4th year leader. I endured hot sun, storms, classes, food (mostly good but they only had white bread yuk) singing crazy songs, sleeping on cots, no showers and lots of noise. I enjoyed the sweet girls, the skits, the devotionals and testimonials and finally getting to do something besides sit when we got to clean the bathrooms. I did all the toilets. I enjoyed talking and the beautiful scenery.

Also during the month I attended an extra sacrament meeting to listen to Troy speak. Enjoyed Fathers day. Went to the Presbyterian church before sacrament meeting to listen to Jill Gertje play her flute. So wonderful. We made a trip t o Weiser to drop Corden off for Northwest Youth Corp. Had Destenee spend the night and travel to Weiser with us. Had Thomas spend the night and go to cub scout camp with me. Had Isabel come for the day and go to Discovery Center, play in the little pool enjoy her cuteness. Went to my moms to write family histories and last but not least went and visited Corden up above Idaho City for the evening. He has one week left. I didn't think I would endure the month but here it is July..........

Corden goes to prom

2010-05-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Corden had his date and another couple over for breakfast this morning. We had ham, eggs, french toast made from cinn burst bread and orange juice. We had some beautiful strawberries and dad picked out a good watermelon and cantalope. The grapes were not even sour. It was good. They were expecting another couple so they invited dad and I to join them for breakfast . We had a really nice time.

They are now at the zoo to feed the giraffe's. He asked Kylie to prom on Monday. She was already planning on going with a group of girls but was happy to be going with Corden now. Corden and I went shopping and got a new fitted white shirt, a black vest and a purple tie. He has nice black pants from the last dance. He took the tie over to Kylie's to make sure that the color would match. I am excited to see how they look together tonight. They are eating at Cheese Cake Factory. Yum!!

2010-04-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Elder Troy Fuhriman is coming home from the Richmond, Virginia mission on May 4th around midnight. He has been rescheduled to speak on May 16, 2010. We love you Troy. We are glad that you are coming home and anxious to see you. Thank you for your service to the people in Virginia.

2010-04-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is Gretchen and Carter on Easter. It was such a treat to have them there also while I was visiting New Mexico. Carter loved being outside and playing on the little trike. Gretchen's baby is due in July. She looks great and was doing flips on the trampoline!

2010-04-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Gretchen and I went to New Mexico for Spring Break. This is Heidi and Reeds family on Easter with their new dresses and ties. We took walks, kicked the soccer ball, played croquet, covered the drive way with sidewalk chalk drawings, played barbies, played games, watched movies, went bowling and went out to eat. We went for ice-cream and had fun watching Carter, Max, Caleb, Maia, Carson and holding Kylie. We went on a pic-nic and had lots of yummy food. Gretchen and I both visited the dentist while we were there. Reed fixed us up with new crowns and is such a wonderful dentist. Thanks Heidi and Reed for a wonderful time. I miss you and all my grandchildren.

2010-04-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Mike and Corden went to Seattle for the choir trip. They went to clinics and had time to see the sights in Seattle. Mr. Sullivan was excited to see Garin because he was in the band in High School. Mrs. Prinzing, the choir teacher was in the choir with Garin in High school. She pulled the kids off the bus to show off their talents for Garin. Corden and Lauren are enjoying the trip in this photo.

2010-04-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Barton Graham Sloan came for a visit. He is a good eater and a good sleeper. He loves to be cuddled and I loved his soft skin, his cute facial expressions, his big feet and sweet newborn cry. There is nothing in the world quite like a newborn in the house. Welcome to our family. I hope you enjoy your time on earth. His first trial was a diaper rash but Diedre finally got it under control right before they went home.

2010-04-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

Adorable Krew came for a visit. He loved my Woody and Buzz toys from Toy Story. He liked the flowers outside. He learned to put a puzzle together by himself after being shown a couple of times. He got sick and it was the first time I have seen him that way. He was a bit grouchy but still sweet. I loved it when he yelled ga ma! and ran to greet me.

Borah Jazz night

2010-03-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

CDVE had a jazz night on Tuesday March 16, 2010. There were tons of desserts, lots of singing and the floor was opened up for us to dance during the selections. They invited West Jr. High to sing and yes, Mr. Olson is still there! They sounded great! They also invited South Jr. Hight and they were good also. The squids played and Corden sang a solo. This time the video loaded to the blog. Dad was so interested in Corden singing that he didn't watch that the camera was jiggling. We loved his solo. Great job Corden!!

2010-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Corden got asked to MORP

2010-03-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

African Violets

2010-03-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

In the spring I yearn for color. The grays tones chill me in winter and the dark contrast of the baren trees thrill me with their beauty against such a backdrop. Yet, as the season turns I look for the first touch of yellow to seep into the gray. It seems more dramatic than the burst of color of summer.

There is work and cost involved to enjoy the extra color. I agonize over the choice of each plant as I invision the textures and combinations in my mind. Hope swells as they are lifted out of their small home into the possibilities I imagine for each one. I tend them carefully at first.

After a few short months of watering, weeding and feeding the colors dull in my eyes and I itch for the gray to return. Still, when the last of it dies with the frost and the barren sticks are still in the ground I find it hard to pluck them out and completely remove the memory. As the pale greens and yellows drift down from the front tree they turn stiff and loose even their pale color. Over and over again the process repeats itself and still my emotions change with the change of color.

There is one flower that is different. It is the African violet. It was a splash of color at Grandma Fuhriman's home that never dimmed until she did. Without any reason except that I would become a Grandma Fuhriman I felt that I had to raise African violets. My first one was a gift that I cherished. I knew flowers needed light and I put it in the sun. It died.

I learned that African violets need indirect sun. The next one I got grew and its leaves were beautiful but it did not bloom. Why? I wondered, when I loved it so much and watered it and kept the sun from burning it did it not burst forth?

I know the secret now to African Violets and they bloom in my window sill in my kitchen. They have deep color, bloom constantly and require little care. They bloom when the gray surrounds the outside. They bloom when the heat threatens to distroy the plants outdoors. They bloom when the frost changes the color of the day overnight.

African violets.

Alisa Jarvis in Jr. Miss

2010-03-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

Feb 27, 2010 Alisa Jarvis participated in the Jr. Miss pageant for the Boise area. She showed her physical fitness by a darling routine doing pushups and jumping jacks and jumps. She showed off her beautiful formal gown and answered a question from the judges with poise and confidence. In the talent portion she danced showing her grace, and athleticism in a modern dance routine. She was my pick for the winner. She won a $200 scholarship for her physical fitness.

Corden stars in the Variety Show

2010-02-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

Last night and tonight Corden stars in the Variety Show at Borah High School. The show was terrific. Corden sings with the Cordsmen. They made their original shirts and brought the house down with their harmonies.

Family Home Evening with Adam and Kim

2010-02-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

On Monday the 15th of Feb we were invited to attend FHE at Adam and Kims. We had an inspiring lesson on the priesthood. We were all receptive to the message because Calvin was ordained a priest on Sunday. Yes, Calvin turned 16, went on his first date and was ordained all in one weekend.

We enjoy Calvin so much! He is such a joy to us!

2010-01-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Jan 27, 2010 Corden was awarded his Life Scout award. Congratulations Corden!

Christmas at the Fuhrimans 2009

2010-01-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009
Day one
Hockey game and Oma and Opa take care of grandkids
Day two
church and going to hear CDVE sing. That evening Night in Bethlehem
Day three
make gingerbread houses and go on scavenger hunt-Gretchen fixes dinner yum
Day four
iceskating, caroling and seeing the Christmas lights Diedre fixes sticky finger wraps yum
Day five
dipping pretzels, temple, Evelyn and Dan and family come over for pizza supplied by David and Leticia--boys night out at Adam and Kims- girls night in -here with chick movie and painting finger nails
Day six
play doh. cinn rolls and candy making, Christmas Eve at John and Lynel's
Day seven
Christmas begins at 7:00 a.m. Opening gifts for a long time, cinn rolls and hotchocolate for breakfast. Kim brings spiced grape juice for a new favorite
Turkey Christmas dinner with mashed potatoes, yams, dressing, christmas jello and corn
Day eight
Diedre, Brandon, Krew, Garin, Katrina and Olivia leave
Day nine
Church
Day ten
mystery dinner at Adam's and Kims with BBQ, corn bread salads and brownies and icecream

We had 17 people staying at the house and 22 for Christmas morning!! What a treat!

2010-01-18T16:08:00.001-08:00

Trip to see Garin, Katrina and Olivia

2009-11-16T07:14:00.000-08:00

Friday November 6th we drove to Leavenworth, Washington. It is a small German town nestled in the mountains. Garin, Katrina and Olivia drove from Seattle and met us there. They braved the snow and mountains to get there. I thought it was just a little snow but they hit the snowstorm on the way and when we traveled back there was a foot of snow on the trees. It was beautiful but frightening as I thought about them traveling in the dark on the mountain roads in the snow, without snow tires. Yikes!

That night we ate at a German restaurant serenaded by an accordian. The waitress was dressed in the German style dress. Mike was disappointed that the man playing the accordian and the waitresses did not speak German. We enjoyed the food and the atmosphere and Olivia had to get down and dance to the music.

We spent the night and the next morning on the sundeck the scene was so beautiful. The mountains, trees with their faded Autumn colors, a river flowing by and a small cottage barely to be seen among the trees greeted us. The clouds circled the tops of the mountains and set the scene of high in the mountain feeling.

We went to breakfast at a waffle house and the waffles were covered with strawberries and whipcream. Yum! The owner came and introduced herself and it made it even more memorable to have met her.

We walked around the quaint little town. They had little shops that sold anything you can imagine. I especially enjoyed the Christmas shop.

Olivia was so cute and sweet as we walked around. There was a bench that said Oma and Opa on it with an old man and woman. She remembered it whenever we passed. Then, we decided to get our pictures taken. We dressed in the German attire and Olivia smiled and said cheese. We got a really cute picture. I felt like we were retracing our roots by getting dressed up in our German town.

After lunch we traved back to Seattle. Garin and Katrina have a cute apartment. Katrina has the living room fixed up so cute. The apartment complex is new. They have two bedrooms and two baths, a kitchen and living room. They park under the apartment complex of six stories.

Olivia was so fun and our main entertainment. She sings along with Garin. She is taking gymnastics and showed us the bear crawl, forward roll, crawling on the stomache, running etc. She can catch a ball and she talks in complete sentences at barely two. She has beautiful blonde shoulder length hair with a touch of red highlights. When I said, "You"re so cute!" She smiled and said, Cheese so I could take her picture! We played hide and seek and chasing games. She has a little kitchen set she cooks and talks on her cell phone.

We got to go to church with them and enjoyed our trip so much. It was hard to leave and we are looking forward to seeing them at Christmas. Unfortunately, even though we bought a new camera for the trip and got some really cute pictures and beautiful scenery pictures we were messing with the camera yesterday looking at what it can do and accidentally deleted all the pictures. We were so disappointed and wanted to cry but hopefully Garin and Katrina have some and will post theirs.

Almonds! and Elis Italian Deli

2009-11-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

There is a new sandwich place in downtown Boise that is really good. It is called Elis Italian Deli. They also do spiced almonds. The smell permeates the whole place and the nuts are so good fresh and warm! Dad and I have eaten there twice. We share a sandwich but I had to buy a small bag of nuts for myself yum!

2009-10-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

There is a kind of power that comes from setting and achieving goals. When I drift in my life I feel lethargic and like things don't really matter very much. When I am achieving my goals I have more energy and excitement for life. This past eight weeks I have been participating in a program called "Feel Great in Eight" I have been exercising and eating right and I feel healthier and I feel that this way of living is right for me and that I should continue this way for the rest of my life. Today I got into a size 6 dress that I have had in the closet for a long time. I got it drycleaned this month just in case. It is not even tight. It is not the weight that I am excited about. It is the fact that I do have control over myself. I can exercise and eat right and feel good. I think it what Heavenly Father wants for me.

The little car that could

2009-10-18T14:23:00.001-07:00

Some of you may have heard the story of how our car stopped in Nampa on the way home from San Diego. We were all tired and had been in the car since early that morning. Carter was asleep and we were anxious to get home. Mike was driving and suddenly the car just stopped. Mike pulled off the freeway and rolled into a service station. We said a prayer, waited a little while and Mike started the car and went home. We haven't had any problem since and so we thought it might be bad gasoline.

Well, now you can hear the rest of the story.... Mike, Destenee and I traveled 15 hours to New Mexico and had a wonderful weekend with Heidi and Reed and the kids. The baby is adorable, the kids were fun and Destenee was so helpful and a delight to be with. We went on a hike, played outside, ate good food. The baby blessing was wonderful and we enjoyed church. Monday we traveled to the Indian caves and had a great time and then went to the park for lunch. We went to Heidi's and packed and left for home at 2 in the afternoon.

There is not much freeway between here and there. We were making good mileage. Mike had to pass cars on the two lane highway and the car was just humming along. We took an hour detour until we realized we were on the wrong road and turned back. It was a curvy mountain road with beautiful trees. Some of the prettiest scenery of the trip. We stopped at a hotel and left the next morning planning to arrive about 7 or 7:30 in Boise. About 100 miles out of Boise the car started sputtering. Mike pulled to the side of the freeway and we chugged along until the car started going again. The third time it did this it completely stopped and we couldn't get it started again. We called AAA to tow us home. We were allowed ten miles of towing and then it would cost us. We figured it would be about $400 to get home. The battery on the cell phone was getting low. We sat for a while as the semi's rocked the car as they sped past us. I asked Destenee to say a prayer. Then, we had to do all we could to help ourselves so we called Adam. Kimberly had to wake him up because he had worked all night the night before and was exhausted. We asked him to get the truck and tow rope and come and get us. He said he would. Corden was in the shower and so he had to call back for us to tell him how to get into the garage and where the key was hidden in the garage to get into the house. Adam got the keys, truck and tow rope and was on his way but first had to gas up the truck to start the rescue mission. Meanwhile, we were on the side of the freeway. It was getting dark and was starting to rain. The rocking of the car as the trucks and cars sped past was frightening. Destenee and I started to do a cheer. "Come on car you can do it if you put your heart into it! Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap clapclapcalp." Mike got the car started and we exited off the freeway and waited for Adam. Luckily we had Destenee who can invent games and riddles to keep us intertained. If you are ever stranded somewhere you can only hope that Destenee will be with you to help pass the time in laughter and fun. We still had a few crackers and grapes left to quiet our hunger pains. We also had a nice field of weeds for our other pressing needs.

Before Adam got there Mike tried the car again and it started again. Humm. . . We were so happy to see Adam and Thomas arrive with our purple truck. Mike said he would try to drive without having to tow the car on the freeway at night in the rain. We started off to drive the 90 miles back to Boise. I was watching the miles pass and praying the whole time. We had gone 5, then 10 then 15 miles and then the car started to sputter again. We pulled off the freeway but it didn't stop running. After a few minutes it started to smooth out again. Again we started counting down the miles, 5, 10, 15, 20 and then it started again. There was a truck stop and so we pulled off and idled until the engine smoothed out again. Off we went and made it home. Mike thought I would never want to ride in the car again and was making plans to trade it in and then he got an appointment to find out the cause of our car problem. The fuel pump was bad. The mechanic said that we must live a charmed life because as far as he could tell there should be no way that we made it home. He was shocked that we didn't get stranded somewhere in the middle of the desert with no phone service.

I felt so grateful for our green BMW for not stranding us in the middle of the desert and then giving the extra effort to get us home so that we didn't have to be towed on the freeway, at night and in the rain that I call it the little green car that could and I never want to get rid of it!! And that's the rest of the story!!

2009-10-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

Corden was worried that he wouldn't be able to go to the Homecoming dance on Sat. because last weekend he was sick with the flu. He was able to get Lauren to say yes by singing to her until she agreed. Corden and Lauren and I went shopping for his clothes on Thursday. We got new black pants, a tan shirt, a black belt and a black tie. Saturday morning at 5:00 Corden was in so much pain from his eyes that he couldn't sleep. His dad gave him a blessing and then we proceeded to do all we could to help. His dad ran to the store for some eye drops, I tried the washcloth on the eyes and pain medication. He was finally able to rest and then we got the presciption from the optometrist filled as soon as they opened at 9:00 a.m. His eyes were so sore that he couldn't go outside. By the afternoon he was feeling a bit better. The group that he went with were suppose to go bowling but they spent so much time taking pictures that they didn't have the time. They went to dinner at PF Changs after coming here for pictures. They went to the dance and had a great time. Then, they went to a girls home and watched a movie. It was an eventful weekend and one that we won't forget.

2009-10-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Opa and Kylie at Heidi and Reed's home in New Mexico.

2009-10-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Kylie before Church.

2009-10-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

Opa, Oma and Destenee at the Inidan caves in New Mexico.