Santa sent Davis a Message!

Im sure all of you Motherly Mothers in the Davis clan already know about this site but Im going to put it up for you anyhow. This was the message Santa sent to Davis.

http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/8f9075a68cdca4462308295849354573

SO cute!

We wish we were in Utah with you all!

Joseph F. Smith Family Reunion-East Coast Chapter

In November, the East Coast Chapter of the Joseph F. Smith Family convened for Grandpapa's 171st Birthday Celebration. The party consisted of three families with the accumulation of 6 adults, 2 teenagers, and 9 kiddos (3 young adults were absent for academic pursuits). While our numbers may be considerably smaller than the West Coast Chapter, our festivities were paralleled in spirituality, family one-ness, and decorum (if not stuffiness). While we did not enjoy the sage musings of Russell M. Ballard, we were enlightened by several re-enactments of Grandpapa's life. One of the productions included Abz and Tadpole as pioneers and Superkid as wild ruffian who scared said pioneers and all other Mormon's except young Joseph who stood up and proudly said he was a Mormon Boy (true blue through and through). In another dramatization, I played an ailing Joseph while cousins Linda and Rebecca hula danced into the scene to help me convalesce from my infirmities in remembrance of the sweet sister who cared for Joseph when he was sick on his mission in Hawaii. And then there was the one where Superkid (Young Joseph) straddled his cousin's back (the horse) while two wild and crazy Indians rode up beside him, plucked him off of his horse, tossed him aside, and galloped away with his horse (which may have been my favorite scene because our unsuspecting Superkid looked just as surprised as I'm sure Joseph did). Good Times. ...Okay, maybe you had to be there. But there is one thing we can all agree on, the West Coast Chapter will be knocking on my door for a reproduction of this cake for their festivities next year!

Christmas is Coming...

...and to avoid all confusion, I am posting the assignments for the Christmas swap (remember we are now on a rotating schedule).

Charlene buys for Missy's family

James buys for Steve's family

Missy buys for Mindy's family

Steve buys for Cindy's family

Mindy buys for Jenny's family

Cindy buys for Brian's family

Jenny buys for Charlene's family

Brian buys for James' family

Happy Shopping!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!

If April showers bring May flowers.... What do May flowers bring?...... Pilgrims!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Keddingtons! Love you all!

P.S. See this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnhVlusTBG8

Soundtrack to my youth

When someone asks me about my childhood the first thing that comes to my mind is not of butterknives whizzing past my head thrown by a loving sibling, I dont think of marching in every parade in the world, I dont think family dinners where we laughed so hard we couldnt even pray, all good memories but the memories that stick out in my head and the fondest are the long Sunday drives listening to classical music. Going to Park City was always my favorite ride with Mom and Dad but we would go everywhere, ghost towns, downtown Salt Lake or a ride up the canyon but we sure did spend a lot of time looking at other peoples homes as well.

Dad always had control of the music and there were never any questions but Im sure there were complaints but I never complained when Dad would pop in Wynton Marsalis. I loved it. One album/song in particular #4 of the list canon for 3 trumpets listen here: http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=10100861&ap=0&albumid=8080611

Tonight I signed up for itunes in hopes to find this number which I have been on the search for years. I actually found it on myspace music. I listen to this and Im instantly back in the silver van sitting between Mom and Dad going for a nice long drive aimlessly.

Thanks Mom and Dad for the fond memories!

Glama and The Boys Millcreek Adventure

Well the weather man says this coming Wednesday our wonderful summer weather will abruptly come to an end. So to take advantage of our almost 90 degree weather, The Boys and I decided to hit McD0nalds and have a picnic up Millcreek Canyon. The original plan was to have Bampa come with us and we would have a hot dog roast....too much work for the three of us, so
Micky D's worked fine.

I was amazed how little the colors had changed in the picnic grounds. After our delightful lunch, we "scouted" out all the way up the river and then back down again way past our picnic area. It was unusually quiet for Millcreek. The area belonged to us and one lone fisherman. Ashie took the lead on our adventure and showed us the way to go. Hayhay was happy to lag behind picking up rocks as he went.

This is the first trip into our "Fall Science Discovery Project". We will head up the canyon again in a couple of weeks to see how the leaves in the canyon have changed. I am not too sure if the boys will be too interested, but we will go again to talk about the different colors, the leaves that have fallen and how the weather feels. We should be able to tromp in the fallen leaves as we venture up along the side of the river again.

We live so close to the mountains, why don't we go up more often?

Off To a New Adventure

I wrote this Sunday and published it...it keeps disappearing from Phrogbottoms...Now I know why I do not blog...It is tooooo complicated. This is the 4th time I have tried to post this blog. Wish me luck....Here it goes again!

This morning Bampa and I took Grandma Jo, Nerseyfers and the K-Man to the airport to fly off to Nersey's latest and greatest adventure. Buckley was sent ahead to ride down with Cookie Monster. Nersey speculated having Buckley on the road would assure she did not change her mind at the last minute. He was bit of a hostage. Grandma Jo was there to make sure Nersey and the K-Man got onto the plane. Actually, Nersey was lucky enough to have Grandma Jo to help with the K-Man during the flight. Grandma Jo knows all the ins and outs of flying and provided valuable information for the trek.


We are going to miss you Nersey, your fun quick wit, your leaving cupboard doors open, your imagination to make any event fun, your special cupcakes and your sweet, smiling, good natured son. Yes, I am going to miss Buckley too. It is a good thing he had the one redeemable quality of being so lovable and patient with children. I will miss you making dinner on Tuesday night. It was made me feel like a Princess to come home and not have to make dinner that night. Thank you to all of the Cookie Monster's family for sharing more than the last year with us. We have been blessed to have you in our home. We love you and will miss you all, more than you will know.


Now you are off to a new adventure! It will be grand. Grandma Jo will take good care of you, just as you will take good care of her while Burton is off in Afghanistan. I'll add San Antonio to my Southwest "Ding" list and maybe it won't be long before you can show Bampa and me the River Walk.

AAhhhh....Lake Powell

I love going to Lake Powell.

Uncle D and Aunt C always make the best host and hostess'. The weather was perfect; the cuisine was amazing, the company the best! Here are some highlights:

Re-connecting with my mermaid soul....someday I will actually learn to swim, I discovered my Mojo....I was born to ride wave runners!

Best food in town....cooked by the best chef...steak, salmon and Uncle D. burgers....yum!

The "Boys"...... out for fun!

Uncle D. brought us back a surprise gift from his early morning walk. He was carefully folded up in Uncle D's shirt for safe delivery to the boat. Tadpole would think this little critter was pretty cool.... (Do you remember the summer evening Steve, Mindurs & Cyncha found a tarantula in the drive way...then sprayed painted it orange? A terrible waste of a very good specimen. The little guy would have made a great addition to our "freezer" collection.)

Uncle D carefully placed this little guy on a rock after he brought him back to the boat...I think he just died shortly before Uncle D found him. He was still pliable for the viewing. We skipped the funeral.

Thanks for a great trip. We had a great time!

This is Glama's Kind of Kid

This morning I was laying on the floor doing sit-ups when Tadpole appeared over me pinching something in his fingers saying, "Look Mom! Bug" ...only not quite so clearly because he had to say it a few times and dangle said bug inches over my face before I was dead sure that he not only meant to say "BUG" but actually was HOLDING A WIGGLY BUG! ICK! He knew he was on to a good thing when I freaked out and ran away while insisting he go throw it outside. Nothing quite as funny as chasing mom with a bug. I wish I could have played it a little more cool. You'd think after growing up in a house with Glama's frozen bug collection in the freezer I wouldn't even be phased. Next time you come Glama, you and Tadpole can go bug hunting. Have fun. Superkid Abz and I will sit that activity out!

The Keddington Burrito

So, I've been married to Shane for what? almost 11 years and what just sufaced into my life? The Keddington burrito. It will change your life I promise. The pic posted is not the Keddington burrito but close enough to spice up my post.

So where did this come from? Well evedently Shane had this wonderful treat for dinner every weekend at his fathers house growing up. A couple of weeks ago he introduced it to me. Perhaps I had just barely became worthy of its delights or something. Im not good with recipes and Shane doesnt really have one so Im just going to post the ingredients and you do what you will with it.

Browned hamburger with onions

kidney and pinto beans

chile powder

Whatever other seasoning you want

Let this all simmer together for a bit.

Sauce (the best part) 1 can of green chiles and 1 packet of chicken gravy

Add to warm tortilla - cheese optional

Its pretty great. Misstletoe gave it a go and it was practically a hit in her home.

I wonder what else Shane is keeping from me!

Easter Pictures

Nick enjoying Some stolen kicks!

Asher on the hunt

Coach enjoying the moment

Kenneth enjoying the spoils

Nick scooping out the loot.

Next year maybe we can scoop out ALL of our out of state cousins. You were ALL missed!

Cousin Adrienne Passes

Aunt Diane called Mom to tell us that Cousin Adrienne Smith Lloyd passed away this morning in Boise Idaho. You all know that Adrienne is the youngest daughter of Aunt Shirley and Uncle Joe. She contracted a serious form of hepititus as a young woman. She has endured years of kidney and liver transplants, eperimentation, dialysis and a lot of suffering.

She has a son and he has a baby daughter that Adrienne adored. Her life has been very challenging but she has been a fighter to live as normally as her condition would allow. Calvin was with her at 7:00 last night she passed after he left about 9:00.

Years ago Mom and I were in a restaurant when Adrienne and her friends came in from a game. They were all Olympus High School Pep Club uniforms and we watched them have a great time. Her life is a testiment to living to a standard, facing challenges and never giving into doubt and negative thinking or actions.

Services will be in Salt Lake City on Thursday.

Bampa

Delicious

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup light Karo Syrup

1/2 cup butter

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

Melt brown sugar, butter, and Karo syrup let boil 3 minutes. Take off heat & add baking soda and vanilla. Toss in popcorn.

Warning....This is dangerous stuff!

Swine Flu

What is this all about! Headache, muscle ache, fatigue, respiratory infection. That pretty much is the way Mom and I feel most of the time. Uncle Dave, Aunt Caroline, Cousin David and his family are all in Mazatlan. Got there yesterday. What luck!

All is well though. What could possibly go wrong at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay!

General Conference or New Year's Day? ...You Decide

Hard to believe....Usually these pictures would have been posted for the New Years Sledding Party. Yep....it was General Conference week end (April 4th) at the cabin. When we arrived at the top of Spurwood Drive and looked towards the cabin, the plow had not been by and only one car had driven down the road. Dad and I have never seen Timber Lakes looking like this. When we got to the cabin. I suggested we call everyone and tell them not to come. Toooooo much snow needed to be moved to make room for the party.

We shoveled and shoveled and shoveled and shoveled the snow for 2 full hours making very little progress against the massive snow fall. The snow was so very deep and it was still snowing. In a way it was fun. It was so very silent and peaceful as the snow softly fell around us. Fortunately a Good Samaritan came by with an old pick-up with a plow. He moved the snow to make room for 3 cars to park..... and in time to meet Uncle D and Aunt C at the train for lunch. Thank you Stranger for you kindness. Time for the party to begin!

If I broke my baby's arm, errr, I mean, if my baby broke her arm, I'd blog about it. But I'm just sayin'.

Golden Phrogs Has A New Post

Missy, thank you for asking for this history. Sorry it took me so long to respond. Love Dad

Flat Heads

Missletoe - I have a request for you! Remember when Steve and I were in Boston and you lamented to us about the tragedy you continue to see on infants - flat heads? Well you had several theories on preventative measures to ensure a perfectly rounded head. Please refresh my memory as to what those items are so that Isabella doesn't end up like those other sorry suckers you see. Thanks!

A Star Is Born!

Lil" Miss was absolutely outstanding in her school's musical "Seusical the Musical". She was one of the fabulous "Bird Girls" that were on the stage at least 75 to 80% of the time. Sweet, but sassy and looking much too grown up in her 4 inch heels. (How can anyone really wear heels "that" tall and walk....how could you possible keep your balance and dance?) Lil' Miss did prance and danced in the heels. Thanks for letting us come to see the production. It was so much fun. We loved every moment of it. I am totally amazed with the choral teacher and how she got over 120 Jr. High kids to really put on a great show. She really is Wonder Woman. I thought everyone would enjoy some pictures.

Golden Phrog Request

I have a couple of Golden Phrog requests.

#1 Bampa, could you please write up the story of Grandpa's heart attack and how your relatives would come visit on Saturday and leave $10 on the kitchen table.

#2 Glama, could you please write up the Grandma Smith story of her doing fundraising for the U of U medical school and how she would give tours. I seem to remember her refusing to give tours of the gross anatomy lab after seeing a red-headed lady's head floating in the jar.

I have recently re-told these stories to the young toads and realized I was lacking on actual details and had to take poetic license.

You're the best!

New Post on Golden Phrogs

I found these wonderful quotes by Wallace Stegner, the dean of conservation, and western writers. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Hello, Is Anyone Out There?

I'm getting really tired of looking at me in my Harley Hat. That picture has been front page on Phrogbottom Phorum long enough. I need news! There is not enough chatter on the other family blogs either. Of course that is my taste. I need information!

It is almost 2:30 am on Wednesday morning. I am bloging in bed watching a KUED fundraiser on the 50'-60's Doo Wop Hits! Pitty you never felt the joy of the Friday afternoon "record rally" at Central Jr. High. This was an experience in pure terror. 6th Period gym class. Artificial pairing of 13 year olds and forced to dance every dance. If it were not for the great music I'm sure there would have been mass revolt. Thank goodness for the "Big Bopper".

25 Things I Love About Jim

I too wish to remember my favorite Valentine, sending my love from far, far away in Indiana.
Here are 25 things I love about you.

1. I love the how you dance me around the kitchen with or without music.
2. I love the how you love a clean garage.
3. I love how you will tell me I am beautiful when I first wake up in the morning even though I have "bed head" and no make up.
4. I love how "turning off" the T.V. wakes you up.
5. I love how the shortest distance to any location is to take the "sight seeing" route winding through the streets exploring the neighborhood.
6. I love how you tell me you love me several times each day.
7. I love how you are a complete minimalist.
8. I love how you are so proud of the yard after you have cut, trim and blown the grass off the lawn and then give me a personal "tour" of the yard.
9. I love how " genuinely surprised" you are when you notice the "spontaneous" new flowers in the garden and say, "Look they came back from last year!"
10. I love your "sexy" silver hair. (Or as you call it..."blond")
11. I love riding around with you in the Mustang with the top down.
12. I love how you count and notice every other Mustang on the road and then say yours is "sexier."
13. I love your confidence, how you can walk into a stranger's home and go right for their potato chips.
14. I love how you put everyone else first.
15. I love how you talk incessantly about the kids, grand kids and the dog, always wondering how all the "Phrogbottoms" are doing.
16. I love how you make the bed everyday and make sure all the pillows are exactly right.
17. I love how you go out of your way to make others feel comfortable.
18. I love how you always build me build me up everyday and give me the confidence "I can do anything."
19. I love how you encourage me to go fly around the country to visit our children and grandchildren.
20. I love how you take care of business at home so I can fly off to visit the family.
21. I love how you scrub down the shower and love how the glass sparkles.
22. I love how you are happy to drive your pick-up truck.
23. I love how you tell me you like watching me sleep.
24. I love your sense of humor, you make me laugh.
25. I love how we are a "perfect fit" like nesting spoons when we snuggle.

I love you Jim. You have given me many, many wonderful Valentines throughout the years and I look forward to many many more... Suzi

Be My Valentine!

Suzi:

You are far away this Valentine. Spending some time with Isabella and her parents in Indianapolis courtesy of the generosity of all our children. How special you are to all of us. More and more each day you are a stronger, more powerful influence for love and rightousness in all of our lives. Your name Susan is now 4 generations old in the Davis family. My grandmother, one of my favorite aunts and a dear cousin share the distinction of being "Suzi" in our lives. Today I miss you a lot. I've only spoken to you on the telephone 3 times.

Our lives have become so entwined over the years we think and act as one. You are truly the "wind behind my sails". From the time I first met you - you believed in me. That energy has provided me the confidence and energy to accomplish everything meaningful in my life.

I remember that beautiful long haired brunette I met at the Delta Phi house. Beyond the deep blue eyes and the crooked little smile was the girl of my dreams. A fortune teller in Ogden told me when I was 10 years old that I would marry a dark haired beauty with enticing blue eyes. Glad I waited for the right girl.

From that moment on the bridge in Memory Grove I knew we would be together. The Sunday walks to Garden Park Chapel, the parties at Delta Phi, the first kiss at the Salt Lake City Cemetary all made me want to be with you more.

Those were magic moments. The daily rides to and from school, hangin' in the Union Building, pretending to study on the third floor of the library, racing to my house on Tuesday nights to watch "Laugh In" and cuddle on the sofa in the family room (I know you only did that knowing my Mother would bring us "Snellies" to break up the "action on the couch"). You have always been perfect in my eyes (even the first try at enchiladas).

You are much more than a good cook, a friend, a companion. You have blended my heart with yours and made us one living family. A little over 24 hours you have been gone and I miss you.

Years and decades have past. Today we share 8 loving children and a dozen grand children. Thank heaven each has been blessed by your example and nurturing. There is no finer mother, guardian and friend. I know you are the great blessing of my life. I really know the meaning of the Rogers and Hammerstein lyric from the Sound of Music "...I know I had a wicked childhood, ... but somewhere in that wicked childhood I must have done something good. To have you.

Love Jim

Where did B and Melissa Go?

Hey... I can't find B and Melissa's site... where'd it go?!

The Toads Celebrate Glama's 60th!

Next time the party is here!

Razzle Dazzle Dollies

Does pink spandex, super poofy hair and jazz hands bring back memories for anyone? Ahh... those were the days. I LOVED Razzle Dazzle. And now that I have new perspective as a mother, I can imagine how much fun it was to watch your three poof heads shake their groove thing. And while your little dancing dollies got all of the fame, it was our mom who deserves the credit. Not just for running us to lessons a couple of times each week, but also the private lessons with Sheila Ishi, not to mention the performances. There was a lot that went into being a Razzle Dazzle Mommy. I remember sitting through a lengthy seminar with you just about big hair. I remember your commitment to making sure ours was the biggest. The regimen went like this: first you braided my hair, then soaked my hair with hair spray, then rolled it up in sponge curlers for the night. Then you would repeat the process 2 more times on 2 more wiggly heads. In the morning the sponge curlers and braids would come out and the ratting began, followed by the rest of the can of hair spray. And then there was still half a head of bangs to curl and spray. Now that is dedication. And let's face it, we looked so stinkin' cute that you went through the full routine again (on 4 wiggly heads!) for church (while we watched Love Boat).

I am glad that you went through the effort. Afterall, it paid off. I was the only 7th grader to make the dance team at Granite Park Jr. High... Actually, I am not sure if that is commentary on the pool of awkward girls at the school or my own flashy dancing skills, but the point is the dancing gave me confidence. Confidence is big, especially when you are 12. Thank-you for knowing this.

I was hoping to put together a little "Surfin' U.S.A." routine with the kiddies for you, but they are far less receptive to my dancing instruction than Mindurs, Cincha, and Nerz were. They were more into snapping photos... so here you go...

The "Bushy Bushy Blonde Hair-do"

I've still got it baby!

Even if it hurts...YAOOOW!

Happy Birthday Glama! We all love your groove thing very much!

Pinkalicious!

Charlene, You have created a MONSTER! Never has a book been loved more. When it was Abz turn to pick a treat for FHE, there was no doubt... only PINK CUPCAKES would do. You ALMOST have converted Abz to a a pink girl from a purple lover, but not quite. She is always testing my devotion to the color too, "Mom, which one, pink or purple?" I usually choose pink. "Good choice." Then she hands me the pink horse, the pink unicorn, and the pink princesses (big and little) and we read Pinkalicious. After which we play princess, myself assuming all of the pink figures and her handling all of the purple. Even Pops has conceded. Pinkalicious is his favorite book.

Thanks for sending all of the fun!

"I didn't know deers could do this."

I think maybe one or two of you might get it.

Everyone needs to check out our new web pages. www.melissaandbriandavis.com