What's been happening in my life?

The last few weeks have been quite busy figuratively and literally. Matthew and his family gave me a surprise visit. I was a convient but glad place to stop on their way to Walla Walla. Both Marquis and Daniel had an event to attend. They arrived early on April 25. As they are Vegans, I made a delicious dinner they could enjoy. My baby girl changed a bunch. She is cruising. Fun to watch and quite entertaining.

The boys loved their new room. I switched the bedrooms around and put two beds in the big bedroom for them and put my bed in the smaller room. Now they have much more room to play. Daniel didn't want Marquis sitting on "his" bed. He didn't have one of his own before now. I decorated it all out with beding from "Cars". Marquis' is done in Sponge Bob. Kymberly kept them both busy keeping her out of their stuff and wanting in when they were painting. They can do that now and not be out under foot.

It was a wonderful visit. I had planned on going to their home for Angie's Birthday May 7 but she called and said Marquis was sick stay HOME. So I did. I have had enough sick to last me a very long time.

Here is their new family portrait .

Such a sweet bunch of flowers for my heart.

In case I didn't mention, on April 10 I got to be a Great Aunt again. Her name is Madison Elaine Bjorkson. She is my Neice, Jamie's Baby girl.

On May 3, I attended my double cousin's second marriage ceremony. It was lovely. Steven's Mother is my Father's sister and his Father is my Mother's brother. Now are you confused? Norman Frye married Emogean Stubblefield and Sylvester Stubblefield married Peggy Frye. That help?

I still can't beleive that on his Wedding Day Steven made sure that my Mother was there. He used the Church's handicapped Van to get her and his father from the care center in Clarkston. It was quite a surprise to arrive and see my own dear Mother there. She and Dad helped raise Steven and his brother and sister. His mama was sick a lot so they spent not just days but weeks, months, even years with us. Our family swelled from 6 to 9 whenever they were living with us. Quite a lively and wonderful time we had together. Being the oldest I did quite a bit of babysitting. How I love my other Brother Steven, Sister Sylvia, and Brother Mike.

It was a lovely wedding. The bride beautiful and the groom quite handsome. Fortunately, I don't intimadate too easily. There was a woman there who pushed everyone out of the way cause she was the "formal" taker of pictures. I took pictures any how and it turned out good that I did as she had no film in her camera for the first half of the wedding. She also prevented Chrystal's mother from being in the ceremony and said she couldn't have her picture taken as she wasn't dressed appropraitly. Bull to that--Steven asked me to take pictures for Chrystal as the officail photographer wouldn't. I did and took many many others. Some I wanted, some others wanted, and some they wanted. Turned out nicely even if I do say so myself and I do.

Chrystal arrives.

Chrystal and the Father of the Groom and my parents.

Chrystal with Steven and her Mother and Sisters

The double cousins--Christy, my sister, Cammie, Steven and his sister, Sylvia, and in the back my brother, Bill. Mike was ill and couldn't be here.

Itroducing Steven and Chrystal Stubblefield.

The last members of a generation attend Steven and Chrystal's Wedding. Steven's father, Sylvester Stubblefield, Aunt Barabara she was married to mama and Sylver's brother Noland Stubblefield, my Father, Norman Frye standing behind my Mother, Emogean , Mama's sister's Saide Talley and Lydia Bly. So many faces missing and all because of cancer.

Madison also made an appearance. She was quite the hit.

Maddison with Grandpa Bill and Great Grandma Emogean.

Maddison with Mommie Jamie and Grandpa Bill.

I include this picture because it shows my Nephew Brian Frye and his lovely wife Molly. As you can see, she obviously with child. On May 8 Brian and Molly had a lovely baby boy they named Mason James Frye.

Here he is. He is a cutie. I can hardly wait to see him. Oh, by the way, Jamie and Brian are brother and sister.

I have rounded out my activities by creating a Wedding Album for Steven and Chrystal. It is my gift to them. It turned out quite nice. I hope they enjoy it and the memories it preserves.

What's next on my agenda you might ask? I hope to work on my flower garden and continue Scrapping. See you along the way.

Just for Laughs

First of all, I am getting well. After 4 weeks of this, I can finally do something other than stay home, watch tv, and sleep. Yeah!

Ok, My Daughter in Law sent me the following. I think we Scrapbookers will enjoy this little story.

Wife says to husband..."Look - I got invited to a 'party' and I won't have to buy a basket, orjewelry, or candles, or even another plastic container! This party is different because I'm going to MAKE a page for ascrapbook! I'm going to learn how to put all those "pictures" we keep in a box intoa photo album that will last lifetimes!"

The only thing I really NEED is a new pair of SCISSORS!!!!

FOUR YEARS AFTERWARDS what can be heard in the home:-

"How much can a pair of scissors cost? And why do you need an entirecutting system if you bought "scissors?"

"The photo album was HOW MUCH?

You HAD to get a paper trimmer too?

Then please tell me ..what are the "scissors" for?"

"How many magazines do you need to buy to be INSPIRED? And what's withall this paper?

-"You want what for your birthday? A xyron? What the heck is a xyron?"

"I don't understand why you need a digital camera. The 35mm I boughtafter college works just fine."

"OUCH!!!! I just stepped on one of your eyelets!

MORE paper? You haven't even used up what you got already!"

"First the camera, then the printer, what's next a scanner?"

-"I see..so if we get these "target cubes" you'll be able to see the"paper" you have and then you won't have to buy anymore?"

"Son, how many times have I told you - You CANNOT play with MOMMY's tools!

"I don't get it ..why do we have to go to Lowes to get "paint chips" ifwe aren't doing any painting around here?"

"Don't worry sweetie..we won't tell Mommy you borrowed her stickers to make Barbie look pretty."

"You had a 40% off coupon and you still spent over $300??"

-"What do you need all this yarn for? You don't even knit! Do you?"

"No dear. I do not know how to scan and stitch. Maybe someone on YOUR"message board" can help you there."

"Who took Daddy's sandpaper?"

"It's 11PM. Isn't that layout done YET?"

"Shhh..don' t tell Daddy that Mommy borrowed his sandpaper."

"Yes, I guess we can stop at that cute little scrapbook store duringour vacation."

"You're going to take a crap? NO, no, no.......... I meant going to a "crop"... nevermind."

"NO MOMMY! NO MORE PICTURES! NO MORE PICTURES! NO MORE PICTURES!"

"So who is this Becky Higgins and what's the big deal about her? She an actress or something... did I miss something here?"

"I thought you already had a sewing machine..... .have you taken sewing lessons??... ... So what's this one for?"

"No..I've never printed on vellum before..YES. .I can help you figureout the right printer settings..but what the heck is vellum?"

"Queen of the week"...... doesn't mean you won't still make dinner, right? Right?Whew."

"You just joined a what? A swap? I'm really happy for you honey."

"MORE paper? What's so special about this ' BRAZIL ' paper?"

And the hardest one of all...

"Where did all these boxes of pictures come from...I thought you weregoing to put them all in a scrapbook three years ago, after you went to that PARTY! "........... .....I just knew that scissors you said you "just had to have" would cause problems!


Remind you of anyone you know?

Relay for life blog spot

I am late in reading the blog but feel this particular event is one I feel especially close to. My husband, Marvin, died of Pancreatic cancer 8 years ago and indeed the cards were comforting to both of us and they still are. I kept every one I received and reread them often.

As a matter of fact, on his death date of March 11 I reread those cards which once again brought me comfort.

They remind me of how dear our families, friends, coworkers, students, church and communtiy members were. The cards are still meaningful. Yes, people in all conditions need the comfort offered by cards and not just ones from family but from others lets a person know they are not alone and are being prayed for, thought of, and comforted by many. I loved and continue to love Marvin with all my heart and am blessed by all those who thought of us at this most difficult time.

Thank you to everyone who sends cards you are true humanitarians and caring and compassionate people.

Here are a few pictures of this wonderful husband, father, son, uncle and friend.

Taken in 1970 shortly after our Wedding in August.

Marvin and our sons, Matthew and Kevin (1993).

Marvin and me in the 1990's.

My World Today

Not an awful lot going on today or the last 10 days. I can tell you that I am sick to death of being sick. Went back to Doc yesterday and he put me on a new atibiotic and steroids for my Asthma. Warned me that the steroids would create havoc with my blood sugars and it did and does. Maybe now I can stop sounding froggy and coughing.
I did have fun on Monday. I went to Pullman's Card Party and as usual it was a blast. I just love creating the cards but especially the company of other women. I spend so much time alone that the opportunity to spend times with others is a blessing to the spirit and mind.
No pictures this time. Just a quick note to let you all know that I am among the living and getting closer to being out and about again. I hate being isolated.
Have a great week and hope to be active again very soon.

Spring?

For some strange reason, I thought Spring was here but the snow seems to prove me wrong.



The last two weeks have been very full. The Wednesday before Easter I went up to Chewelah and picked up my Grandson, Marquis for his Spring Break.


We had a wonderful time together. Here he is holding the grabber he got at the Discovery Science Center. He sure loved that place. I can hardly wait until I can take him again.






The Saturday before Easter we went to Union Town for the Easter Egg hunt. He has never been on a Community Sponsered Hunt before. We meet my brother Bill, his wife, Deb and of course Morgan. It was a grand time. Both boys had a blast picking up the eggs. Then afterwards, being allowed to pick out a gift from the gift table.



















Lots and lots of eggs to find.


Found lots. What fun!

Morgie had a great time and enjoyed finding all the goodies inside.















Easter Sunday we went to church then to Bill and Deb's. I was surprised when all the family showed up. I didn't know so many were coming. What a grand time.










Jamie and her husband, Chris came. The due date is April 9. I can't help but worry about her. She turned 18 March 28.
But then, my own Mama was 17 and turned 18 a month after I was born.













My Father was there. We played poker after dinner and Dad and Chris won.



I lost in 4 hands. Tell you how well I can play?









Kirk, Laura and their children, Wyatt and Meghan also came. That made for children ages 7, 5, 4, and 3. Poor little Meghan got left out once Wyatt and Marquis got together.



Took Marquis with me when I went to Shawna's 12 months of cards class. I love taking her classes cause she always chooses color combinations I wouldn't think of or use on my own.



Too soon, our time was over and I had to take Marquis home. Thursday was the day we were going to leave but due to a sudden Winter Snow Warning we had to wait until later in the day. As it was, we saw 4 slide offs and one wreck. It was stange getting to his house and no snow. But the weather made up for it Friday into Saturday when 7 inches came down. Marquis and Daniel had a great time. Daniel's Tractor was burried and He couldn't get it out. Marquis came to the resuce.

Marquis in the snow.


























Here is my little Daniel. He loves the snow.















He especially loves to eat it. Don't all kids?



I love this view outside their living room window.

























Kymberly is on the run. She can't quite walk yet but she is getting it down. She likes the fact that she can use her hands when she walks.

Makes me think of the song "Turn Around" and she's a toddler going on her own.

Kymberly loves playing the piano with her Daddy.

She seems to say, "Hmm, that reads A sharp and F flat. This is a pretty good song Daddy. I like playing Duets with you."

Poor little baby girl decided to teeth and ran a fever of 101-102.8 for two days. Little Angie was pretty well tuckered and the two of them took naps.

Daddy offered comfort also.

By the day I left, which was Sunday, she was herself again.

I just love this picture. It wasn't posed. I just happened to catch it. She is sitting on her Grandma Lundquist's lap. Isn't she just beautiful.

Their new family portrait is wonderful.

So is the children's picture.

There now that is what I been up to. Just enjoying my little ones. Won't seem them again until June most likely. I wasn't going to leave until Monday but I like being sick. It doesn't take being around illness, Angie was sick, for me to catch whatever is floating in the air. So, for now, I am going to hide in my house and get well. I Hate Being Sick! At least, it will get over soon.

Hope everyone had a great Easter and enjoys the Spring when it finally arrives.

My Son

Sometimes technology doesn't work, at least for me and that is what happened this last week. No matter what I did I could not get this Blog thing to work. Hopefully, it will work now.

My son, Kevin, is now on his way to Afganistan. The last month he spent at Fort Lewis playing Army. He said he needed to learn how they operated as the Airforce is deployed with them. Now, both he and his wife, Tanna, are in danger zones. She is in Iraq.

Here he is studying hard the Army manuvers.

How he can sleep on that ground like that is beyond me. The 11th is his Birthday. I look at this sleeping man and picture the sleeping child.

I guess he has always managed to sleep on hard surfaces. This is is First Birthday. This year is his 31. I can't beleive it.

Shelby is glad that the snow is gone. Poor little thing. It was a hard winter for her. She was very disgusted when it snowed earlier this week. She looked at me as if to ask, "What's this? Why is it back? Get rid of it!" Now, it is gone and she can run and peek in at her favorite holes along the fence, bark at the next door neighbor man, whom she hates fiercely, and bark at the new dog next door. O h, at least I forget, any an all CATS. Little does she know what they would do if she ever caught one.

I have been very busy this week scrapbooking. What an odd thing to be doing, huh? Shawna hooked me on these new books by Stacy Julian . I have two of them: The Big Picture and Photo Freedom. If you have never read either, may I suggest you do so at once. The first one helped me look at my scrapbooking in a whole new light. I had never before thought why I was choosing explicitly a certain photo or layout. Now, I am appreciating the whys. The book is much more detailed than this.

The second book lead me to this week's scrapbooking. The book provides a technique for photo management. It even uses triage. You are provided the freedom to do the unthinkable, throw a photo away. The ability to find a certain photo or group of photos is wonderful. I am still in the process of reorganization.

This, too, is scrapbooking. It looks like a mess but the end results will be well worth the work.

I can already see the benifits as I put each photo album away and know where my pictures are for sure. One reason this is very good for me is that when my husband, Marvin, died March 11, 2000, I went into a place I still don't recognize. I tore every photo I owned out of its album and put them into boxes and threw the albums away. Over the last 7 years I started putting them back in albums but at random. Whatever picture was at my fingertips went in next. Now, I can reorganize not only my pictures but my life and mind. But, whether or not you are in a similar position as me the book is wonderful and will, indeed, help you use your photos more meaningfully.

Happy Scrapbooking to you all.