Mesa Temple Lights

Tyia and Kattie

Nemo, Kattie, Madison

Kattie and Rich

Poppy and Nana

Jeff and Nikki

Although it was a cold night, we had a wonderful time, seeing the lights, hearing the story from Luke 2, drinking hot chocolate, and listening the the concert. Some were freezing and we found blankets under the seat in our truck to help the Arizonaites who had forgotten what cold desert temps were like. The spirit on the temple grounds is always so strong, and we loved taking the time to remember the story of Christmas.

Christmas Eve

I enjoyed all of my family being together for Christmas! If we didn't do anything it would have been ok, .......but we DID DO things.

We have a tradition of playing darts & we are a very competitive. I always buy about 30 small gifts, but things people would trade for. I usually take a part one of the Cost Co Bath Sets and wrap each individually. I get golf balls, pocket knives, watches, that sort of thing for the men, and I always something the grandkids would want. This year it was hand held games of Solitaire and Trivial Pursuit. So there is plenty to choose from. Oliver won the grand prize, a decorative serving bowl....very pretty.

Then we gathered around the table and enjoyed a Prime Rib dinner. It was fabulous. I was a little nervous to cook it, but it turned out so good. And of course we had the baked potatoes, Pistachio salad, green been casserole, rolls, and all the side trimmings. Dessert was pumpkin pie, or apple pie.

Then we cleared off the table and got the dishes done, and gathered around the tree and exchanged gifts. I am so grateful for my children. You are the best. Always so appreciative for each gift. You take the time to recognize the gift wrapping done with care and pretty bows. You are thoughtful when you get things for each other. A lot of thought goes into the gifts. I am so happy as your mom to watch you all enjoy each other, laugh, and tease, and love one another. The highlight was opening the package from Liz. We each got slippers, towels, & scrubbies. She couldn't let the box not be full so she included more wonderful hand made gifts for us. Everyone was anxious as the box was opened and the names read on each card for every person. How thoughtful you are Liz to do that for me and my family. A million thanks from each one of us.

Then more games and more snacks to finish off the evening. Oliver gave Nikki a game called "Things", or something like that. It was so much fun. We all laughed our makeup off and could hardly breathe we were laughing so hard.

Varce had to settle us all down to gather around the tree and read to us from Luke 2 the birth of Jesus Christ. And that is the greatest gift for us all from our Father in Heaven.

Then the Ritters headed for home, and the rest of us went to bed, with visions of sugar canes dancing in our head.

Hi Lappy

My laptop died before Thanksgiving..... hence, I have not been online for what seems like forever. Kattie and Rich are hardware brain surgeons and they brought my lappy back to life. I love you Kattie and Rich!!!!! They put in aboaut 11 hours fixing my dear lappy. Then, they had the wisdom to FedX it to me. I got it yesterday. At first we thought that was a waste of money because Kate would be here one day later..... but she would be carrying Christmas gifts in her luggage and knew that she didn't need anymore "stuff" to worry about. So, it came yesterday. Now tonight I was SUPPOSED to get her at the airport at 11: 00 pm. However, if any one has seen the weather reports in Portland, Oregon you know we will be lucky if she is here by Thursday!! The airport is closed, and all flights are cancelled until further notice. Even the police were sent home. Stores are closed and employees were sent home. So she is there, enjoying the beautiful snow storm. And may be a white Christmas with Rich and his family. And not with us... bummer.

You can google Portland Oregon web cams and see the weather video on the TV stations there. It is marvelous....

You can also see Idaho Falls web cams.... it is 3 degrees there this afternoon....!!

Thanksgiving week

This is the grateful week. My list:

1. My children, and husband
2. My extended family
3. My Savior, Jesus Christ
4. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
5. Living Prophets
6. Paper towels
7. Poop bags for dogs on walks
8. Hair dye
9. Automatic dishwashers
10. Christmas music

Sweet Goodbyes

We are experiencing a heart ache upon a heart ache. It seems the harder I try to do what is right, the harder life becomes.

I have a wonderful friend who lives in South Jordan who is fighting breast cancer. She just finished her 5th week of chemo. 2 weeks ago we had the funeral of one of my past bishops, with the fight against cancer. Bishop Black was the bishop who sent Oliver on his mission. My niece's brother in law is going through the anguish of cancer. It seems every which way we look there is some kind of disease inflicted on families. Some of those infirmities we bring on ourselves, and others we have no control over. But the cancer cells seems to be a common one we each have had a personal experience with.

Cystic Fibrosis is one which, thankfully, doesn't touch every family. Chrones Disease is not common in all families. But they are two diseases which our family deals with each day. Although we might not see it on a daily basis, it never goes away. It lingers in the shadows of our lives. We plan reunions, and menus and even trips to go eat Mexican food around these diseases.

Tyia has a way of putting into words my feelings as well as hers. She has the ability to say what I find hard to identify as what I feel.

I would like to refer you to " tyiahuntsman.blogspot.com "and read one of the most heartfelt blogs I have read in a very long time.

As we pay tribute to our dear Becky, who lost her fight with Cystic Fibrosis (also known as "65 roses") we think of her brother who went before her, with the same disease. We think of the fabulous music her brother David plays on the piano. He is a concert pianist, and is sought after all over the west. He has sponsored a benefit concert entitled "65 Roses" for many years. A local florist, who is aware of the dedication this family has to research on this terrible disease, always donates 65 long stem roses which are placed across the stage for David's concert. It is a sight to behold.

As we remember the loving heart of Becky, her siblings and her parents Garth and Rochelle, I can only feel peace, knowing they will all be together one day.

Becky, thanks for your example. We will miss your earthly body being with us when we go for Mexican food at your favorite restaurant, but know you will be there in spirit! We love you... till we meet again.....

Happy Birthday Oliver

You are in New Mexico, doing just what you love to do. Hiking, camping, and outdoors with your friends. We sang to you today on your cell phone, and thought about you and miss you.

Hope you are safe and having fun.

Happy Birthday to you!!!

Welcome November

Nov. 7th meant the last trip to Idaho to put our things in storage. The trailer wasn't very full but we were able to get all of Tyia's belongings out of her storage as well, so off we went.







We arrived in the Salt Lake Area at the end of rush hour on a Friday night. It was a near death experience at least 5 times. I had white knuckles and knew we were going to die! I know one thing is for sure... I will never live in Salt Lake City!



We drove to Layton and stayed the night. It was cool weather and we loved breathing in the crispness of the autumn leaves that were still lingering on the trees.

Saturday we drove onto Idaho Falls and went straight to our storage. The above photo shows the last of our things tucked safely away in for the winter months. We spent the rest of the day resting. We ate dinner at Wendy's, because I forgot the electric fry pan which mom had asked me to bring so she could cook liver outside for our dinner. It smells up the house too much to cook it inside. That may sound gross to some, but liver and onions is one of my favorite meals.














On Sunday we were greeted by Ashley and Hagen and it was wonderful to see them! That little boy squeezed right into my heart! He loves to play "fetch" with his great-grandmother. They both enjoyed it.

Later that day Varce and I went for a ride to see my beloved foothills. We turned onto a country road and found this herd of sheep being driven to another pasture. The 2 men, one in front and one in back with the help of 4 dogs moved this herd with the only sound was an occasional whistle by the men to the dogs . It was amazing to watch.

Saturday evening we had Christmas! Dad said no packages could go to St. George, so they had to open them while we were there. This is a rocking roadrunner from Mexico that Vicki and I got for them earlier this year. It will look cute in their flower beds, and the grand kids will love to play with it. Dad reminded me of a gift I gave to him a few years ago..... "Just more crap from the kids"! That's right, I gave him a cow pie with a clock embedded into it, and attached in gold plate was the saying, "Just more crap from the kids". I can't help it if Vicki and I are so creative!

On Sunday morning we headed for home. We took an hour and more in South Jordon the visit Shirlene Seare and her daughter Shannon. Shirlene has been my mentor for years, and I miss seeing her often. But it was such a blessing for us to be able to spend time together and get caught up on each others families and trials, and blessings. I pondered our visit, and our lives since knowing each other as we continued our drive southward. I hope I have been a small light in her life as she has been in mine. Her example, her joyful smile, always positive, and never failing love for her family and the gospel and our Savior and Heavenly Father. She is courageous beyond words, and such inspiration to me. Shirlene, thank you for taking so much time with Varce and I when you had such a busy day to face. I love you!








This last photo is as the sun was setting in Southern Utah. I took dozens of photos as we were driving home, and it is nearly impossible to pick only one to share. As darkness fell, the moon peaked from behind the clouds, and soon we crossed the Arizona border. The sky cleared and the stars shone brightly. We saw numerous falling/shooting stars. What a wonderful end to a beautiful drive home. When we arrived we found all was well. More blessings were given to us this day..... and on this trip,....and I hope I never take for granted to notice each one of them.

West Yellowstone

While I was in Idaho Falls last weekend, I spent a while with my mom teaching her how to add to our Webb Family Blog. So, she practiced on mine. The following is her entry. I am so proud of her to want to stay up on all the techno stuff. I love, love, love you mom!

While Liz and Rob were visiting Idaho Falls and to spend a week with us, we took a drive to Yellowstone Park. We saw many animals and we watched Old Faithful. We had a fun day in the part with natures beauty.

Grams and Papa

YES!!!

I am grateful for so many things, but today, 2 stand out. And both of them were at my house this week.

This sign has been in my front yard for a couple of weeks.

I find a great comfort in our little blessings, and knowing our Father in Heaven is aware of our righteous desires.

He finds a way everyday to reach out to us and give us a warm reassurance that we are not alone, He hears our prayers, He knows us and is with us. Everyday.

This was a sun rise a couple of days ago. There are not many things more beautiful than an Arizona sunrise, or sunset.

These Is My Words

I just finished one of my favorite books. It is the first of three. "These Is My Words" is absolutely one of the best ever! It is based on the early days as Arizona was settled. The places and times are real. The characters are fictional, but come from the journal written from the authors great grandmother. The author Nancy E. Turner is very talented. There are two books that follow, "Sarah's Quilt" and "The Star Garden". They are just as wonderful. So when you need to get back to basics and give thanks for all our blessings I suggest you read these books. I know you will love them as much as I do!

http://www.nancyeturner.net/

ps. Ivy is much improved. A shot, some medicine, a very restricted diet. She has an infection in her intestines. Weird! Rule #1 for all dogs is not to give them people food, and we never do, but her stool showed a high fat content from eating something..... it is a mystery to me where she got it, but she is doing much better. I am so grateful!

Ivy is sick

My heart is breaking today.... and it is day 3 since I have felt this way. My sweet Ivy is sick. She won't eat, she just lays and looks at me. 2 days ago she vomited a few times, but seemed a little better yesterday, and now today she is worse again. We have a visit to the vet in an hour. I dread the news. I love her so much. It is like having a child sick and I don't know what to do. That love is so much the same. She is a part of this family, as is Zoey and Ozkar.

They are just 3 more of my kids. And then my grandkids Millie and Sadie are as precious as Madison and Jack! Isn't love wonderful!! But I don't want my little Ivy to be sick. So off the the doctor we go.... say a prayer.

Done Jamm'in

39 bottles of Jam, 2 pies, 5 tarts, and 2 cups of berries left over for smoothies or yogurt, or whatever!

What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment, and the best sound is the "pop" of the lids as the jars seal.

Tyia, Thank YOU, for all your help! I love ya tons. Now lets go have a PBJ with the 1/2 of cup of leftover jam!

Jamm'in

Last June we picked wild berries while we were camping. At the time I put them in quart freezer bags and froze them in the fridge of our 5th wheel. They were to be made into jam, when "the weather cooled off".

So the freezer has been full of the berries, and not leaving adequate space for groceries. Yesterday, Tyia and I had the day off from our jobs and decided it was as good a time as any to get the jam done. I had the bottles, but needed a little pectin and sugar. So we took the berries out of the freezer and put them in the sink to thaw while we ran errands and to get the needed supplies.

Our little errands ended up taking hours, instead of minutes.... you know how that is.... We had a drop off for Deseret Industries, .... so while we were at the DI we went inside to look for books that Book Club will be reading in the next few months. As we perused up and down a few isles we recognized a few things that we had donated a week ago. Some of the birch candle holders Varcel had made. A green dish, a black coffee mug and plate, some kitchen dishes and a few more odds and ends. We got a kick out of seeing our old yard sale stickers still on some of the things with the DI sticker on top of it.

Then we went to the books. I found "Emma Brown", the one I had rented from the Library for Book Club, and while in my possession it was damaged, so knew it was once mine.

Anyway, I am getting off track of my story. We stopped at a few other places, Sprouts, Bookmans, the 99 cent store and Frys grocery store and then went home.

We found the berries thawed and started to make our jam. It was much later in the day than we thought it would be to start that mess. But the berries thawed, and we were ready to get at it.

We only got 1/2 of it done. We ran out of Pectin, and low on sugar. Tyia went to 4 more stores looking for pectin, and finally came home empty handed. After 7:00 pm Varce went to Bell road and 67th Ave and found pectin there... and since he was there, and since they were having a "case load" sale on some food storeage canned goods, he stocked up. That took another hours of us waiting to do the jam... so .....I made a pie with some of the berries and added a couple of apples to it, as Varce loves apple pie!

By the time Varce got back it was nearly 9:00 and we hadn't eaten dinner yet...which was a really good one, stuffed bell peppers and butternut squash...

So, by 12:00 midnight, Tyia and I were cleaning up the jam mess. But we weren't done yet, so we left much of the supplies on the counter so we could finish them in the morning. Our count of bottles of jam at that time was 20 bottles. Some are pints, and others are 1/2 pints.

But with what we spent in time, gas, and supplies (and the "case load" of groceries) the free berries ended up costing much more than we thought it would.... but after it is all said and done, picking berries, buying lids, bottles, pectin, sugar, (and shopping at other stores in the process) this jam is PRICELESS!!!!

Inspiration for today.

check out http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/

It totally, completely, throughly gave me energy to make today a better day.

I fell I prayed

I got to take a ride in an ambulance last week. On Monday I was at work, in front of the computer, and stood with my right foot caught in a computer cord, and went down onto the cement floor on my new knee. I was paralyzed with fear and pain. But cute firemen came, and darling ambulance guys, so it made my ride more bearable.

4 X-rays and an afternoon in the ER, I left with a brace on my knee, and a couple of prescriptions.

I spent the next couple of days with ice on my knee and elevated. I was too sore to even try to do some therapy.... and it was swollen. I just couldn't help but wonder if the "old girl" was up to going through recovery again. I can tell you, I am not!

Prayer is the most powerful medicine there is. I had a good talk to my Father in Heaven. Although I know He is aware of me, I had to spell each thought I had been having out to Him. I had worked hard, very hard, very very hard, to get back my motion, and not limp. I had struggled with depression, inadequacies and so many negative feelings over the last 6 months. I promised Him I would do what ever I needed to do with a smile. But I had to plead that my knee not be damaged by the fall.

In the ER I was told the bones were damaged but the Hardware looked great, and I have a piece of bone chipped off floating around in there. So, I asked to be healed. Simple Faith.

I had the rest of the week off, but was able to have company for the weekend, and a 2 day garage sale, and not be bothered much with an ailing knee.

Yes, our prayers are heard! And answered! We just have to ask.

Blessings

Varcel was proud to give Treyson Christopher Ortega, and Jersey Shea Ortega their blessings, and names. Saturday, after the 2nd session of Conference, our Bishop Edward Maznio and our son in law Jeff Ritter joined Varcel in placing their hands on the children and giving them wonderful blessings.

Madi, Jack, Nikki, Tyia, Tiffany, Brittney, Vicki, Tawnya, and a few angels witnessed the blessings.

Foolish questionaire

You know how some people send emails that are just the questionaires? Well, my siblings and all of their families have circulated one. I think you might enjoy reading what Tyia and Varcel wrote. The first answer is Ty and then Varcel's answer follows. Enjoy the insight of these crazy people I live with..... and love!

1. Do you like blue cheese? I have compassion for cheese that has the blues, but I try to surround myself with happy things.
Blue is one of my favorite colors and cheese is one of the staffs of life….how can I not like it?

2. Have you ever smoked? smoked what? I think I made some tires smoke once....and my camp fires always smoke...
Yes, but ah never inhaled.

3. Do you own a gun? I have a tape gun.....I want a real gun though .
This is my rifle, this is my gun = one is for huntin the other for fun, course I got one.

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Ummm...we never got Kool-aid.
As a member of management I was always supposed to drink the kool-aid but I never liked it.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? yeah considering the last doctor's appointment I had involved a very uncomfortable encounter with a glove....
No because they never keep them anyway.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Oh yeah, Ozker needs shaved...thanks for reminding me.
I relish them.
7. What is your favorite Christmas movie? Rudolph - the claymation one.
Any one of the Borne movies, they are good anytime of the year.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? now that I'm a Starbucks girl I'm trying out everything I can to find a new favourite.
I prefer to drink in the sunrise, it is a neat time of the day if u haft to get up anyway.

9. Can you do push ups? yup. I'm pretty buff under all this fat heh heh.
If I really wanted to I could

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? depends on the day, jewelry is a passion.
Depends on where it is worn.

11. Favorite hobby? making jewelry, reading, crocheting, making clay figures, making paper art, scrapbooking, making anything, playing with the rats (dogs).
Ask me when I have time for one.

12. Do you have A.D.D.? No, I don't think so, it's more like...oh look! Dust!
Yes, and subtract and timeses and goes intos.

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I judge others too quickly and I use the word "never" far too often and end up eating my words.
Oldfatdiabetic, (you said one)

14. What is your middle name? Jo.
Scott, there’s nothing funny about that.

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment that you are thinking about. I have a pretty sweet middle name, do I already have this CD on my ipod?, should I send my TV up to Idaho on this trip?
I should be doing something else, I should have napped longer and is porn bad if it is your wife?

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Diet Coke, Cappuccino, water.
Diet Coke, lemonaid and an occasional cup of bitterness.

17. Current worry? Am I ever going to see money in my savings account again? How the crap am I going to get all this packed up without Dad noticing how much crap I have???
How is Ty ever going to get all of that stuff into her own place?

18. Current dislike right now? People that aren't stoked about Gov. Palin.
Seeing how much junk I have.
19. Favorite place to be? Sunshine Cove
The glorious State of Uforia.

20. How did you bring in the New Year? sitting at home watching TV like everything other lame new year.
I thought we still in the middle of this year.

21. Where would you like to go? back to Alaska or the UK .
To my shop (if I had one) .

22. Name three people who will complete this: Pretty sure that everyone who would do it has already done it.
Never give up on those who have failed you in the past.

23. Do you own slippers? Black ones....will I ever get the wear them again????
Own? Yes would you like to buy them?

24. What shirt are you wearing? My awesome new nightgown. What? It's Saturday morning. Don't tell me you people are already dressed! (don't answer that Dad, you're a freak).
I’m on my third one today and people wonder why I want to leave Az.

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Haven't tried it yet. I found some awesome Zebra print ones I was going to get for Grams, but they wouldn't fit her bed....but that would be sassy! Zebra satin sheets! Imagine the possibilities!
I prefer something more holy, devil sheets are not for me,, oh SATIN, my mistake.

26. Can you whistle? most the time. Sometimes my lips forget how to work.
I know I have a pot belly but my sounds are more manly.

27. Favorite color? greeeeeeen! and that was my favourite before it was popular to save the earth.
I’m kind of a kalidescope man.

28. Would you be a pirate? Dude, I AM a pirate.
I have the flag, does that count?

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Whatever Nikki got in my head or whatever's on the radio.
Slip sliding away.

30. Favorite Girl's Names? Abigail .
Actually it is Tawnya .

31. Favorite boy's names? Cody (keep in mine these change as often as my jewelry) .
Dude.

32. What's in your pockets right now? well I'm not wearing pockets, but the last pockets I wore have Burrowing Owl feathers in them that I found at the zoo.
Watch, phone, keys, pocketknife, wallet, comb, golf tees, coin purse with $1.83, 2 receipts, shopping list, gum, toothpick, I could go on and on, who needs to pack around a purse.

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Ivy's freaky tail finger waggeling at me.
Something Tawnya wrote down: “I smile when I think about my sister, I laugh when I think there is nothing she can do about it”.

34. Worst injury you've ever had? broken heart - my body's been pretty lucky thus far.
The time I was coming down the hill into Scranton, Pennsylvania and got slimed by 30 thousand pounds of bananas

35. Do you like where you live? Absolutely not.
I don’t know, I have never been there long enough to find out.

36. How many TVs do you have in your house? Mom lied - we have 6, two of them are mine, but ones going to the garage sale.
I don’t have any but Tawn and Ty have enough to share .

37. Who is your loudest friend? Ivy, Zoey, and Sadie!
If I say I will offend the only friend I have.

38. How many dogs do you have? 1 - I know how to control myself heh heh heh .
See number 36.

39. Does someone have a crush on you? Nah, but I would have to leave the house to meet someone for that to happen haha.
The girl who owns my favorite name I hope.

40. What is your favorite book(s): Let's just say I have more boxes of books than anything else I own and I own a LOT of stuff hehehe .
Check (if it has a positive balance).

41. Favorite Sports Team? I hate sports, but I'll go with Red Sox and D-Backs .
Idaho Falls Tigers, they still play for fun, because they obviously don’t play to win.

42. What song do you want played at your funeral? Something by the Grateful Dead - it will go well with the tie-dyed you'll all be wearing.
"Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na, hey hey hey, goodbye".

From Tyia & Varcel

Tyia Turned 28 on the 28th

Happy Birthday Tyia!!

Each one of us have "the birthday". I turned 16 years old on the 16th. Oliver turned 13 on a Friday the 13th. This year, Tyia turned 28 on the 28th. We took her to Ajo's for dinner and inspite of the rude hostess we had a good time. The chef was very entertaining. Kattie drove from San Diego that day to be with us for the evening. We were so glad to have her. Then my sister, Vicki flew in the next day to join in the fun. We had family BBQ's and golf tournaments on the Wii. We laughed, cried, and walked down memory lane for each of us. It was an emotional weekend, and a wonderful weekend.

Dinner at Aljo's with Nikki, Madison, Jackson, and Kattie

One of the gifts Tyia had expressed she desired was a dremmel. So Varce gave her one. Last year she wanted a power drill, he gave her that, too.

I cut Vicki's hair and she looks adorable!

Thank you to everyone who made the weekend special and to join with us to honor Tyia on her special birthday.

High School Class reunion

Then?????!!!!!!!........1967/1968

My Junior year picture

Varcel, Senior year picture 1968.....so young, so in love, (so thin).

Now......

The girls went golfing, along with all the guys! Tawnya, Margie, Connie and Nancy. We had so much fun! The weather was fabulous and the company was even better.

I felt no pressure, as I hadn't golfed in years, and I just let go of my hang-ups and had fun. (Even when an old boy friend was in the foursome behind us.... I didn't care!) Growing up is so much fun. No inhibition!

So enjoy everyday.... enjoy your experiences, your family, your days will quickly go by, and then you will celebrate YOUR 40th High School Reunion!

Tawnya Webb, Bill Prater, Marsha Marley, Jennifer Young. The 3 of us girls were in Honeybees Drill Team together. Those are the sweetest memories! Bill, Marsha and I lived in Ucon, Idaho. We were in the same ward, same schools growing up....until graduation. We would get off the bus and stop at the little market on the highway. We would buy a RC Cola and pour a package of peanuts into the bottle of pop. (I could only do it about 2 times a month because we were poor).

Oh, I loved high school!! I would go back! And still do everything the same, because I have made the smartest move, and married a wonderful man! I met my husband on the only blind date I have ever been on, and "he had me at hello"! I love you Varce.