Top Events of 2010

• This list is in no particular order.  Every family event was important but I will excuse myself now if I forget.  That is a condition that is well known to those of us in the over 50 club.  :)
• went camping to the north slope with family and enjoyed the Cadillac 4 wheeler
• kenzie graduated from high school and started the DATC
• Clint, Nat and Duncan all graduated from Weber State University
• Josh and Caraline were married on May 8 and the weather was beautiful that day
• upgraded to a newer and more reliable vehicle.
• survived teaching the sunbeams for one year..now we move up with them.  Must be our punishment
• Went to Florida with Fred, Kenzie and Colton
• Blake joined the Navy and was home on leave for Christmas
• Went to Bear Lake with the fabulous Carlson family and we beat the Mansfields in Volleyball.  LOL
• Fred rode 60 + miles for his birthday, I managed about 18 for a fluffy lady.
• Sad that our Sister Sue passed away
• witnessed a miracle with the Chilean miners
• celebrated 27 yrs of marriage
• added another dead animal to the wall...it's huge
• my mother's health improved
• made many pies for thanksgiving and loved being with the family
• went to dinner with my siblings and parents and had a blast
• survived teaching a class in RS on family traditions
• had most of Christmas ready by Dec. 17 and actually relaxed
• Kallee and Duncan bought a new home
• Josh sold his truck...someone please buy his bullet bike.
• walked a half-marathon with Natalie and friends from Women in Motion.
• then went to a physical therapist for the the first time ever
• lost a dear neighbor 
• Fred grew a beautiful and most bountiful garden this year.  Broke two tillers, and two lawn mowers
• the kids poured the patio in the backyard...stills needs a little TLC.  Josh made a service station.  LOL
• planted more flowers this year and canned more than I have in the past
• made connections with friends on facebook.   
• did plenty of shopping
• I think that it was a pretty eventful year.   Now I just need to catch up with scrapbooking it all.

the holiday happenings before christmas

Just a quick update of our holiday happenings so far.  Sorry no pictures to be attached.  I think they are all in K's camera or Kallee's.  Blake came home on Dec. 17.  It was a great reunion and he looks good.  The elders in our ward thinks he looks buff.  He looked way nice in his uniform and was quite anxious to get out of it.  He indicates that he will be changing careers when he gets back to Great Lakes.  He is not sure what that will be.  He will just have to find a job in the Navy that he enjoys and can learn the skills for.  He was glad to be out of boot camp, as many times the petty officers found much to yell at them for.  I guess there were a few times when they all had to completely make and remake their beds twice in seven minutes.  His division had a hard time getting along, marching in time etc.  I asked him how he was able to handle all of the yelling and he said he just learned to tune it out.  In A school he has more time in the evenings.  He is able to unwind and study.  He doesn't like to sit in a classroom for eight hours a day...I think that is why the career change is going to happen.  He has found that hospital corp is not something is likes to do.  So we don't know when he will finish up.  He is just relaxing and sleeping a lot!   He heads back the day after Christmas. 

Thanksgiving

 Doug and Jon

 Duncan, Gabe and Kenzie

 Joshy

 Caraline

 Gavin the man

 Don't take my picture Kenzie.  BTW the curls in your hair look nice.

 Oops..guess this picture is extra special, it's in here twice. 

 Clint and Nat

 Kallee and Duncan

 Fred

and...Julie

Great Day spent with the Carlson Clan.

Christmas Splendor

 The Disney Tree minus all of the animated Disney figures that usually adorn the house.  I think I'll save them for the future generation to enjoy.  HA HA

 Memory Lane Tree and new Santa craft.  I have had a bah humbug decorating attitude and just decided that I have put up enough decorations. The house looks festive and I'll try and share more pics later on.  Please note that I'm not a Martha Stewart wanna be nor a professional photographer.  I love to look at beautifully decorated trees.  However, I do not have the patience to decorate one.  HA

ad

it's a never ending story

I am at a loss for words to describe the latest addition to our front room.  I hope the pictures will tell the story.

blah it's cold outside

it's cold...I want warm weather.

a labor of love

I started  making pies this morning for thanksgiving dinner.  I have made a total of 15 regular sized pies and 2 mini pies.  No store bought pie dough here!  We will feast on pumpkin, mince, razzleberry, key lime, chocolate dream, banana cream, coconut, dutch apple, pecan and old fashioned apple.  We will be having dinner with the Carlson clan and will go and visit G&G O.  They don't want to venture out in the cold cold weather.  Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving holiday!!  And for the record....I haven't even put up one christmas decoration yet!  

Here he is...Sailor Blake.   That's right he is an official Sailor in the US Navy.  Currently he is in A school at Great Lakes, IL.   He will be there until March 8.  After that date he will receive orders to go somewhere in the world.  Blake is doing well  and graduated from boot camp.  He is meeting many new people and has a great opportunity to learn all he can about being in the hospital corps.  Hopefully he will get some liberty around Christmas time and we will get to see his "smiling" face.  ( Apparently there is a no smile code in the Navy! ) 

a wonderful heritage

Wonderful Aunts and Uncles who inspire me!

Front Row:  Aunt Mary, Mom, Marilyn, Bob

Back Row: Uncle Mark, Ginger, Dad, Julia, Claus,Carol, Carl and June

The Warnicks are a stalwart and strong family who I am so proud to be a part of.

Deceased:  Uncle Eldge and Grandparents.

So many memories with this group. 

Love you all.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup

1/2 lb lean ground hamburger
3/4 c diced onions
3/4 c shreddred carrots
3/4 c diced celery
1/2 t basil
1 t    dried parsley flakes
4 T  butter
3 c chicken broth
5 c diced peeled potatoes
1/4 c flour
8 oz velveeta cheese
1 1/2 c milk
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/4 c sour cream

Directions:
In sauce pan, brown beef, drain and set aside.  In same pan saute onions, carrots, celery, basil and parsley until tender ( you may saute in butter, but I prefer not to.) set aside.
Boil potatoes until tender, drain.  Add potatoes to chicken broth, then add beef and veggies to the pot.  Meanwhile in small skillet, melt butter and then add flour.  Cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until thick and bubbly.  Add to the liquid.   Cut cheese into cubes and add to liquid along with milk, salt and pepper.  Cook and stir until cheese melts and mixture thickens.  Be careful to not overcook.  Remove from heat add sour cream slowly and blend well.   

Enjoy!!  This is a family favorite. 

sailor blake

Yesterday afternoon I happened to be the only one home and the phone rang.  A familiar voice sounded on the other end.   It was Blake.  He hasn't been able to call since he left in August.  He sounded good and he says he is doing well.  He passed all his tests and will graduate on the 15th.  He is no longer considered a recruit, he is a sailor.  Boot Camp has not been an easy road for him but he has managed it alright. He used so many acronyms that I really wasn't sure all that was said.  He inquired about the family and then wanted to make sure that I send him his phone next week.  He will be staying at Great Lakes for A school.  We could see him around Christmas or in March.  It will all depend on how things progress for him there.   Military pictures will arrive soon along with a DVD of his graduation.  I'll share them when they get here.  

Four Tag

Four Shows I watch:

1.  Food Network
2.  The News
3.  A Good Movie
4.  I don't have a favorite TV show.  Monk is gone

Four things I am passionate about:

1.   Red Fred
2.   Our Family
3.   Using napkins
4.   Patriotism

Four phrases I say a lot:

1.  I'm sorry my house is such a mess
2.  Thank You
3.  Have a pleasant day
4.  I love you

Four things I've learned from the past:

1.  Honor your parents
2.  Appreciate what you have
3.  Heavenly Father is in charge
4.  Prayer works

Four places I would like to go:

1.  The Sacred Grove
2.  Republic of Moldova
3.  Ireland, Sweden and Denmark
4.  and it I can't do that I'm content to stay home

Four things I did yesterday:

1.  Relaxed and spent time with our family.
2.  Watched and enjoyed conference.
3.  I let Nat and Kallee decide my next hair color and went brown.
4.  Made yummy chicken salad sandwiches.

Four things I am looking forward to:

1.  We R Memory Keepers scrapbook sale.
2.  Holiday season
3.  Primary Program
4.  Making Egg Rolls at Thanksgiving

Four things I love about winter:

1.  Snowflakes that shine like diamonds in the moonlight.
2.  Freshly fallen snow that blankets the trees and ground.
3.  Hot chocolate and a warm glowing fire.
4.  Cheeseburger soup and bread sticks.

Four things on my wish list:

1.  Photography and Photoshop classes
2.  A clean basement
3.  Scrapping with LeAnn and company
4.  Getting to drive my own car.

Four people I will tag:

Nate, Dixie, Kallee and Pam

Family Traditions

I have been asked to speak on family traditions and would love for you to leave a comment about some of your favorite fun and spiritual family traditions. 

Little Mack Rocks with Brad Paisley

Little Macks friend surprised her with tickets to go and see Brad Paisley tonight.  They are so excited and other than getting lost on the way down they are set and ready for the performance at 7:30 pm. 

onions, onions, onions

Why would I post a picture of onions?  In September there is a distinct aroma that fills the autumn air.  Our city at one time hosted many onion fields and after the onions had been harvested we would often go and gather up the leftovers.  Grandma C and Grandma O loved the onions that we would bring to them each fall.  We gathered so many onions that many pantries were filled for the winter.  Slowly and sadly the farmers began to sell their property and the onions fields have diminished.  Fred has planted onions in the past but they never were the quality that we had enjoyed from the farmers fields around us.  This year is different.  I was at the nursery and had overheard a customer asking for the onion sets that the farmers use.  He said they would be ready in a few days and to come and ask for them  then.  Well being the good wife I passed on the information to the gardener in the family.  We were able to purchase some of those onions sets and wow....we have had the most wonderful, large, sweet onions growing!!  I picked one that measured about 6-7 inches in diameter.  We have had onion rings, used them in our cooking, salsa, fried etc.  They are so yummy!!   So there you have it..onions.  Only now the aroma is from our yard and kitchen. 

yum yum

the picture says it all....yum yum

Love the Family!!

We had such a fun photo shoot at the farm!!   Now I just wish that I knew how to use photoshop so I could edit some of my pictures. 

Navy

I'm at another crossroad in life.   This coming weekend, Sunday to be exact, the Navy recruiters will come at 5:00 and pick Blake up to head out for boot camp.  My feelings are way different today then they were when he left for the MTC.  I'm very grateful that he has desires to serve his country as that is what my father, father-in-law and brothers have done.  It is wonderful to live in America.  I'm very thankful for the sacrifices of many men and women who have, are, or will be serving in the Armed Forces.  But now it is my own child and my emotions are very mixed.   I will be honest and say that he and I are not on the best of terms as we could be.   We don't see eye to eye on many issues.  I'm not patient with him as I should be.  I've been hurt and disappointed with some of his choices and mine as well.   I can't change the past.  I can't live his life.  I don't know what to expect or feel at this point.  I know the family will support him.  I hope that his choice to join the Navy becomes a good experience for him and that he will find what he is looking for out of life. I hope and pray for his safety, that he will find peace, and most important I hope he will fully comprehend the higher power that governs all of us and will turn to him.  Much love.

Reunion

• When it's your spouses turn to plan a reunion put your daughter in charge
• Include lot's of activities for young and old.
• Bear Lake is a great place to gather and play
• Have the Carlson's beat Mansfields in two (2) games of beach volleyball
• Share lot's of laughter.
• Take plenty of sunscreen
• Plan to have many babies there to love and snuggle.
• Food, Food and more food
• and.....remember
• F - Fun is glue that holds you together
• A - Always remember to love
• M- Memories are priceless
• I- It is possible to get along
• L - Live in the moment
• Y- You are loved.

What is your definition of F A M I L Y?

Thanks for the wonderful memories of Carlson Reunion 2010 at Bear Lake.

pictures from cement 101

too much cement all at once...the heat was on...literally.

no worries dad, we can do it!!

tricky finishing touches!

getting right into the thick of it!! with a pick no less!!

clowning around....still smiling after all the stress almost finished!! The blob in the back was finished as well as could be. That was a big miscalculation~ HA HA The drinking fountain is now finished. We've used the fire pit a number of times. May not be perfect for anyone else but it works for us!!

Cement 101

Fred and I have lot's of good intentions like cutting down the dead wood out of the trees on the west, tearing down the old shed to make way for either a new one, garage or the big dream of a swimming pool, more four wheelers, fencing, and curbing. One of our good intentions was to pour a patio. We dreamed of this project nearly 10 years ago and actually had good intentions 5 years ago of completing this daunting task. Fred worked and cleared the grass, moved the sprinkler system and an old tree stump. Then this area sat and sat, it was weeded and tilled over the years. The summers came and went and so did the funds, time and energy. However, this summer we just decided to do it one way or the other. The forms went up, the holes were dug for the fire pit and outside drinking fountain. The pipes were put into place and the day finally came. Our children eagerly volunteered their services and had confidence that their father would guide their every step in this process. They pushed and pulled the cement into place. They learned how to use tools in ways they had never done before. Everything started out very well and then the heat set in and the work suddenly switched into high gear. No problem they could handle it all....until the unexpected extra amount of cement rolled off the truck. Where was it going to go? No problem Fred thought we will just put the small amount on some wood and haul it to the garden area and use it to make some curbing. The cement kept coming and coming. It seems that a slight miscalculation had occured and the pile kept getting higher and higher with no place to put it. What to do? Fred couldn't be in two places at once so he just gave out the orders. The kids did the rest and so did the sun. The cement was setting up faster than it could be finished properly. There are lumps and bumps, lines and inperfections. However, our children are so proud of their project that they don't care. We are not perfect so why should the cement be. Ha ha. We have a patio area to gather at and one lump of a service pad area for washing of vehicles as Josh put it. This week Fred finished his other dream. We now have an outdoor drinking fountain along with a spout to attach a hose to use at the service bay. One day we have the good intention of recapping the service bay area and making it look more presentable. For now it has more lumps, bumps and footprints. It has personality! A great memory for the summer.

(pictures to be added soon, for some reason they don't want to work today)

Annual Birthday Ride

This is how the derf man keeps in shape. Biking. He rode 60 + miles to celebrate his 56th birthday. We have the proof from the Garmin!! Well he rode a few more miles before he turned on the garmin. Just note the amount of calories burned and the time frame. He loves his bike and rides it back and forth to work, lunch and home each day. He is really dropping the pounds this summer. I should also mention that he does this year round, rain or snow...but not ice.

July Camping Fun

look closely at cuncan's forehead and you will see his new tan line...from his hat.

after a long ride up the mountain.

good looking feet...

The newlyweds first camping trip.

Horseshoe tournament