More Snow fun a week later. And it snowed this whole week!!

Neil & Arlo getting ready to pull me & maddie on an old truck hood!

Coco and

Dukati spotting for us

Jesse & Tanner on the big wheels trying to get in on the action.

Me & Maddie really tearing it up!

Jesse had his interview with the Stake President today.

Wonder what the outcome will be????

Snow fun!!

It's Snowing!!!

I'm not lying ~it's really, really snowing here! We just got done with our church Christmas party, went outside, & it looked like we were in the middle of a giant snow globe. Beautiful!

Our Cupboards

Last week Arlo and I worked for a whole Saturday on the upper cupboards in the kitchen. I like having them open but they were looking dingey and hillbilly. So we lined the backs w/beadboard (donated to us by Gordon & Sarah) and then painted them a nice peaceful white. Can you tell by this picture?
We also moved the stereo so I could have more room on the counter!

This is Pete the Pillow

Welcome to the new 2008 edition of getting to know your family and friends.

1. What is your occupation right now? Wife, Mom, Grammie Mimi & Deputy Court Clerk, Elma Municipal Court
2.What color are your socks right now? Brown
3. What are you listening to right now? Christmas music>
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Grapes>
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes (I took my driver's test with one when I was 16)
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Superior court in Montesano
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? YES (sorta K.M.)
8. How old are you today? 50
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? I don't have T.V. but if I did I'd watch Basketball (college not pro) or soccer
10. What is your favorite drink? Dr.Pepper or sparkling lemonade
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes but now I let it change it's own color!!!
12. Favorite food? Dark Chocolate
13. What is the last movie you watched? The Ultimate Gift
In the Theater: No
14. Favorite day of the year? anybody's birthday in my family. I love Birthdays!
15. How do you vent anger? I don't very well
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? My brothers Match Box cars before they got smashed.
17. What is your favorite season? Summer
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Yes
20. Who is the most likely to respond? ?
21. Who is least likely to respond? ?
22. Living arrangements? 4 bdroom home out in the country
23. When was the last time you cried? Lately I'm always crying. But I think it was last Sunday when Devlen sang all 4 vs of the closing song in Sacrament Mtg. with me. (It was a Christmas song)
24. What is on the floor of your closet? lots of stuff
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Mary (we've known each other since we were about 5 yrs old.>
26. What did you do last night? Went with Arlin to a single adult Mtg.>
27. What are you most afraid of? I can't say, it's too personal>
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? I really don't care for hamburgers
29. Favorite dog breed? Whatever Coco is and Lab (Dukati)
30. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
31. How many states have you lived in? One, Washington
32. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
33. What is your favorite flower? Lilac
34. Do you make friends easily? No, I'm very shy

I don't know of what significance this all is but I do know that I love you all. Hope all is going well for you!!! and, I hope you can have Peace in your lives during this season and always!

Swing Choir Revisited!

Jesse's home for the Thanksgiving Holiday and he decided to host another Swing Choir dinner. (We had many of those throughtout his H.S. Swing Choir years)But this one was above and beyond any we've done before! We had a turkey dinner with all the trimmings! We cooked the turkey and provided mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pies with real whipped cream, cranberry sauce, fresh rolls (the rhoads cheater kind) olives and fudge. the Kids really came through and brought tons of food! pies, cookies, salads, some really yummy yams W/ a pecan topping, sweet potatoes, more rolls, corn, stuffing etc. etc. We had about 23 swing choir kids there, add in their faithful director Laurie Holdsworth and Corynn came too. 16 Seniors graduated out of Swing Choir last year so they now have an all new group of kids (with a few returning)
Here are some pictures:





And here's the man that made it all possible!!!

Where's Jess? I didn't even get a picture of him..........(*_*)

Today is Grandma Norma's Birthday

I Love Getting Stuff in the Mail!

Look what came today

Last Thursday me and my friend Mary got together again. It was so fun! SHE CAME HERE TO OUR LITTLE HILLBILLY TOWN!! We took Gramma D out to lunch and then came to my house and I showed her around. We sat and talked and tried to figure how we could get the most out of our visit. Arlo had a mtg that night in Tacoma so, we decided to go to the movies there, meet him afterwards and I'd ride home with him. Then we needed to have some dinner and I suggested swedish pancakes like her mom used to always make us when we were kids with insatiable appetites for comforting home cooked food! (I don't think we ever grew out of that!!!) But, she'd just keep making them, and making them ........... and that's what Mary did and Arlin and I kept eatin and eatin. So today, I get this official Swedish pancake pan in the mail with the nicest card ever attached. I am so thankful she hasn't forgotten about me. I moved away from her in 1974 and we still think of each other as the dearest of friends!!!! Love you Mary :}

From Arlo

Often we are taught that being a disciple of Christ is difficult or a tough way to live, but if we hang in there it will be worth it. Sometimes living true to our covenants is described as a great sacrifice where we give up so much the world would offer us in exchange for this spartan life that eventually brings eternal reward. We even see beautifully done portraits of the Savior with sayings that indicate they are a quote from him saying, I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it. These are well intentioned by those who make them or have them but the only problem I see with them is that he never said that.
What he said was that we are to come unto him, all of us who are heavy laden, and He will give us rest. He invites us to take his yoke upon us and learn of him, he wants us to be his disciples. He explains that He is meek and lowly in heart and that we will find rest to our souls. His yoke is easy, His burden is light. No wonder President Monson at conference taught that we should and can find joy in the journey of life. Elder Wirthlin passed on what his Mother taught him about her philosiphy for life, "Come what may and love it". Elder Corbridge explained that living the gospel is the Way, that Jesus is the Way and every other way is foolishness. Mom and I love you all. What a privilege to be your parents, grandparents!
The Way

It's the Princesses Birthday

Isn't she precious? Here she is about 6 years old taking dance @ Teri Daneker's in Montesano. 21 years ago! Yep, our Nicole is 27 today. We are celebrating here and hopfully she will be celebrating this momentous occasion as much there.

Nicole is the one in our family who has always understood the gospel a little deeper. She's had a testimony from day one it seems. She's loving and kind and very forgiving. She seems to know when others are down and can help you pick up the pieces. She's sweet and good. She is married with two babies and another on the way! She has always been our dancer and her daddies little birdie.


Sorry you have to share this day with election day!!! Except....you can imagine all the balloons & signs and people waving are for you, wishing you a HAPPY DAY from us!! We love you so much and are grateful you are our beautiful daughter.

Look What we Got in the Mail!

We got a cute little package of Halloween treats from Baylee & Boston (made by their mother) I thought these spiders on (my most favorite) York peppermint patties were especially cute! Thank you for thinking of us!!!

You think you have GOOOOFY Neighbors? Look at mine!

We had a long visit!!

Nicole, Brydon & kids came to WA. for Brydon's younger bros. wedding. They stayed up in Seattle for the wknd of Oct 17, 18 & 19. Then Brydon had to fly home but Sis & kids got to come here. They were gonna stay till Thurs. the 23, but somehow we got to keep them until Tues. the 28th!!!!



What a glorious visit it was. When I got home from taking them to the airport it was so quiet it was deafening (does that make sense?) We miss the noise & the toys spread all over, the drawings everywhere, all the dirty clothes, & the muddy boots, especially the muddy boots!!! We went on allot of walks, played with the dogs (Logan adopted them as his, but I told him he'd have to share Koti with you Baylee Ellen!!) We went to the punkin patch, carved the punkins, rode motorcycles, played in grammies hot tub, checked out Jesse Wayne's many forts, read stories, ate, swang on Uncle Neil's swings, and had lots of visits from Whitney and Tyler. I think we are a couple of boobs!!! Yesterday I found a pair of little underwear left in the dryer that we now have as a centerpiece on the kitchen table.........there's a dried up bouquet of dandelions at the back door that I don't dare touch ~another monument~

Lynsie turned 23 today!

23 years ago our Lynsie joined this family. She has brought peace to our home. She is the type of person who wants to do whats right no matter what. She has always been uncomfortable around things that weren't good or right. She is our family angel. (bunny)

She is now married, has a baby boy and teaches pre-school. She graduated from the professional preschool teaching program at BYU-I. She is very gifted with music and writes, plays the guitar and sings. She is also an artist. We feel very fortunate to have been blessed to have her in our family. We love her very much! HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIN!

Here's What the bike will look like!!!

The Best 29 Years of My Life

Yesterday Arlin and I celebrated our Anniversary. He even took the day off! We spent the day in a different way then most probably would but we're different and glad of it!!! First of all we took his motorcycle into the shop. Mind you, it's the same bike that's been sitting in the garage for a few years waiting (and wanting) to get fixed!! We drove it to a little town about 25 miles south of us all the while discussing where all we could spend our day and where we could go out to eat and what we could do.......... We decided on our most favorite spot on earth, a little piece of heaven, our home! We put on our work clothes and started cleaning up our back-back yard (something that's needed to be done forever) ~you'll be proud of us Tone~ We built a big fire and started throwing stuff on! Then we built a cool fire pit. It turned out great and eventually it will have a grassy spot behind it where Grampa Arlo and Grammie Mimi will put the tent so we can have campouts w/ our sweet grandbabies when they come!!! At about 5:30 we went to Whitney's and she gave us haircuts ~thanx Whit~ Afterwards we got back to work. We wrapped chicken in foil, chopped potatoes in foil, and corn on the cob in their husks in another foil pack and threw them all in the fire. That dinner al fresco was better than any I've tasted in a long time and we ate it out by the fire, better ambiance than any Restaurant I can think of ***the stars were even out to add to the romantic atmosphere*** I sure lucked out when I said yes to Arlin. (Way more appropriate to say I was blessed beyond what I ever could have expected!!!) He is the true love of my life:)

My Friend

Look at my friend Mary's blog. http://ronandmaryinman.blogspot.com/ Last Monday
I got to spend the afternoon with her and her mother. It was a great moment for me. We started talking about 2 and all of a sudden it was 7 in the evening!! It was so fun to be with Mary and her beautiful mom. I will always love them.

My Birthday Present

When we were in Utah last, Jennie's cousin April took some family pictures of us (what fun we had!!!) This was my birthday present from Arlo. Which is what I really wanted!! Although he spoiled me in lots of other ways ~ like a new camera ~ Hooray! Here's a little preview. Amazing job April Thank you 1000times

Grant and Ronda are now Mr. & Mrs.

Grant & Ronda got married and Arlo got to perform the service. I love to hear his words of wisdom, he did such a good job! The wedding turned out very nice and we are glad to welcome Ronda and her girls into our family.

It Came, Went, and I'm Doing Okay!

Oh Yeah, I went and did it ~ I turned 50! It didn't hurt so bad. Actually, I kinda like where I'm at. (Except when my nephew thought being 28 was OLD!!)

There's too many good things in my life that I just wouldn't have if I weren't 50! Like being married to this beautiful man for almost 29 years! (Oct. 2nd) My amazing, action packed, fun children and their spouses, with So many awesome memories I would never trade..........
Or having 5 (almost 6) wonderful grandchildren!!!!

Our cool neighbor showed up at a party Arlo had for me. (He's got the gold chain the chest hair, the GQ shades ~perms next~ ???)

All the party animals in my backyard!

A Crazy Week!

This is my first week of teaching Seminary. I have an awesome group of kids and we are studying the New Testament. I thought the Book of Mormon would be my favorite but I have a feeling I'm going to like teaching this way better. The Savior is & was amazing. The most amazing thing I've learned so far (or realized) is that the Atonement is done! It was done before you or I even set a toenail on this earth! Before we were even born the Savior decided he wanted us in his kingdom with him forever!!!
Also, this week I have been working all by myself at the court office. The girl I work with is gone on vacation. I pray I'm doing okay!!!!
One more thing, April has posted some of our pictures on her blog.......hope she doesn't mind me doing this ~ here's her URL ~ Go look at our pictures :)

http://thestettlerfam.blogspot.com/

I thought I was immune to these but guess what, I got tagged by Jenny Baxter

Jen said...
Yes, your kids really are pretty amazing. I saw Nichole's post while you were down there - did you get my happy birthday message?

Oh, and by the way I just tagged you.
3 joys
3 fears
3 current obsessions
3 surprising facts

Then you tag at least three more people. Have a great day!


3 joys
Arlin for 29 years in October
My kids & kid-in-laws
My Grandbabies

3 fears
I'm all of a sudden afraid of cougars!!
Losing someone I love
Messing up @ my new job :\

3 current obsessions
(I have too many of these)
I HAVE to always rotate everything, like towels or dishrags or washcloths or underwear ~the clean always HAS to go to the bottom of the drawer.
I HAVE to organize silverware in the dishwasher
I HAVE to have hand sanitizer around and I use allot of it!!!!
(okay so I'm wierd)

3 surprising facts
My daughter Nicole is having a girl (surprise!!)
I am turning 50 this birthday!
I like spiders, snakes & bats

Now I will tag
Denise
Sherry
Mary Alice

Life just gets Better and Better

Arlin & I went to the High School football game tonight. It felt very strange. But I have some kids I was anxious to see in various activities. Drill team, swing choir & on the football team. We stayed till after half time and then started to wander towards the car but got stopped by some friends we hadn't seen in a while and talked with them through the remaining half of the game!!! (I'm not sure who won, we left with 3 min. to go) It was fun being out in the cool air (no rain!!!) with the huge crowd.

Wednesday morning the 3rd we got up at about 4:30 and made the long trek home from Utah. We got a wild hair up our noses and left early Saturday a.m. to go visit the kids and Grandbabies. We packed as much as we possibly could into those few days we were there. We went to Lynsie & Ken's church mtg and heard them speak. We shopped, had a birthday party for Boston, got our family pictures taken, celebrated my birthday, visited the school and classroom where Lynsie will be teaching and rolled around the house with the grandbabies!!! We hated to leave...........

Now, looking forward ~ Seminary starts this Monday. We will be studying the New Testament. It's going to be a great year.

Check out my kids on their blogs, they're amazing!!

There's Nothing Better than Family

I still don't have a camera, so our Jennie darling took tons of pictures! I don't think she minded too much (she had a fun new toy)

This mini reunion kinda evolved. First we knew Sis was coming cause Brydon was going with his brothers on their traditional hike. So Sis and kids spent a week with the Skeem's while he was gone and then came up here to spend a week. Then my sweet Crystal calls and says she's coming to stay while Nicole is here, could she stay with us and by the way my Mom's coming too!

OF COURSE THE MORE THE MERRIER

Then, I told Jennie that Crystal and Denise were going to be here (Jen's never met them) If she wanted to come she would be welcome too!

So, Nicole, Kamdin, Logan get here Sunday night.


Crystal and Noah get here Thursday. Anthon, Jennie, Baylee, & Boston get here in the wee hours Friday morning and Denise gets here Friday afternoon! (plus toss Whitney and baby in a few of those days) and It got a little squeezed in here but not too bad. I wouldn't have traded it for anything!!

(We did terribly miss Nin & fam though)



Friday night we went to Grandma D's. Got lots of pics and looked at her poetry and Geaneology.



Saturday morning Arlin and Tone went on a motorcycle ride.


Then some family members came and we had a potluck down at Mom's campground.


Sunday Denise and Crystal got up early and fixed us a delicious breakfast. (put that on the kitchen blog Crystal) We went to church and then Neil took Denise and Crystal and Noah to the airport.

Thank you for coming!! I love you and I really needed that visit!

Monday I had to work ~it rained~ the kids kinda lounged around here. Tone and Jess went on a ride together. Then we all went out to eat.

Tues. everyone left..........
But Jesse stayed here!!!!

Sad thing is, with Jen behind the camera, we didn't get any pictures of her beautifulness!!! We love you tons darling!