the Edwards family

Hoover Dam

2010-05-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

So many of my relatives worked on this damn. They were Boilermakers. Most noteably my grandpa Herb and my cousin Duane (his ranch was where Gary and I got married). I have always wanted to go, not just because of how massive it is, but what it means to me personally to wander the insides of where they worked so hard.

Did you know it is NOT TRUE that people who fell into the wet cement were left in the dam? If their bodies were left, it would compromise the structure and solidity of the dam. So, yes, many men fell in, but their bodies were fished out.

We're on a raod to nowhere...

2010-05-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

I love the pictures of this bridge. It is being built to bypass traffic from the Hoover Dam. Next time we see it...we will be on it.

The Harley Boys

2010-05-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

The best part about Spring Break was being with Gary's brother Terry and his wife Linda in Arizona. We have been so lucky to meet up with them two years in a row. I am hoping it is a tradition that will continue for years to come. Linda's sister Patty and her husband Dennis were wonderful hosts and tour guides. The day we got there, they brought over this beautiful Harley for Terry to ride. Well, that turned into Terry, Gary, Cam and Cole...not me...oh no...not YET.

Yep, two more Harley riders!

While I was Sleeping...

2010-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Cameron and Gary did the 5K for Walnut Valley Unified School District's 40th year celebration.
Cam ran the whole thing, while Gary walked it.

The best part: this all took place while I was sleeping in having the best dreams!

Fly's Eyes

2010-05-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

Cole had a great day yesterday- went to the Discovery Science Center with his friend Jacob. I put these on this morning and...woah!

Our Lily

2010-03-18T11:40:00.001-07:00

This is our Goddaughter, Lily. Is she not the most precious little sweetheart? The Schoenthals (Dave Mo and Lily) came over last weekend. We had such fun.

Great times! Old friends are such wonderful witnesses of the lives we live! It was so great to see them, spend time, pick up like we never spent any time apart.

Thanks to Leanne for the hairbows...Dave looks smashing in them! I told him I wouldn't put this picture on Facebook (but I didn't say I wouldn't blog it=))

What a blessing to spend time together!

Taking time to stop the car

2010-03-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

We rush by these longhorns at lightening sped at least once a day. We always admire them and oooo and ahhh at the baby cows.

I couldn't beleive how grand it felt to stop and look, and listen...

and yes...smell!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T17:59:00.001-07:00

Oh I do love the Blarney!

Love,

the leprechauns

Dreamy Changes

2009-12-30T13:06:00.001-08:00

Antique ceiling and cafe ole walls...new floor and new bedding...

Well I can't wait until it is finished...we may never leave our bedroom =)

Proof it is Hard Work to be Santa

2009-12-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

Cole started doning his Santa hat yesterday, and hasn't taken it off yet. He seemed to be having a Sugar Plum crash! The magic is still in this house...oh how wonderful, each and every year.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-12-22T17:25:00.001-08:00

So how do you keep looking younger?

Wow- How Did This Happen?

2009-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Must have been all the times I keep forgetting my camera!

Our Christmas Card

2009-11-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know we have not been good about sending out Holiday cards the

past while... so in case you don't get one AGAIN this year...

Love,

The Pirate, the Party Monkey. the Reaper and the Knight.

Cole is Eight! This Face...

2009-10-21T19:29:00.001-07:00

This is the face of tried and true
Made precious because it belongs to you

The man inside is yet to be

the little boy I love to see

You give us love and joy, my dear

my little one who bends my ear

Each new day, I think of you

and thank the Lord for all you do

I love the young man you've become

my youngest child, my loving son.

Happy 8th- Coleman the Great!

Sensational

2009-10-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Sensational was the name of the Fashion Show both Gary and Jen were in. It was a fundraiser that has survivors model wonderful clothing from Macy's. Oh and a yummy luncheon too. Proceeds got to St. Jude for cancer treatment.

God knew what he was doing when he put me in this family! Oh so proud, so very proud am I.

This day was like rainbows after many unexpected showers!

Check out the HOTTIE!

Everyone was behaving themselves...having fun mind you, when...out of no where comes this short woman giving her all who absolutely stole the show! This woman has been working on healing, loving life and celebrating for a very long time. If this woman doesn't inspire us...I don't know who will.

We were absolutely not prepared for the walk she was about to give. It took us til she was half way down the ramp before she started getting taped. HUGE shout out and thanks to Boel for getting all of these moments for us!

Celebrate! Shout it from the rooftops!

Throwing "Kisses": the wrapped in foil kind.

By now the audience couldn't wait to see Jen come down the runway again, it was as if everyone was on the edge of their seats! The whole place erupted in cheers when she took the stage again ...we were ready this time.

If she had done it any differently, it wouldn't be "Jen".

And the crowd wouldn't have had nearly as much fun!

A great time, A grateful time, was had by all!

Yes, even her doctors were impressed!!!

It Does a Mommy's Heart Good

2009-08-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

I can't begin to express what today's mail brought into this house.

Today we got Cole's first state test report card.

I had trepidations to open it, because Cam has always done well, and we make over him like crazy for it....so what if?

I figured he would do well at math, as his first grade teacher still calls him Mr. Math.

In a flood, the memories of OT and Speech several times a week combined with our home district wanting to put him in SDC preschool.

We have only asked him to do his best...and always, he has pushed harder than we've realized in some ways.

Holding a tiny bit of air in, I opened it. Halelujah! This little engine that could received "advanced" in both categories (math and reading/ language arts).

It rushed over me like freight train and I burst into tears of joy. When I showed him his scores and we discussed what that meant, he smiled ear to ear and said "well yes, Mommy, I tried my best".

Its not about a test so much as accomplishments. I love that his attitude has always been so great and he has never-ever stopped trying his best.

Mrs. Oppy and Mrs. Ellefson are tremendous!

God bless all of you mommies out there!

Seriously, I can't seem to stop myself

2009-08-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

A whole new level of domestic-ness (probably not a word).

The pressure seems to be on to get ready/ do / fix...especially be creative.

I am having the most fun with recipes to test. I know the movie Julie & Julia had a little to do with it.

Pork Chile Verde
Turkey soup/stew

and ham and turkey melts

I am making soup in 90 degree weather to store in the freezer. I have three meals preping at the same time. I am obviously feeling the pressure that I will be very busy again soon.

And this whole jewelry thing is out of control! (thanks to Cole again for modeling)

summer salsa

2009-08-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

I ran accross a great and simple recipe that is awesome on fish, chicken...or even as a dip:

See what you think

4 or 5 diced roma tomatoes

1/2 cup capers (drain off vinegar)

1 bunch chopped green onions

5 or 6 chopped basil leaves

salt and pepper to taste.

drizzle two tablespoons olive oil over all of it and mix together.

bling baby!

2009-08-05T18:11:00.001-07:00

In Little America, I found this necklace and fell in love.

So, I decided I would try my hand at it and this is what I came up with so far (special thanks to Cole for modeling).

Rushmore and Cody Photo Link

2009-08-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.slide.com/r/hEuruUD30j_wz5P9YitvKqUDe2VAP4y1?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

Pics from the trip...

2009-08-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Outside Ten Sleeps, WY. This is one of the most beautiful areas I have ever seen. It is called Ten Sleeps because the Indian tribe would measure distance by how many nights or "sleeps" it took to get from one place to another.

Okay...we are getting close now!

Here, as a great highlight is Cole's most favorite person in history. Wow, we thought we would have to wait to go to Wasgington DC for him to see a statue of his hero.

Mount Rushmore was created by a man named Borglum. On the way in is a museum about his life and accomplishments...not to mention how Mt. Rushmore was made, and what it took to do it.

By the time we got to the monument, we were very familiar with its history which made it so much more enjoyable.

We Are On the Way Home

2009-07-30T22:06:00.001-07:00

Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole and a wonderful little town called Dubois. We are now in Salt Lake City. Gary is flying in tonight to drive home with us. We have had so much fun and so many mishaps...see you soon!

white water wow

2009-07-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of the trip...thats for sure. The great thing about river rafting on the Wind River is that it is located on an Indian Reservation, and only one company has a permit to raft and fish there. Two boats, the whole river. It was so incredible to have that experience without the crowds.

What? Me Worry?

AND then......

Bryce

2009-07-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

From the moment you enter the area, you know you are in for something amazing.

Bryce is actually younger than Zion. We actually liked Bryce better. There is something very spiritual about places like this. When it is truly quiet and you listen to the wind rushing by, it puts so much in perspective as to our place in this world.

Here's the list of where we have been:

2009-07-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

First Two Nights (07/08 and 07/09/09)

St. George---Utah...Temple View RV park Heeeeoooooottttt!

On the 10th we moved to

Cedar City, Utah (Festival City, USA) KOA

Shakespeare festival all summer. Huge Hot Rod show the weekend we were there.

On the 12th we busted out of Utah and ended up in Lyman, Wyoming

Teeny Tiny little down. Very WWWIIINNNDDDYYYY! Well all of Southern Wyoming has been windy. The motorhome is like a huge billboard yelling "come on knock me off the road, blow me over".

We went to Rock Springs the next night to get us lined up for our treck toward Mt. Rushmore.

On to Thermopolis (Hot Springs Campground called The Fountain of Youth)...a lot of older people there soaking in the water...hmmm. Seriously the minerals are supposed to be healing and theraputic. Cute little town...Highlight was River rafting on the Wind River-the best place because only one company has a permit from the Indians on the Reservation, so it is completely uncrowded. The boys and I had a blast. Pictures to follow, they are on the waterproof camera.

On to Sturgis- yes Sturgis SD - right in time to see all the Bikers started coming. Approx 500,000 come for the rally each year. From there we adventured to Mt Rushmore. We learned all about the man who created their faces that took 14 years. Breathtaking.

Heading back, we went to Greybull, WY. A lovely campground run by delightful people. Very cool small town.

We spent the next day in Cody, WY. Talk about history. We LOVED that town...could have spent several more days just getting to see and do everything offered there.

On the way to Yellowstone, we stopped for the night at Yellowstone Valley Inn...Incredible views of the mountains all around, and a river going right by.

Went through Yellowstone, and are now in a place called Moran, WY.

Can't wait to seeJackson and Jackson Hole.

Holy Smokes

2009-07-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful places and pics, and my computer will not get along with the internet service in the parks long enough to update this blog.

We just went through Yellowstone. We are in love with parts of Wyoming. Cody is a great town, and yeehaw there is rodeo every night in the summer.

Wow we have seen sooooo much. I can't wait to share with anyone who wants to see.

Today we saw buffalo next to the road. One was as big as my car.

I hope your summer is wonderful. Wishing you blessings,
Steff

Zion Aura pics

2009-07-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

We did a lttle rock climbing. See that little speck in the middle of this picture?

That's me!

(yeah right...it is a two day climb and they have to sleep out on a hammock off the side of the cliff). No Way!

We plan to see Bryce this weekend. We are in a KOA camp ground in Cedar City where they are having a huge Hot Rod parade and show(Gary is jealous not to get to see that tee-hee I will send pictures-that's as good as the real thing, right?)...a Shakespeare festival and a lot of history.

It is much cooler here 108 at St. George, 88 here.

ZION-aura

2009-07-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Okay say it to yourself...love the title. We toured Zion yesterday...having a hard time uploading pictures. But wow! Just wow!

4 states X 1 day = phew!!

2009-07-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

The route 66 song keeps going through my head...but it is a little different....

We are in St. George as I log this (Utah). My mom, my sons and I have taken a big bite out of life starting thi week, and I have found out...as if I didn't already know, at least in this way...

Man, I am a BRAVE woman.

The Honda is in tow...and we are longer than the gas station islands. I know this because I have overshot the deisel pump twice and instead of backing up the motor home with the van attached YIKES I pull out after going to the pump to swipe my card to find out I don't know what the heck B2 deisel is or which out of the list of five places I am requesting to put it in to. Thank God for cell phones and my husband who always answers.

Where is my friendly high roofed Chevron at the north end of my town when I need it most?

Life is amazing...a couple of years ago, we took the "Missions Mission" tour as Cam had finished 4th and as part of his curriculum, they studied the missions. We got to most of them, and plan to finish around Cole's 4th grade year.

We did the Grand Canyon a few years back...I kind of think Zion is more appealing- looking up instead of dowwwwwwwn.

Zion and the last leg of Arizona on the 15 have been carved by a clever little river known as the Virgin River. I am resisting all jokes.

This year, the theme seems to be Mountains/ National Monuments.

I just have one question...How did God decide where to use His paintbrush? Boom! out of nowhere, around a random corner...and suddenly we are in awe of the splendor yet again.

Stuft

2009-07-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Okay the itinerary is something like this ...Hoover, Zion, Bryce , Sturgis, Moab, Denver, As much of Wyoming as we can get, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Idaho, Oregon Coast, and all the good stuff in between.
The RV is "stuft" and ready to go.
Hope your summer is awesome!
Pictures to follow...

My "Not-So-Little" Bear

2009-07-02T12:01:00.001-07:00

It is always amazing to see changes in people, especially kids. My baby is sooo not resembling a baby anymore.

I love watching them grow and change. Each stage is so exciting. When I think of all of the appointments the meetings the games the special events the go and dos....

and suddenly poof! They got big...okay, so it wasn't overnight, but it sure seems like it.

I Remember...

2009-06-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

I now have a new favorite picture that reflects what our marriage represents to us...

Though I remember we had to have that picture of our left hands with our shiney new wedding rings newly placed upon our finger.

We are so lucky to have each other to love and be together...

Hand in Hand.

I did Gooey!

2009-06-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have heard about Gooey Butter cake since I met Gary. It is one of his absolute all-time favorite things. While we were in Missouri, I finally got to taste the treat he had raved about.

Thanks to Aunt Jan, I now have the recipe.

He loved it! We all loved it. I am officially a Gooey Maker (okay in my house that's a big deal).

Maiden Vail

2009-06-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

We took the motorhome for a shake down cruise. We had a blast, and Gar got to rest too.

At the end of it all what could be better than S'mores?

Shadow Puppets

2009-05-31T16:12:00.001-07:00

It finally came home and of course we camped out in it last night. Believe it or not, the dark picture is us doing shadow puppets. The flash made the ceiling white while without it...just imagine all of the dogs and bunny shadows dancing on the ceiling.

King of the Wolves

2009-05-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Wow Cole! What a great Scout you are! He has completed all of his requirements and got a mit full of arrow points. I am so grateful to the Sanders for making his Scouting such a wonderful time in his life. They are so generous in time and deed.

Hey Cole---Who's that?

2009-05-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well, we are absolutely positive Cole is not from the "Milkman". We now have proof positive why the boys look so different. One is me, and one is Gary.

Gary is on the left, and his brother Terry is on the right. Looking through old pictures it is fun to see the huge resemblance.

Stealing Kisses

2009-05-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

It is tough work to get a moment alone with Gary aka Mr. Clean! Even when I am sneaky, the kids have radar...and our secret is out!!

Love Makes you "Real"

2009-05-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have always loved The Velveteen Rabbit. I have always told it to the boys in a deep English accent, giving all of th etoys their individual voices. I appears Cole loves the story too. My mommy heart gets all aflutter watching this scene.

Who Dropped the Bomb?

2009-05-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

Little did I know this morning...I would come home to...well...no way to walk into the house.

Leave it to us to put the cart before the horse.
Now we need to make a space to park it.

Wooo-Hooo --Cam's New Doo

2009-05-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

Check out the new look...

Our boy is turning into a young man.

Hello, I am Robin Williams...

2009-05-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Cam just heard he will be in charge of the waste water...dumping.

Haven't tried backing up just yet.

I love the movie RV. I suddenly feel kindred to the character Mr. Williams played in that movie.

Wishing for many safe journeys full of great memories.

Em R Ducks

2009-05-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

There is a new game at our house...

One day she just showed up.

She appears not to want leave.

Especially now...

Gotta love Spring...baby duckies are coming soon I am sure.

The more the dogs chase them out of the yard, the more they come back. OYE!

Saint Louis

2009-05-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Aunt Jan, Uncle Ron and us...

So this is what mischeif looks like when it grows up. I have loved hearing all of the stories from when Terry and Gary were growing up...Uncle Bill and Uncle Ron are many of their best memories of childhood.

I have heard about these burgers for 15 years...tried it. Once.

And we are talking seriously the tooooppppp!

Turning 12 in Missouri...

I love all of the architecture. Everywhere we went were such wonderful old structures to see.

The Gateway to the West... A bird's eye view.

f only we had wings...

From the top of the St. Louis Arch.

This is the tiny capsule we rode up in. It is the tallest landmark.

What a perfect place for this young man to be on his special day. At least the Arch in the background makes him look a little small still ;)

Do you see the family resemblence? Cole and Conner played all day at Uncle Bill and Aunt Phoebe's...they look like two peas in a pod.

Gary's brother Terry and his wife Linda-I am so lucky to be a part of Gary's family.

Linda and Aunt Phoebe on Gary's birthday.

The Butterfly house was amazing!

Of course, they liked Gary...I'm not pouting really...kids and butterflies...I dissapear and all they see is Gary.

All of these wonderful people are related to us, and I finally got to meet them!

In order to keep the "blog police" at bay, I am stopping my procrastinating and finally sharing some wonderful memories with wonderful people.

Derby Delight

2009-03-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

What a great day!

Mr. Math!

2009-03-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah, he won an award in math on Friday.

Trappin' Leprechauns

2009-03-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we still haven't caught one? A couple of years ago, we really got close, this year...not so much. Well, close enough that it left some loot =)

Radiation Down!

2009-03-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

Jen finished her "real radiation" yesterday. She goes next week to see if there is anything more to do radiation wise.
Gary finished his today and snuck to the Dr. without letting me go.
He is starting chemo again at the end of this month. Every 2 weeks for 8 rounds.

I wanted to update you =)

Pinewood Wood Workers

2009-03-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, nothing like a block of wood to get the guys breaking out the power tools. Cole is very excited to race his car. Jim- we just wanted to prove Cole's car was made to specs and not the old yellow car painted over =)

The Perfect Strawberry

2009-03-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Read to Me Mr. C

2009-03-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

How precious is the time listening to children read.

Proud of Cam

2009-03-13T10:46:00.001-07:00

So, here is his new shirt! A reward for going to school each day! He has the spirit!

Check Out All the Hair on the Bald Chick!

2009-03-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

No holding this girl down (or slowing down the hair). Sounds like Monday will be her last radiation!!! Way to go Jen! We are so proud of you!

That's What Family is For

2009-03-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we had family come from all around to be with us. It is a true gift to know how loved you are. Unfortunately, I didn't remember to take pictures when Don, Barbara, Tammy and Travis were there. To my all my family, to all my friends...you are my truest BLESSINGS.

Buddy oh pal

2009-03-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

So the puppy is so cute.

He has doubled in size.

We must be a good "dog house".

PS I love you!

2009-03-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

Can you say BLISS? A shout out to ACE Hotel. It is brand new, we were fortunate to be part of the "Soft-Opening". We loved it! It was eco-friendly, plush, stocked with everything you may ever need, and reasonable. I can not wait to go back!

Oh yeah...can you say relaxing? The bartender at the pool is quite the mixologist. Fresh fruit in lots of great ways!

This is great!

We are rejuvinated and ready to take on the world!

Palm Springs (PS) what a great weekend!

Light a Candle, Say a Prayer

2009-02-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

For everyone who checks in on this blog...please light a candle, say a prayer. I suppose it is the old Catholicism in me that believes candles and prayers go together.
My sweet man, the heart of my soul has two spots that lit up in his PET scan. One under the arm that was involved before and one near his tail bone.
Please, yet again, though I have asked so many times and been so greatly rewarded...please pray for him, for us.

Home Again!

2009-02-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how much I missed my own bed. The floor turned out beautiful. We started moving the furniture back in yesterday morning. Thank goodness!

This Poor House!

2009-02-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

Progress is gooooooood!

This is one of the areas that Gary and I completed Saturday... which the rest of the house would have taken me the rest of my natural born life!

There was so much water damage, all of the downstairs flooring was taken up. We went by today to check on things...wow! Can't wait to move back home.

Thank goodness the people we hired are much faster than Gary and I. They will start laying the new floor either tonight or tomorrow (yeeeeeaaah).

Here We Go Again!

2009-02-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

Pictures to follow...

Talk about romantic?!? Honestly, I am reminded of the days of having to brush my teeth while leaning over the bathtub (8 months pregnant)...because we were remodeling- those were the houses in Washington.
Actually, 8 months pregnant the 2nd time, my bathroom was torn out here in CA. Huh. Definitely not pregnant, although my husband and I spent Valentine's day tearing out the hardwood floors in the kitchen and breakfast room. When I told him I didn't want anything for Valentine's day, I didn't realize I would be relegating myself to that type of hard labor. By the way, the bathroom is gone again- downstairs.
It wasn't long until we figured it was best to get someone in to do it for us. So today, the guys we hired came in and tore out all of the flooring downstairs...that easy!

Riding on Top of the World

2009-02-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

Cam is now in the same school I went to in the 6th grade. He is becoming more and more independent. Watching him ride his bike through the twisty narrow steep roads makes me realize what a grown up young man he is becoming. Gosh, I even get a cool ring tone in his phone when I call him.

lovin that man of mine

2009-02-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

huh,

every now and then, I take a moment to think all about the incredible man I married. The timing seems right with Valentine's day upon us.

Another check up, more great news...

I get to keep on Lovin that man of mine...life is grand!

And They Call it "Puppy Love"

2009-01-31T12:30:00.001-08:00

Announcing the newest addition to the family-"Buddy"- Cole's new best friend.

Hey Tooth Fairy

2009-01-28T06:15:00.000-08:00

Clearing the sleepy dust out of his eyes, Cole found the evidence that the Tooth Fairy flew by last night. Wow is that fairy tricky, or what?

Red Light, Green Light- Go Cub Go!

2009-01-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly, no one ended up in the pool (this time).

The boys played a rousing game of Red Light Green Light. Crab-walk...hmmm...the boys were definitely better at "crabby" than I am.

To the "Weekenders"

2009-01-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

Well, with the arrival of Mamma Mia on DVD, I just wanted to tell you mom and I sang our hearts out to it (more than once). What fun that weekend was.

Cancer Free

2009-01-20T03:29:00.000-08:00

The words loft in the clouds somewhere. My sister's tests came back that there is no "living cancer" in her. She has much more to do, but what great news!

As They Sleep

2009-01-20T02:32:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about the inauguration that I can't even sleep- but they can. When they wake up, history is in the making. May all our dreams come true.