KELLEYPLUS

Videos of the beachouse before the remodel

2012-01-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

To see everything I have posted, you will have to go to older posts. I gave you a pretty comprehensive idea of what we will do and what's there.

Front of house

2012-01-21T16:59:00.000-08:00

This is the high ceilinged roof and front door.
Two guest bedroom windows and front door. That T 1-11 is dry rotted and termite infested.

This is the front gate to the house. It is leaning and ready to come down.

As you walk through the gate, to the right is the trellis covering the sun from the sewing room. This is leaning and falling down.

The widows in the house had a film on them which now looks like the diseased skin of a turtle.

Looking out from the front gate at the garage to the right. The garage is broken and won't open. It is also termite infested.

Trellis that is coming down.

Entry and living room.

2012-01-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

This is looking from the living room through the foyer to the front door.
This is the fireplace which we will drywall and put cabinets on either side of it. We will probably put the T.V. over the fireplace.

The ceiling is probably 25-30 ft. high. We will bring it down to 12 feet and put some faux beams up. The slider will be changed to two 6 ft. french doors.

This is the view from the frint door. We are removing the old laminate.

Entry and sewing/study.

2012-01-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

This is a small room just to the right as you come through the door. It has small double doors that open into it. We will use it as a study/sewing room. We will put french doors here.
The mirrors are coming down. The trash bags hold the grassweave wallpaper.

Doors into room.

Just behind this room to the right is the dining/kitchen. This entire wall will come out to make it a great room. To the left of the picture is the living room.

In the front foyer looking into the living room. To the left is the hall closet. When we add a staircase here, I will make this space into a curio cabinet to display holiday decor.

kitchen/dining

2012-01-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

This wall here looks like it's two colors because the wallpaper isn't all removed. We decided to knock this wall out to the living room and make it all one big great room. We are taking out those pantry cupboards too. The whole wall will be gone. This counter will be gone and the door as well. The window will be moved to the left.

AAll this cabinetry is moldy and dry rotting. It will all come out and replaced with new.

This entire wall is moldy and dry rotted as well as a portion of he ceiling. It will have to be replaced. The window will be removed and wall in it's place.

The mirror will be removed. You can see the mold all over the wall better in this picture.
All these walls were wallpapered in 30 year old wallpaper.

hallway and master

2012-01-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

This is the hallway from the front foyer to the back bedrooms. At the end of this hallway and to the right is the master and to the left is the hallway to the guest bedrooms.
Master closet. Up a ladder in this closet is the attic which is really great spcace we will utalize. About 12X17 ft.

Master bath. Ryan tore everything out Weds.

Master bedroom. Mirrors on the wall will come off. Nice size room.

Small little double doors into the master.

hallway and guest bedrooms

2012-01-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

This is the hallway to the bathroom and two guest bedrooms. Just above this place where I am standing the ceiling came down because of a roof leak.
This is the guest bathroom. Pink counters and floors.

This is the first bedroom you come to. It wasn't bad. It's a nice size. This room and the living room are the only spaces in the entire house that didn't have wallpaper.

The second bedroom was horrible. Wallpaper on everything including the closet doors and bright yellow walls underneath.

Wallpaper still on closets.

2012-01-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

This is the dry rotted facia trim that needs replacing. Backyard looking thru to the living room. We will put in two french doors here.
This is a view looking into the master bedroom. Web will put in french doors.

We have a really nice backyard space. The two magnolia trees are tearing up the concrete really badly. Hate to lose them but thier roots are huge and everywhere.

We would love to put in a jaccuzzi here this firepit is someday. The firepit is overgrown with plants.

This is the backdoor to the kitchen which we will remove and make into a wall. We have to move the window too. The ledge is dry rotted and falling off the wall.

2012-01-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

I will never take for granted these amazing sunsets!

Sister Hendricks!!!

2011-12-27T13:07:00.001-08:00

Dear Family, September 13th 1976

You can't imagine how happy I am!!! My new companion (Sister Hendricks) is a worker! WE have done more in the three days we've been together than Sister Linn and I did in an entire week. I have had so many spiritual experiences. I know now what it means to be a missionary. We work every minute of the day and don't even stop for dinner! Sunday we had 3 people bomb out on us but we didn't get discouraged, we just started knocking on doors. No one was home. Sister Hendricks said< " I feel we ought to talk to that lady." I thought she looked mean but I said okay. So I introduced ourselves, and asked if we could tell her about the church. She said sure, come in and maybe my X-husband will leave. And he did! She has four real nice daughters. WE taught her, and I felt the spirit so strongly, it was fantastic! I felt as if I could tell her anything and Heavenly Father would have prepared her for it. She was anxious to read the B of M. We'll call back on her in a couple of days. Her mane is Rachel. The whole day , each day, has been like that. It just goes to show how the Lord will bless you if you are willing to work and be obedient. Sister Hendricks has already taught me so much. Later on that night we wer teaching a science professor, the spirit was there but he will do everything to fight it. He's so logical. I told him Heavenly Father gave him a heart as well as a brain. I remembered scriptures and passages I'de never remembered seeing. It was fantastic! There's no words for how good I feel, knowing she and I can really work. WE are doing a display on J. Smith at the college this week. 11,500 students at the University of Maine at Orono. All science majors! Yuk! But I love it. WE are also using the radio stations to announce that we are in town and a member works at a t.v. station so we are getting all kinds of stuff from salt lake. We're "Expanding our influence". I have to give a talk o what I'm doing to "Expand our Influence" in President Rozsa's workshop at Zone Conference. But I feel like I've done something so I'm not scared. I know the Lord loves me cause her sent me a great companion and he answers my prayers cause he sent home Sister Linn!!! I found out that every companion she had had big problems with her. I thought it was just me. Now I don't feel so bad. Anyways Sister H and I get along Great! She's not spoiled, she's from Washington too and goes home in Nov. But at least she works. I love you all very much and hope the Lord is blessing you as he is me!

Old town Maine

2011-12-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,
We had stake conference yesterday, the saints were really chastized. Boy were they ever. They were chasized for reverance in the chapels, (the mothers were told exactly how to discipline their children.) The reverence in the chapels is outrageous if I haven't mentioned it before. I've had a couple of investigators really upset about it. The were chasized about their home teaching, visiting teaching, missionary work, sacrament attendance and on and on. That stake President was really speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost. He can't seem to love them into doing their part so I guess he decided to shame them. We drove for 5 hrs. along the coast of Maine home. It was beautiful. We had an open house where all members were supposed to bring a family, one member did. But Sister Hendricks and I had a family there! They are the Rosso's and they are fantastic!!! ( They were later baptized! The whole family!) She has 18 month old twin boys, and two other children. We were tracting and my companion said, I feel strongly that we should knock that house. So we did, and they were so wonderful!!! ( He was later made Bishop of that ward) Those twins are terrors and should fit right in the ward. I can't believe them. We had quite an eventful open house. But it was really fun. The kids had a ball and that's great. The parents really enjoyed it too. I gave a short story to all the little kids while the twins ran around in chaos. They'll fit right in!

Christmas on Tondolea

2011-12-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

Do you kids remember the Christmas on Tondolea when we invited a homeless woman to stay for two weeks during Christmas? She was down on her luck from a divorce and just didn't have the money to pay her rent and so ended up on the street. What I remember most was how tired she was and how she would sleep forever. It must have been good to know you could sleep without worrying about being molested. But what means more to me now is how we came home from church one sunday and she had made a batch of cookies. She said," I hope you don't mind, but it's been so long since I've had a kitchen and all the tools and ingredients to make a batch of cookies." Her whole foundation of what she was and all she knew had been lost beneath her. When I want to complain that all my kitchen stuff is in storage and all my familiar things are not around me, I think of her and that she ended up with nothing at all. She was someone just like you or me. We have alot to be grateful for don't we.
Love and merry christmas to my little one so far away,
Mom

THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN DAVID ARCHELETTA IN CONCERT....

2011-12-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

Jamie and David Archeletta

2011-12-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

IS JAMIE WATCHING DAVID ARCHELETTA!!!

Old Town Maine

2011-12-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,
Tomorrow is my one month anniversary and my companions one year anniversary. Quite a contrast! I've had a very succesful week. WE went on a follow up referal to see some people, "the Tjadens" and all went great. They could really feel the Spirit and so could I. They came to Church yesterday and the ward was really good about friendshipping them. Our lesson was on temples. The were impressed. We are giving them a FHE tonight. I'l let you know hgow they come. The Sleeping Beauty ( An old man who fell asleep after we asked him to say the closing prayer. We waited and waited for him to speak. We thought he was emotional after our spiritually amazing lesson. Finally we cleared our throats and asked if he was okay, which woke him up. It seriously had been 10-15 minutes of waiting and not knowing what to do.) is no longer on our investigator list. He's 66 years and his wife died in January. He is dating a methodist. She's the secretary for the church. He thinks it's more important to be in the same religion as your wife than to be in the true church. He doesn't like the least bit of contention. Oh well! WE went to the University of Maine Weds. and Thurs. and had a display on "Christ in America". We taught 22 discussions. Alot were interested and alot felt they couldn't possibly accept a Christ on an intellectual basis. It's interesting to watch the different groups of professors puffing on thier pipes, discussing what looks to be life and death subjuects, and yet they walk by the displays and grin or snicker. The will sure be shocked at the last day! Tell Brother Barlow that I met a girl in the mission home who knew his son inBrazil. She said he was one of the very best missionaries in that mission. He'll like that. Send me the Parkers address. And PLEASE send me my seminary Bible, A marvelous Work and a Wonder can wait. No time. You haven't told me what your gob in the church is dad. Do you have one? How are things working out for Steve and Cheryl? Are they all there yet? What was wrong with the truck? I sure hope ;you are all happy. How's my little kids, Chris, Stacy, Kari? Kent and Lisa had better write and twll me all ab out thier vacation. Jamie how did you and Shauna like Utah? Prety homsick? How did you get off work? Are you two still workign at the Pippin? Everyone up here is running around getting their years supply in. They are allscared because of thelast conference talk about food storage. Ou may have tosend me food next April. Ha!
Is Mark going on a mission now? I hope those tow boys can handle it. It's not easy by any means. What a responsibility! I have headaches all the time from studying and worying too much. Well mama sitta, you-taka- good-care-a-my-familia! I love youall very much and she a few tears not and then.
P.S. The churches around the town close for the summer. Sister Briggs and I are going to move in as Mormon Missionaries!
Love, Suzie

old town maine

2011-12-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,
It's been two weeks out in the field and I don't have any mail yet. Let's get movin'! Each day I go through a period of ups and downs. We went to a family's house and they want to hear the discussions, also a little old man who just lost his wife wants to hear them also. With faith and hard work I pray we will baptize them both. The one ward up here is small, noisy, and generally not too enthusiastic. But it will be a slow process to build up the church here. Most everyone is strong catholics or methodists. Everyone loves thier pastors and reverands. The town has probably got the same families living here since Columbus. Everyone knows everyone else's relatives. But we don't get too many doors slamed in our faces. Everyone is pretty friendly. My love for the Lord has strengthened from having to depend on Him. I hope to develop a close relationship with Him. I'm afraid I've been terribly homesick this last couple of days. How is the Bishops wife? Did you sell the truck? What do you hear from Chuck? I miss the strength of the ward. It's so important to help the missionaries fellowship non-members. That's how we get people into the church. Lisa I sure miss you. Why don't you write me? There was a spider in the tub the other night. I killed it! Shall I send it home to you? Hey Kent, are you pretty excited to go to Grandpas? I know Grandpa is excited for you to go. Are you still being a good Mormon example for your friends? It's important for you to be- you know. How did your talk go at church dad? And what job did they give you? What are you doing Jamie? Any church jobs yet? Any young men home from BYU? And what about you Shauna? Are you two girls behaving?
Mom, are you out of your mind with worry? Don't be. You'll do a great job. I love you all. But I won't if you don't write to me. That's not even nice.
Love, Sister Knudsen

My first letter from Old Town, Maine

2011-12-08T13:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Family,
Well, here I am in Old Town, Maine! I've just memorized the Joseph Smith Story. People say I am doing really well, but I don't feel like it. I wish I had everything memorized already, then I could just go out and do the work. If you could see it up here mom, you would just flip. It's just beautiful everywhere you go. The plane ride wasn't so great. Boston was great. So exciting! Friday I wnt to a guge park in the middleof Boston called, "The Boston Common". They used to hang people there. WE set up a display on "Christ In America". It's called street boarding. I taught about 10 discussions. I was really neat. On the subway we had to sell our Book of Mormon and get rid of 3 pamphlets in a matter of 10 minutes. I didn't sell my book, but I got rid of my pamphlets. Saturday I rode the bus for 7 hours. I didn't even throw up. WE went through Massachussets, New Hampshire, and most of Maine. It was so beautiful and the coast was just so charming. Old colonial towns and over. The ward I'm in is very small but pretty good mormons. I don't like having to talk and smile at everyone. I'll learn I guess. My companion is Sister Briggs. She's very nice, very quiet. This is the first time she has been a senior companion. She doesn't know how to train very well. We haven't gone out tracting or anything. Just visiting families. I dont like to sit for hurs visiting people I don't know. Things will be different when I'm a senior. WE talked over some ideas for a FHE display and she thought that might be great.
How is everyone? Tom, you wouldn't believe how much work this is mentally. Your'e so lucky to have that program for missionaries. It will help you so much! Lisa, do you miss me terribly? Porr little thing!!! Ha! There's a real cute little boy in this ward who would like to marry you. Ha!Ha! How's fishing Kent? Do you still like that little girsl across the street? Are you saving your money J & S? The bank may be calling mom or dad. I have to have 175.00 a month so I wrote them. It's very expensive. I have to pay 25.00 a month for the car, 25.00 a month for gas, 75.00 a month for rent,plus phone, pamphlets, BofM, etc. I told them I didn't want a car but they don't seeem to understand. I've lost over 5 lbs. so far and hope to stick with it. Well, be sure and write soon. ALL of you!!
Please send me my Bible, and Marvelous Work and a Wonder.
See you all in a year and a half!

Mission letter home Old Town, Maine

2011-12-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Family,
I feel proud this morning, I khave 2 of my discussions memorized. It's so hard and I feel like I'll never be finished but I have 2 down and 6 to go. It's a start right? It's hard to keep your enthusiasm and optomistic attitude when there is no one you are teaching and no real prospects for baptism. You go out all day and every one in these wmall towns are competely happy with their lives. The families are usually close by so they don't feel a need for Family home evenign, but then you begin to read the scriptures and you see what truth you have, and you want to tell them about it. The only tool you have in this town is the Spirit of the Lord. To bear a testimony with the power of that Spirit will get you in to teach. I've been doing that in a small way, but it will increase.
The weather here is so much like oregon, but not so much rain. The humidity is great. You feel you can cut it with a knife. But my skin is real soft. My face is amazingly free of blemishes. I come in at noon and need to shower and redress because I am so wet from the humidity.
So what's this about Steve and Cheryl moving to Oregon? Where are they going to live? I hope you all try to get along well and remember that families have to be strong. I'm so glad they are moving up there. Thgey will love our ward. How do you like your new ward? You didn't tell me what jobs you all have. And another thing, if I can find the time to write once a week, I think you all should too! It's awful lonely out here all alone! Lisa and Kent, go to your rooms right now and write me a letter, or mother will punish you. Right mom? If you talk to Nancy before I write to her, tell her to send me a picture of my little Jessa. She said she would. I need one.
Well all of you take good care. And have consideration one for another. The family is the only strength you can depend on at times.
Love, Sister Suzie Knudsen

noelles new dress, lunch with the girls

2011-11-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun this thanksgiving. regan finally made it down to see the beachouse and the Bonners made the 8 hr. drive once again. They are so good to come see us so often!

beach with winsteads and bonners, facers.

2011-11-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

Facers scooters jungle

2011-11-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

Bonners scooters jungle

2011-11-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

2011-11-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

Scooter's jungle with the grandkds (Noelle)

2011-11-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

Heading to the MTC

2011-11-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

Dear family,
Well, here's your letter you've been waiting for from your lady missionary! Saturday Steve brought me to the mission home and dropped me off at the front door. The Sunday before that Rick & Nancy drove me to grandma and grandpa choates house in Kanosh where we spent the night. Rick talked me into going to Arizona with them and then get a ride back with one of his friends. We woke up at six and left at eight. Grandpa gave me some money! We drove 8 hrs. to Ricks cabin in Flagstaff and spent the night. Then we drove to Pheonix and spent the night. The next day we drove to Tucson to see Julie and Alan. That was great. Shane is the most beautiful child you've ever seen. I drove back to Pheonix and tried to see Ron Morehouse (old boyfriend) but he wasn't home. I went to bed only to get up again at 5:30 and drive back to Provo with Ricks friend. By the time I got to the mission home on Saturday, I was so worn out I could hardly stay awake the rest of the day.
These past few days have been the most exhausting days of my life. Up at 5:00 to bed at 11:00.
We sit all day and read, study, memorize! The Lord has blessed me with the3 most intelligent companion. She is blind. We are great together. I read everything to her, she memorizes it very quickly. She goes over it with me about 10 times! I feel so ignorant sometimes. We have been fasting from Sunday a full 24 hrs. until tonight Monday. We woke today at 5:30 and went to the Salt Lake Temple. I loved the beauty of this temple. After the first session we were permitted to attend the Solemn Assembly room. Elder O. Leslie Stone answered any questions we had on the temple. President Boyer (temple President) also spoke. It was great. Then we went back to the temple for a second session. Well, back to study.
Bye
Sister Knudsen
P.S. You are lucky to get this letter. There is no time for letters in the home. I snuck some time!

Letters

2011-11-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Family,
As you know, I am organizing all our family pictures from all our past. I am then scanning them onto my computer and then making a zip drive of them, one for each family. It is a labor of love and I think it will be a real treasure for all of you. I have also organized for each of you all the memorabilia from your childhoods including notes, school projects, certificates, etc. When I am done I will give each of you all the originals to do with what you want. I have already done all of dad, myself, Regan, and now will begin Leah. While organizing all this stuff, I found a binder that my mother kept of many of my letters home from my mission and then some letters I wrote to my parents while raising my family. Those letters are priceless because I always tell the cute things you kids were up to.
I am going to start to blog those letters so you can see who your mother was back when, so look to the blog each day for the latest update!
My love for all of you is because of the Lord's Plan of Salvation which I cherish more than anything in my life.
May He continue to bless our little family.
Love, Mom

Our visit to see Annie

2011-11-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun visiting with Annie, Cody, and little Gage!!!
Playing at the park...

Going trunk or treating...

and just hanging out!

He is so sweet and such a cuddle bear!

LEHI'S DREAM

2011-10-06T07:59:00.002-07:00

HOLDING FAST TO THE ROD- By David A. Bednar

Elder Bednar is fast becoming my favorite speaker/ writer. As I read his works I see a man who is searching and pondering in a profound way, the scriptures.
In the new Ensign he writes about Lehi's Dream. If you get a chance to read it, it is worth the effort.
What the scriptures have done for me in my life is described in 1 Nephi 11:22-23. Reading the Book of Mormon as a teen gave me the gift of God's love in a profound way. This Love is "most desirable above all things" and, as the angel in his vision declared, "most JOYOUS to the soul".

It is pointed out that the Tree of Life is the Love of God. To get to the tree we must be holding on to the rod of iron. The rod is the word of God. So, in order to feel God's love fully we must hold fast to the scriptures continually!
Elder Bednar says,"Let me suggest that holding fast to the iron rod entails, in large measure, the prayerful, consistent, and earnest use of the holy scriptures as a sure source of revealed truth and as a reliable guide for the journey along the strait and narrow path to the tree of life-- even the Lord Jesus Christ."
"And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life."

I can testify, through experience, that this is true. I know that when I am earnestly studying and pondering the scriptures that I am happiest, most content, and able to feel the presence of the Lord in my life through the Holy Ghost.
This is a good reminder for me as I have not been as earnest as I need to be, especially under the present challenges before us.
I love the gospel and the wonderful men and women who lead us by thier faith and testimony! I needed to read this and commit to putting the Lord first in my life by study and prayer and pondering.

Currituck lighthouse Outer Banks, North Carolina

2011-10-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Jamestown and Yorktown

2011-10-01T10:40:00.001-07:00

Phil buys Kathi a piece of jewelry

2011-10-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

A new ring!

WILLIAMSBURG

2011-10-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Courthouse

Mom and Dad

Kathi and Phil

Governors Palace

Carriage

Carriage ride

Beautiful shopping/dining area.

See the Oxen

House of Burgiss

clearwater beach 2

2011-09-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some videos of our day at Clearwater

Beach in Florida. It was a fun day, especially when

the thunder and lightening forced everyone out

of the water.

One last video of Vermont

2011-09-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

Trapp Family Lodger 9/19/11

2011-09-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

It was such a beautiful day. Here is the Lodge where we are staying. When I served my mission in New England, I always felt cheated because I was never transfered to Vermont. So here I am finally getting to see this beautiful state.

Dad got this picture of this church in the background.

This was a quaint little winery along the road.

Another covered bridge that was closed. 1887!

We actually crossed this covered bridge the one and only one!

Welcome to Canada!! We were just so close that we had to cross the border.

This is a home in Canada thaat we thought was beautiful.

A beautiful falls in enosfalls, vermont.

Our Trip to Vermont

2011-09-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are for our First Visit to Vermont, staying at the Von Trapp Family Lodge (which is run by the Von Trapp Family of Sound of Music fame). Beautiful rolling hills here, heavily wooded and reminiscent of Oregon - except that we are surrounded by these old towns, many of which date back several hundred years.

It seems everywhere you go, you see a white church steeple ahead of you with this gorgeous backdrop of trees.

Sunday morning, we went to Church in Montpelier (about 30 minutes drive from Stowe) - a nice little ward.

On the drive down to Sharon (Joseph Smith's birthplace, we saw a lot of damage from the storm Irene -- a number of rivers overflowing their banks and causing a lot of flooding and debris.

/Visit to Joseph Smith Birthplace in Sharon, VT

2011-09-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

After attending Church in Mountpelier, we went an hour South to Sharon, Vermont to visit the birthplace of Joseph Smith. They are a very nice visitors center there sitting on an 800 acre farm, where the family originally started (actually, it was the Mack's farm).

This obelisk is a single piece of granite, which from its base measures 38.5 feet (the age of Joseph Smith when he was killed. It is quite the construction feat, since it was installed in 1905 - 80 tons of rock, hauled by wagon from a quarry in Berre, Vermont which is 25 miles to the North.

The grounds around the monument are beautiful and sited on the farm is a ward building for the local congregation.

Woodstock, Vermont- Sunday Sept. 18th 2011

2011-09-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

After visiting the Joseph Smith Memorial in Sharon, we traveled South to Woodstock, a beautiful old historic city, voted the most beautiful city in the United States (presumably by someone other than the people of Woodstock). However, it was very old and quaint -- everywhere you go in Vermont, you see these lovely little cities, many with covered bridges. Hurricane Irene did some real damage in Vermont, destroying a number of these old covered bridges (which you can see above) and inundating the towns with flood waters. Most of the aftermath of the storm has been cleaned up, but a number of bridges are badly damaged.

We loved this bridge in Woodstock -- took this late in the day after the sun had set. Above is the backend of the bridge, with Mom (below) sitting at the bridge's entrance.

One of the many beautiful churches that we saw today -- apparently, Vermont is now a pretty liberal, agnostic state, but surely 200 years ago, it must have been quite the religious community - there is a church on nearly every corner.

Fors visit

2011-09-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

We had a fun visit Saturday with the Fors. They loved our place. Dennis wants to buy there.

ZION

2011-09-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Andrea has her baby

2011-08-25T16:35:00.001-07:00

Mara Jane - 3 lbs. 5 oz. 13" long. So small and sweet.

Laura, Kathy and Phil come to visit.

2011-08-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

4th of July Parade

2011-07-06T17:35:00.001-07:00

Looking up at our wonderful flag as it is raised.

2011-07-06T17:26:00.001-07:00

4th of JULY week with leqah and steve visiting

2011-07-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

AMI GETTING TO KNOW HER AUNTIE LEAH.

DAD TRYING OUT HIS NEW FIRE PIT.

let's help grandpa!

Monday night F.H.E. on the bluff

2011-06-28T11:22:00.001-07:00

Our new plan is to have FHE
each Monday with a picnic instead of Sunday dinner. A short gospel message and singing, and dinner. Fun!

Fun with the Betz Family

2011-06-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-19T14:58:00.001-07:00

Ami-Jane chomping on a gumball and loving her grandpa.
Happy Father's day to a wonderful, hardworking, and generous man!

Betz visit

2011-06-19T14:53:00.001-07:00

The Betz Family down for a famiy reuion of thier own. Phil looking a little bald after chemo, but still holding on to some hair and looking good. Johnny and little Grace trying to sleep on the couch after a hard night.

2011-06-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Darling little knudsen family. Wonderful bon fire. No grunnion hunt though.
Erin looks great!

mothers day

2011-06-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

A little belated gift from Becky. Cute and sweet and unique. All my babies on a small disk. Thank you everyone for all your kindnesses.

CATALINA ISLAND

2011-06-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today dad and I decided to take a trip to Catalina Island. It was a perfetly beautiful day!

We had alot of fun. We rented a golf cart for two hours and saw the Island with all the views of the sea below.
We hiked up to the Wriggly Memorial. We checked out a super fun looking Zip line that we vowed to try next time we go there.
We left at 9:50 am and returned at 5:40 pm.

We thought how fun it would be to take our family there for a day and take everyone on the zip line!

ALMA 38:9

2011-05-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

"AND NOW, MY SON, I HAVE TOLD YOU THIS THAT YE MAY LEARN WISDOM, THAT YE MAY LEARN OF ME THAT THERE IS NO OTHER WAY OR MEANS WHEREBY MAN CAN BE SAVED, ONLY IN AND THROUGH CHRIST. BEHOLD, HE IS THE LIFE AND THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. BEHOLD, HE IS THE WORD OF TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS."

This is interesting to me in light of a recent lecture I just watched concerning christians and mormons and if mormons are saved by the grace of christ. Here Alma testifies of that very truth, yes, right here in the Book of Mormon a prophet of God testifies that it is not by ourselves and our works that we are saved or by any other means. We are saved by the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Mothres Day in Arizona

2011-05-08T19:30:00.001-07:00

It was so great to see everyone. I haven't seen Alan in ages. Everyone looks great.

Kelly and Melissa davis

2011-05-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

ALMA 38:5

2011-05-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

Alma 38:5
"...as much as ye shall put your trust in God EVEN so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

I like this because it tells me that the measure of my trust in God is the measure of my peace. If I, through prayer and meditation, first thing in the day, can "let go" of my troubles and turn them over to God through trust, then am I delivered to a day of peace and progress. Do the best I can, do all I am capable of, and turn the rest over to my trust that God will do the rest, the part I have no control over. LET GO AND TRUST

Beautiful clear day in D.P.

2011-05-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

This is dad's view from his office!

These are the upstairs bedrooms.

This is Catalina Island!

Here is Catalina Island on this beautiful , clear day! And, of course your mother and grandma.

Dining room

Breakfast room

This is the living room.

Front of house.

Kitchen.

Funny atrium.

Master sliding glass door.

Master bedroom.

Back patio.

This is the loft which is dad's office. He has quite the view of the ocean from here!

Perth Bay

2011-04-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Finally! Guess who found my camera? Oliver! I walked in to the family room and there it was sitting on the couch. I said, "Where did this come from?" Oliver said it was stuck inside the couch and he pulled it out. YAY!!!

So here is a picture of what I see every evening at sunset. On the next really clear day I'll show you how clear and nice we can see Catalina, and on the next really, really nice day, I'll show you a picture of San Clemente Island too.

I really LOVE it here!

Alma 30- Korihor

2011-04-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

I have been reading this morning in Alma about Korihor, the anti-christ and love what Elder Henry B. Eyring said about him.
"Korihor was arguing, as men and women have falsely argued from the beginning of time, that to take counsel from the servants of God is to surrender God-given rights of independence. But the argument is false becasue it misrepresents reality. When we reject the counsel which comes from God, we do not choose to be independent of outside influence. We choose another influence. We reject the protection of a perfectly loving, all-powerful, all-knowing Father in Heaven, whose whole purpose,as that of His Beloved Son, is to give us eternal life, to give us all that He has, and to bring us home again in families to the arms of His love."

Just for today, let us choose the influence of our Lord and Savior, not the other son!

Mom

Easter

2011-04-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry kids that there are no pictures. I have misplaced my camera in the move and fear it will be sometime before I find it. I want you to know of my love for and my belief in the resurrection on this Easter morning. I have always felt an absence of fear where death is concerned. Maybe it is a gift I recieved with my testimony of the restored gospel, but death to me is peace and progress. I only fear I have not lived up to my knowledge and testimony. That is something I can continue to work on and of course will pursue. But death in itself is something I don't fear and don't believe I will fear when the time comes. I have always had a testimony of the plan of Salvation presented by the Son of God. I LOVE the Plan of Salvation which of course includes the resurrection, judgement, and eternal reward. I want you to know this on this Easter morning and pray you will teach this to your dear children.

HAPPY EASTER,
MOM

Disneyland

2011-03-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

So much work but well worth it!!!

Disneyland

2011-03-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Good times with my family! It's sooo good to have Laura back!

Chelsea with her babies

2011-03-27T18:55:00.001-07:00

family reunion- pool fun!

2011-03-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

The one and only time we all had at the Gould house. 11-21-2010 to 4-7-2011.

laura's homecoming

2011-03-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

We got to the airport for Laura's homecoming so anxious to see her again after so long but had to wait 2 hours as she went through customs. I never took my eyes off the entrance for fear I would miss her first appearance.

So good to have her home again!

Ollies B-Day

2011-03-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Chelsea snapped some pictures of ollies 4th b-day!

Hawaii with Debbie.

2011-03-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

fun weekend with the Bonners

2011-02-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

Two happy little boyfriends and two beautiful daughters and one very sweet baby boy!

Lukes blessing day

2011-02-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

Luke was an angel on his blessing day. He was super good while we took a million pictures and he was still and sweet during his blessing. It was a quick trip but really wonderful! Carson was so happy to have all the company. He is so funny!

Fitness Ridge 1st week

2011-01-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

The hikes are definetly the most strenuous thing you do here. Todays hike was 8 miles. I did 6 of that. My feet sr=creamed at me the first 4 days. I massaged them and rubbed them whenever I got a chance. The first three days are super intense and stressful. You have to be somewhere every minute. The classes are 45 minutes each with 15 minutes in between to get changed if you need to or go to the bathroom. I drink massive amounts of water here because I sweat so much. My roomate is really nice and was very helpful the first week when I didn't really know the program. Things get much more relaxed on Friday and Sat. Today we have the afternoon and evening free if we choose. Or we can go to the graduation ceremony. I think I;ll go to the temple. Tomorrow is a free day until dinner at 5:30. I'm excited to go to church tomorrow.

Miss you all.

Love you, Mom

night time videos

2011-01-13T21:12:00.000-08:00

More shots of the backyard

2011-01-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

Pool is finished

2011-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

The pool is finished. Anyone for a swim?

Christmas morning 2010

2011-01-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

singing on christmas eve

2011-01-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

christmas morning

2010-12-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

Oliver's new bike 2010

2010-12-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

Our Family

My babies! Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

baby boy Luke- 3 days old

2010-12-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

Having sooo much fun!!!

Cake baking with grandma!

2010-12-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

First Noelle pulls up a chair, then Katherine, and then of course Oliver. We made Paula Deen's Buttermilk Spice Cake from her Christmas magazine. (P. 88) We had soooo much fun!!!

Noelle learns to feed a baby. (Gage)

2010-12-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

Annie came up to Noelle and asked her if she had ever fed a baby before and would she like to feed Gage? Noelle just lit up and scurried over. She really is just a natural with babies as you can see!

Noelle at Pre-school

2010-12-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here is Noelle at pre-school and with her favorite friend, McKenna.

Santa Monica with Carson

2010-11-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Carson's visit

2010-11-01T15:22:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful face!!!

grandma in a wheelchair

2010-11-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Grandma getting a little help from Carson.

Happy Birthday Becky

2010-10-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

It's our little Becky's B-Day today. She is 28 years old. I have to say that Becky has mastered the art of enjoying her life at a very young age. No matter what she is facing, she accepts it and moves on to find something to enjoy. I admire her so much for that. Love you darling girl!

Mom

memories from the Aug. family reunion

2010-10-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

Nancy's Birthday

2010-10-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

We had a little birthday dinner for Nancy at BJ's pizza in Laguna Beach a couple of weeks ago on the 13th. I got her a cake from "Nancy's Cakes and Pastries". She had a fun time.

Gage learning to crawl

2010-10-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

What a face!!!

Driving through arizona, Utah, and Colorado

2010-10-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMELIE

2010-09-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Has there ever been such a sweet little Facer girl? Amelie came to us just a year ago. She is so sweet and good and beautiful. Ryan and Becky and all of us are so lucky to have her in our family. Happy Birthday sweetface!

2010-09-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

I sure miss being with you. There is nothing better than being a grandma and cuddling a sweet baby, and spending time with my kids--NOTHING BETTER!!!

before and after

2010-09-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

It was great to spend time helping Annie make her house a home. There was so much more we wanted to do!

Kari fuhrman family

2010-09-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

It was really fun to drop by Kari's while in the Denver area and see her darling little family. Those boys are going to be lady killers!!

our computers

2010-09-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

YAY!!! We got a new computer. Bad news is that all my pictures were deleted on both my laptop and the family computer when they both crashed mysterioulsy during little Brian's visit to La Canada. Soooo no pictures as of now except what is on my little Asus. I will blog pictures after I renew my files!
Mom

This prompting is powerful!

2010-09-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

I had my first ever genealogy prompting and it was powerful. I mentioned to dad last week that it had been a year since Dee died. Yesterday I felt the need to fast after breakfast for a variety of personal reasons, I know, weird to start a fast after breakfast, but that's when it hit me. I was fasting all day and then through the night until breakfast Monday morning so I could have a real fast experience. So last night I started having this really dark depressing dream. I don't remember my dreams usually, but this one won't leave my conciousness. Kind of like the time I had that premonition about Leah but not quite that strong. So my dear Dee was stuck in a very dark, depressing place and forced to do cruel tricks with a colorful umbrella to earn her way. She was so sad and humiliated. I came across her by accident doing her tricks and told her she didn't deserve to live this way. She took me to her place which was tiny, dark, poverty stricken and dank. I said you are not supposed to be here. You deserve so much more than this! YOU are in the wrong place. I am going to bring you home with me and take care of you. There was much more to it. It was just filled with darkness, misery, and sadness. I haven't been able to shake this feeling all day long. I know I need to get Dee's temple work done so she can move on. I need to go up to the Gould house where all her information is still packed up and get it going. I am amazed at this powerdul feeling and message from the spirit world.

Big Bear 31st anniversary

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

What a fun and relaxing weekend. Hard to decide on a family vacation home in the mountains or at the beach. What's your vote?

My day with Oliver

2010-08-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

I went and picked up Oliver from Becky's yesterday after spending the day with them. I wanted to give her a break after 9 days with kids non-stop. I also wanted a distraction from waiting for the offer we are supposed to get today. Here is my day with Oliver.

Oliver fell asleep on the drive home to L.C. but came into my room at 12:20 a.m. so I slipped into bed with him to spend the night. He woke me up at 6:00 a.m. We watched Curious george, ate toast and had cocoa until grandpa woke up and offered to take Ollie for donuts. He took him over to the lot too where oliver tried to tell him he had to go poop. Too late, so he had an accident. I had no other clothes for him so I went to tjmaxx for shorts and a t-shirt,oh, and underwear. We watched a show on curious george learning how to ride a bike, then he helped me with some stuff I had to do for O.A. in Pasadena. Then we spent 2 hours at the kidspace museum where we found this amazing water play area I had never seen before behind the bikes. We had lunch there where Oliver ate an entire hot dog, fries and a lemonade. Then we had to play at the playground at the rosebowl for another hour. We had a Mc D's cone and now we are home relaxing. It's been a great day. I wish I had more grandkids closeby so I could do the same with them!!! Oliver had dried completely by the time we came home at 3:45. No offer yet.

A really good man! (recorded at disneyland for Laura on mission in Korea)

2010-08-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

In this world of disolving marriages, let me just let the world know that I am married to a really GOOD man. He brings cheerfulness wherever he goes. He works hard to be successful so he can bless his family. I may not agree with all he has sought, but there is no question in my mind that I have been blessed with a truly GOOD man. I am so grateful to the Lord for our eternal covenants and our committment to those covenants as we learn and grow old together and I love him so much. Thank you honey for all your love and patience. You inspire me to be better and more forgiving of humanity and all the flaws and weaknesses of humanity.

Suzie