November 8, 2015
Hi to all our loved ones!
This has been a great week, celebrating my 70th Birthday! (I believe in celebrating all week.)
Last week I spent a couple of days in Rexburg - having some Halloween fun with kids and grandkids, delivering cookies to Josie and little Atlas in their new house in Iona and to Tanner, Daniel, nephew, Logan Sant, and grandson Ben Godfrey and his fiancee, Aileen. I got to go to a Pumpkin Patch and witness a "Pumpkin Cannon," (which was very impressive) and follow Katie around as she supported Maddie in her Halloween party with friends and prepared for Kennedy and McKay's Birthday party on Halloween morning.
Sarah and Ted Schroeder arrived Halloween afternoon, so we celebrated with Ben and Aileen, Tom and Amanda and had home evening on Monday with Grandma Cox, Steve and Denise and Brittney (neighbors and also family).
Mandy and Shane and baby Meg came down on Wed. morning and we headed for Salt Lake and boarded a plane for Chicago, then drove to Mat and Jill's and met Kris and Travis there. The Palmers were all prepared for us. Lucy slept in her parents' closet and Liv slept in their room, Vaughn slept with his cousin Stockton on bunkbeds. (Stockton has been staying with them while waiting to go to South Dakota to start a job.) So Clair and I had Lucy's room, the Dallings had Livvy's room and Kris and Travis had a nice air mattress in the family room.
We packed a lot into those two days! Mat and Jill arranged for us to go to the "International Twirling Museum!" The fella who maintains it is a patient of Mat's and is quite the guy. He had pictures and letters and manequins and costumes and a supply house full of batons and plaques, which he gave to all of us. He was in the movie business and was a "best friend" to all the stars, including Elvis! It was so fun! I'll never look at baton twirling the same! Mat, I hope you will post pictures on this blog, so everyone can see what we saw.
We took a tour of Mat's dental office, which is so nice. And everyone there was so nice to all of us. He has a very pleasant place to work with lovely people to work with.
That night we all went to a dinner theater in Fort Atkinson called "The Fireside." The food was wonderful and we just enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere and little shops and then watched the stage play, "It's a Wonderful Life." We had to leave halfway through. Meg was not happy without her Mom, but we all knew the plot and how it ended, so it was okay. Thank you so much Mat and Jill for funding that night.
The next morning Ted and Sarah drove down to join us and the boys went shooting and Travis Klingler went shooting too - lots of pictures! The girls loaded in the van and went out into the country and to the Amish bakery, where we bought Amish goodies. We all oohed and awed over the beautiful countryside. The rolling hills and clean farmland and quaint houses are "charming" as Mat and I say. We met the boys at the Amish General Store and bought more goodies and souvineirs and then went to the Amish furniture store (expensive, but wonderful) and then on the the cheese factory for cheese sandwiches which included "picklelicious" and "3 mouseketeers."
Then we headed home to get ready for Vaughn's Baptism at 5:00. It was very well attended. Three of Jill's brothers and their families were there, along with all of us and many of their ward family and some non-member friends and co-workers. I had the priviledge of giving the talk on Baptism and the Holy Ghost and Jill bore a beautiful testimony, Mat baptized and confirmed Vaughn and the girls and I Liv got to sing "Beautiful Savior." Then we all went back to the house and Jill's brother Seth cooked pizza out in the driveway in his portable brick oven. He must have made 50 pizzas! (at least) And they were so good!
Jill had ordered some yummy gourmet cupcakes in honor of my birthday, and then the Klinglers, Dallings and Clair and I went to Coldstone Ice Cream, where Livvy was working. She made us all some yummy ice cream treats and made Grandpa a great malt! Back to the house, where Jill and Mat were having a great reminiscing time with Jill's family. It was a wonderful day.
We got up around 4:30 a.m. and got on our way to Chicago for our flight at 10:10 a.m. We got back to Salt Lake around 12:15, went to the Lion House for lunch, got home around 4:15 and sent the Dallings on their way, so they could get back for their evening meeting of stake conference. Whew! It was a great trip and it truly is "A Wonderful Life!" Thank you Mat and Jill, Livvy, Lucy and Vaughn for everything.
Please, anyone who has pictures, post them on this family blog, so they will be there forever.
Love you all,
Mom and Clair
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Reunions, Rodeos and much more!
Here are some pictures from this weekend. It was such a fun trip and it was so good to see all of you and we missed those of you that were unable to make it. Torrey
Sunday, July 5, 2015
July 5, 2015
Dear Loved Ones,
Here's the lowdown on all the family!
The Larsons have Jessica and Derik, Grayson and Isla with them, as the Atkinsons have moved from their rental house in Logan and are hoping to become home owners soon. Josie and Jeff and Atlas were down this weekend as well, and are going to be moving this fall into a rental house of Jeff's parents. We didn't get to see Dallin and Abbey, but I do have to tell you their latest adventure. Dallin was out baling for Shane one day recently, when he ran over a nest of ducks. He rescued one egg and put it between his legs to keep it warm (if I have my story straight). He took it home and when it hatched out, they became the parents of a duckling, who followed them around the apartment. Jen said that Abbey was holding the baby in her hands and it would slowly nod it's little head in sleep, when Dallin would yell out "baby duck!" It would come to attention immediately, and then drift off again, only to hear his Dad's "baby duck!" again. It is now on Old Troy Larson's farm in a rabbit cage, being watched over by two very curious cats. Uncle Hal said he would give them two ducklings, so "baby duck" would know what he is.
Amy's talk at girl's camp went very well. The girls came in shifts, so it wasn't just a one-time thing, but by what she told me, they got the right gal to talk to teenage girls. Sounds like Tanner is doing well, loving his job and enjoying dating a young lady. Whitney has less than a month before heading off to Massage Therapy School, so they are focusing on that right now. Kalvin and Lincoln had Scout Camp this past week, and Kalvin is working on getting his driver's permit this summer. According to Facebook, Jana had a wonderful trip to Washington D.C., but was ready to come home. Abbie has a job as a Dental Assistant, and I think she is still doing hair. I believe Will also has a couple of jobs and is going to school?
The Preston Palmers are busy working and playing. Stilman is working with Jeff's company, but has also enjoyed Youth Conference with Quincy and Walker. He also went to Soccer Camp in Ephraim, Utah a couple of weeks ago, but is now back to work. Quincy just got a job at Stoke's Deli, and will start July 13th. She will be going to Girl's Camp this week. Walker is working several jobs in his ward and neighborhood. Speaking of Walker, he was jumping on their tramp, when it split right down the middle, so they now have a new trampoline mat and a new swimming pool!
We spent the 4th of July with the Klinglers and Nelsons in beautiful Star Valley. The drive over and home was lovely and we enjoyed seeing where Karley and Dustin live and where Karley and McKenna work in Thayne (at a grocery store). We enjoyed the parade and lunch in Afton. We were also able to see Karley's horse that Dustin just bought for her. Preston is getting so tall, and Cooper is as funny as ever. Travis was in heaven, taking pictures of all the Star Valley beauty. I told him to build a lodge over there and we'd hold our reunions there all the time!
Just talked to Mat who is driving home with the family from a camping trip in northern Wisconsin with some friends. Sounds like they have had tons of fun in the water and on walks and cooking dutch oven, etc.
Livvy is working at Coldstone's and playing tennis, and I think she still volunteers at a horse ranch, helping special needs kids to ride. (?) Liv, Lucy and Jill are all going to Girl's Camp in a week and leaving the men at home. Lucy has a job as a "Mother's Helper," keeping little ones entertained while the Mom gets things done and just doing whatever the mom needs her to do. (Every mother needs a Mother's Helper!) She is also learning to golf, along with Vaughn, who is also playing baseball a couple of evenings a week. Sounds like Jill is the taxi driver this summer. Dad says Liv has not had one car accident this whole month! We're looking forward to Liv coming out the end of this month to be with us on Rodeo weekend and then on up to EFY in Rexburg. Can't wait Liv!
Travis and Lindsay were released as Bishop last weekend. "Well done, thou good and faithful servants." Travis took Jaren, Mason and Eliza on a 3-day backpacking trip. I guess they made it home safely; I didn't hear otherwise. I heard (through the grapevine) that the sale on their house fell through, but the Real Estate Agent put it on the market again and it sold within two days! I think the contractor is hoping to get them into their new home by the middle of this month. It's sure stressful to build and get moved into a new home, so you'll be in our prayers Palmers. We look forward to seeing that new home!
Old McFryar's also have a farm, with four 4-H sheep and a few chickens sprinkled in there with the sheep. They also have a dog-sitting business going on (mostly for no pay). Ben and Maddie just returned from their stake trek, which was held on the Dalling's Kilgore ranch. They said it was a great success. Jess has been working for Shane and learning all about changing out sprinkler heads, moving lines and tractors, etc. He is loving his job and loving making money! McKay and Kennedy are the babysitters, house cleaners and etc. for Mom. Ben has some more nit-picking revisions to make on his dissertation, but is still on track for graduation in August. The Fryars are taking a much needed vacation next week to the Oregon coast.
The Dallings have enjoyed having Shane home to do some playing and "honey-do" jobs, after getting the hay in. Mandy said because of the mosquitos down by the river, they ended up camping over in Uncle Bill's backyard. It was Mandy's favorite camping trip, cuz she took the baby home and got to sleep in her own bed! Will is working with Jess for Shane and is quite the tractor driver for an 8 year old! Shane made benches for Mandy's kitchen table and is on call for a few other projects this week! Little Meg will celebrate her 1st birthday this month. The kids are egging her on to walk; Mandy is not.
Shawn and Torrey are just enjoying Kanyin being potty-trained and little Maren growing fat and sassy and fun. She has crazy hair that just doesn't quit! Shawn built bed frames for he and Torrey's bed and a bed downstairs. They have 6 chickens - all still alive! Shawn can hardly wait til they start laying. He is buying a truck tomorrow. It has a double cab, is a 2005, with 105,000 miles, is a Dodge and is gold in color. Not his favorite color, but who says the Palmers ever get to choose the color of their vehicle? Sounds like they are doing well and enjoying their ward callings and being around family.
As for Clair and I, we seem to stay busy. My favorite thing to do is visit people. Every once in a while, I just have to make a trip up to Inkom to visit old friends. This past month, it was Cathy Johnson (who says to tell you all hi), Karen McNabb and RaNae McKee. We also went to see Uncle Var and Carol a couple of weeks ago, and this past week, I visited Aunt Pauline and Karen up in Thatcher. I sometimes go to the Heritage - an Assisted Living here in Preston, and attend Relief Society and visit with Karley's grandma-in-law and others. Everyone needs to feel remembered and loved. I hope you all know that you are remembered and loved!
Mom/Grandma
Dear Loved Ones,
Here's the lowdown on all the family!
The Larsons have Jessica and Derik, Grayson and Isla with them, as the Atkinsons have moved from their rental house in Logan and are hoping to become home owners soon. Josie and Jeff and Atlas were down this weekend as well, and are going to be moving this fall into a rental house of Jeff's parents. We didn't get to see Dallin and Abbey, but I do have to tell you their latest adventure. Dallin was out baling for Shane one day recently, when he ran over a nest of ducks. He rescued one egg and put it between his legs to keep it warm (if I have my story straight). He took it home and when it hatched out, they became the parents of a duckling, who followed them around the apartment. Jen said that Abbey was holding the baby in her hands and it would slowly nod it's little head in sleep, when Dallin would yell out "baby duck!" It would come to attention immediately, and then drift off again, only to hear his Dad's "baby duck!" again. It is now on Old Troy Larson's farm in a rabbit cage, being watched over by two very curious cats. Uncle Hal said he would give them two ducklings, so "baby duck" would know what he is.
Amy's talk at girl's camp went very well. The girls came in shifts, so it wasn't just a one-time thing, but by what she told me, they got the right gal to talk to teenage girls. Sounds like Tanner is doing well, loving his job and enjoying dating a young lady. Whitney has less than a month before heading off to Massage Therapy School, so they are focusing on that right now. Kalvin and Lincoln had Scout Camp this past week, and Kalvin is working on getting his driver's permit this summer. According to Facebook, Jana had a wonderful trip to Washington D.C., but was ready to come home. Abbie has a job as a Dental Assistant, and I think she is still doing hair. I believe Will also has a couple of jobs and is going to school?
The Preston Palmers are busy working and playing. Stilman is working with Jeff's company, but has also enjoyed Youth Conference with Quincy and Walker. He also went to Soccer Camp in Ephraim, Utah a couple of weeks ago, but is now back to work. Quincy just got a job at Stoke's Deli, and will start July 13th. She will be going to Girl's Camp this week. Walker is working several jobs in his ward and neighborhood. Speaking of Walker, he was jumping on their tramp, when it split right down the middle, so they now have a new trampoline mat and a new swimming pool!
We spent the 4th of July with the Klinglers and Nelsons in beautiful Star Valley. The drive over and home was lovely and we enjoyed seeing where Karley and Dustin live and where Karley and McKenna work in Thayne (at a grocery store). We enjoyed the parade and lunch in Afton. We were also able to see Karley's horse that Dustin just bought for her. Preston is getting so tall, and Cooper is as funny as ever. Travis was in heaven, taking pictures of all the Star Valley beauty. I told him to build a lodge over there and we'd hold our reunions there all the time!
Just talked to Mat who is driving home with the family from a camping trip in northern Wisconsin with some friends. Sounds like they have had tons of fun in the water and on walks and cooking dutch oven, etc.
Livvy is working at Coldstone's and playing tennis, and I think she still volunteers at a horse ranch, helping special needs kids to ride. (?) Liv, Lucy and Jill are all going to Girl's Camp in a week and leaving the men at home. Lucy has a job as a "Mother's Helper," keeping little ones entertained while the Mom gets things done and just doing whatever the mom needs her to do. (Every mother needs a Mother's Helper!) She is also learning to golf, along with Vaughn, who is also playing baseball a couple of evenings a week. Sounds like Jill is the taxi driver this summer. Dad says Liv has not had one car accident this whole month! We're looking forward to Liv coming out the end of this month to be with us on Rodeo weekend and then on up to EFY in Rexburg. Can't wait Liv!
Travis and Lindsay were released as Bishop last weekend. "Well done, thou good and faithful servants." Travis took Jaren, Mason and Eliza on a 3-day backpacking trip. I guess they made it home safely; I didn't hear otherwise. I heard (through the grapevine) that the sale on their house fell through, but the Real Estate Agent put it on the market again and it sold within two days! I think the contractor is hoping to get them into their new home by the middle of this month. It's sure stressful to build and get moved into a new home, so you'll be in our prayers Palmers. We look forward to seeing that new home!
Old McFryar's also have a farm, with four 4-H sheep and a few chickens sprinkled in there with the sheep. They also have a dog-sitting business going on (mostly for no pay). Ben and Maddie just returned from their stake trek, which was held on the Dalling's Kilgore ranch. They said it was a great success. Jess has been working for Shane and learning all about changing out sprinkler heads, moving lines and tractors, etc. He is loving his job and loving making money! McKay and Kennedy are the babysitters, house cleaners and etc. for Mom. Ben has some more nit-picking revisions to make on his dissertation, but is still on track for graduation in August. The Fryars are taking a much needed vacation next week to the Oregon coast.
The Dallings have enjoyed having Shane home to do some playing and "honey-do" jobs, after getting the hay in. Mandy said because of the mosquitos down by the river, they ended up camping over in Uncle Bill's backyard. It was Mandy's favorite camping trip, cuz she took the baby home and got to sleep in her own bed! Will is working with Jess for Shane and is quite the tractor driver for an 8 year old! Shane made benches for Mandy's kitchen table and is on call for a few other projects this week! Little Meg will celebrate her 1st birthday this month. The kids are egging her on to walk; Mandy is not.
Shawn and Torrey are just enjoying Kanyin being potty-trained and little Maren growing fat and sassy and fun. She has crazy hair that just doesn't quit! Shawn built bed frames for he and Torrey's bed and a bed downstairs. They have 6 chickens - all still alive! Shawn can hardly wait til they start laying. He is buying a truck tomorrow. It has a double cab, is a 2005, with 105,000 miles, is a Dodge and is gold in color. Not his favorite color, but who says the Palmers ever get to choose the color of their vehicle? Sounds like they are doing well and enjoying their ward callings and being around family.
As for Clair and I, we seem to stay busy. My favorite thing to do is visit people. Every once in a while, I just have to make a trip up to Inkom to visit old friends. This past month, it was Cathy Johnson (who says to tell you all hi), Karen McNabb and RaNae McKee. We also went to see Uncle Var and Carol a couple of weeks ago, and this past week, I visited Aunt Pauline and Karen up in Thatcher. I sometimes go to the Heritage - an Assisted Living here in Preston, and attend Relief Society and visit with Karley's grandma-in-law and others. Everyone needs to feel remembered and loved. I hope you all know that you are remembered and loved!
Mom/Grandma
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Maren June Palmer
Hello Everybody!
Just wanted to introduce Maren (pronounced like Karen) to everyone. We are all doing well and we love her to pieces. I posted lots of pictures on our blog and my photography blog. I will put links below, just beware there is a picture overload :) We are planning on attending the temple with Jana. We are so excited for you Jana and can't be there with you. We will hopefully be blessing baby Maren while we are there that Sunday for any that will still be there on Sunday. More details to come... Love you all and hope you are doing well! Welcome back to the USA Grandma and Grandpa. Can't wait to hear about your trip.
Torrey
http://torreyphotography.blogspot.com/
http://thepalmerpair.blogspot.com/
Just wanted to introduce Maren (pronounced like Karen) to everyone. We are all doing well and we love her to pieces. I posted lots of pictures on our blog and my photography blog. I will put links below, just beware there is a picture overload :) We are planning on attending the temple with Jana. We are so excited for you Jana and can't be there with you. We will hopefully be blessing baby Maren while we are there that Sunday for any that will still be there on Sunday. More details to come... Love you all and hope you are doing well! Welcome back to the USA Grandma and Grandpa. Can't wait to hear about your trip.
Torrey
http://torreyphotography.blogspot.com/
http://thepalmerpair.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
February 17, 2015 - Our "Welcome Home!"
Katie and kids arrived first on Friday afternoon; then came Mandy and little ones plus Ben Godfrey. Next came the Jeff Palmer family and then the Larsons, Atkinsons and later on that evening Jana, Dallin and Abbey and Josie and Atlas. Grandpa fixed two different kinds of soups from his new cookbook and I fixed Chicken Noodle, plus breads, ice cream and Valentine Cupcakes. I think I counted 34 that stayed in our house that night! The next morning, Grandpa made his scrambled eggs and sausages and I was in charge of pancakes. The weather was nice, so kids could play outside - what a blessing! We had enough soup left over that we had that for lunch and then pulled pork sandwiches and salads for dinner. Kids decorated Valentine cookies, made "love bugs" compliments of Jessica and played Valentine Bingo, with plenty of treats. We gave a short report of our mission to the kids and grandkids, Tom gave Clair a blessing (at the request of our stake president) and Clair gave me a blessing. There was plenty of visiting and a bit of game playing and by Sat. night, there were a lot of tired kids! I think I counted 56 of us on Saturday. Katie left for home Sunday morning and after stake conference and dinner,Travis, Lindsay and kids and Mandy and kids and Ben G. and Clair and I went over to visit Uncle Joel and Aunt Lois and Nathan and Mandy and family plus Jeff and Kimi and Jen and Troy. The Palmers and Dallings left for home on Monday morning. I hope we made some good memories for everyone, but especially for the children. It was a good weekend and we missed those of you who couldn't be here.
Love to all,
Mom
Katie and kids arrived first on Friday afternoon; then came Mandy and little ones plus Ben Godfrey. Next came the Jeff Palmer family and then the Larsons, Atkinsons and later on that evening Jana, Dallin and Abbey and Josie and Atlas. Grandpa fixed two different kinds of soups from his new cookbook and I fixed Chicken Noodle, plus breads, ice cream and Valentine Cupcakes. I think I counted 34 that stayed in our house that night! The next morning, Grandpa made his scrambled eggs and sausages and I was in charge of pancakes. The weather was nice, so kids could play outside - what a blessing! We had enough soup left over that we had that for lunch and then pulled pork sandwiches and salads for dinner. Kids decorated Valentine cookies, made "love bugs" compliments of Jessica and played Valentine Bingo, with plenty of treats. We gave a short report of our mission to the kids and grandkids, Tom gave Clair a blessing (at the request of our stake president) and Clair gave me a blessing. There was plenty of visiting and a bit of game playing and by Sat. night, there were a lot of tired kids! I think I counted 56 of us on Saturday. Katie left for home Sunday morning and after stake conference and dinner,Travis, Lindsay and kids and Mandy and kids and Ben G. and Clair and I went over to visit Uncle Joel and Aunt Lois and Nathan and Mandy and family plus Jeff and Kimi and Jen and Troy. The Palmers and Dallings left for home on Monday morning. I hope we made some good memories for everyone, but especially for the children. It was a good weekend and we missed those of you who couldn't be here.
Love to all,
Mom
Monday, January 26, 2015
When double chins are adored
Hello, Palmer family! My life hasn't been much more then cleaning up baby stuff, but in between, I find my reward in Atlas' laughs and smiles and daily chatterings. Being a new mom, I find myself taking at least five pictures of him a day and, naturally, must share them with everyone I know. It's crazy how much you can love something that screams at you half the time.
Isla, Grayson, & Atlas
Bath time
The blessing outfit Jeff wore exactly 28 years before!!!
A rough panorama of the family luncheon after the baby blessing!
Sunday best--ready for prayer
You will probably see some more soon;) It is fun to have such a sweet baby boy.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
January 4, 2015
Here a few pictures from the holidays. I don't know what happened to Thanksgiving pictures Amy? Do you have some? Please post them if you do.
I know that the Dallings and Fryars took some pictures when we were there for Will's Baptism the weekend of Dec. 6. Please post those too.
These pictures are of the Wisconsin Palmers and a few at Jen and Troy's when we gathered after Christmas to celebrate Mat's 40th Birthday. Good times.
Love you all - Mom
Here a few pictures from the holidays. I don't know what happened to Thanksgiving pictures Amy? Do you have some? Please post them if you do.
I know that the Dallings and Fryars took some pictures when we were there for Will's Baptism the weekend of Dec. 6. Please post those too.
These pictures are of the Wisconsin Palmers and a few at Jen and Troy's when we gathered after Christmas to celebrate Mat's 40th Birthday. Good times.
Love you all - Mom
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