Welcome To The Jungle

Kevin's J.V. Wrestling Tournament....yes, a jungle! A High School Gym filled with Wrestlers from 15 different schools.....sweating! We were in close quarters....there to watch Kevin wrestle in his J.V. Tournament. It was an individual challenge to move to the top in his weight class.

I really didn't know how Kevin would perform. He went into the tournament undefeated as a J.V. Wrestler. I hoped for the best and he did not disappoint us. He won the first two matches quite easily and quite quickly. As he moved up the bracket, his matches became more difficult as he went against other wrestlers that were moving up from all these different schools. They were tough!

I am still a little queasy about this wrestling stuff! It is certainly an individual sport. I have to say Kevin has paid the price to compete. He has worked so hard! He has learned to control his weight through his diet (no sweets...only low-calorie, healthy food), the coaches see that they are physically ready and Kevin has to prepare mentally to be confident and in control.

I was thrilled when Kevin kept winning! He gradually made it to the top eight, then the top four and was able to wrestle the championship for his weight class! I was so nervous! As the match started you could tell his opponent was experienced and quick. Kevin had to react and try his best to out-wrestle him. It was a close match, I had my finger crossed and we were all encouraging him from the sidelines. There was only a 1 point difference when his opponent pinned him in the last 9 seconds! It was a great match....Kevin was disappointed, but we were proud of his hard work and effort. Next year.....Kevin has his eye on someone to beat!

A Look At Lucy's 3rd Birthday!

Today was Lucy's 3rd birthday. I adore that little girl....her sweet brown eyes and shy little smile. We spent a little time together this morning. I took her to the Mall to ride the Merry-Go-Round. My big mistake...I fogot my camera! So just imagine our fun time together! We stopped for some gumballs and a Paradise Bakery Cookie.

I had some fun making her a "Twirly, Girly Skirt" that I saw at Material Girls (my favorite quilting stop!) Lucy loves to wear skirts...so I thought it would be fun to sew one up. I also finished a little apron I had started at Christmas for her and just ran out of time! Lucy's other present was a bit of a gamble. Lucy's Mom had mentioned that she might like a remote control car. Well....we gave it a try. I think it was a hit! All her presents don't have to be "Girly!"



Lucy had a fun party with her family tonight. Lots of presents and a Tinkerbell Birthday Cake. Lucy is a bit shy, but loves to do everything her big sisters do. She is cuddly and sweet.....one of my favorite little girls!

Lucy wanted a jewelry box for her Birthday. Her Mom and Dad gave her one with a necklace and CTR Ring inside!

Happy Birthday Lucy...I Love You

Start the year out Quilting!!

We had our January Quilt Day this week!....Yep, my favorite day of the month! I finally had a quilt finished to show. That doesn't happen very often. I am a slow one finishing my quilts once I start. Let's just say I enjoy the process.

This quilt was made completely of scraps. I love 1930's reproduction fabrics and have a whole drawer full of scraps that need to be used. I am on overload! I saw this quilt in one of my books and thought it was the perfect one to use up those scraps. It was FUN!

This month Becky had quilt group at her home. A few of us had finished quilts over the Christmas Holiday and...... some of us did nothing. Here are a few fun quilts, and some in the making. Thanks Becky for a really fun time! We missed Elaine, Valerie and Marene. Hope to see you next time!

Debbie Jensen has finished her star quilt! Three of us made this quilt....
Yeah...it is a really fun one.... and yes, good for scraps!

Heidi told us a great story about this quilt being lost in the mail
for a month! She missed enjoying it for Christmas....but it
finally arrived....Whew!

Kim made this quilt for her son for Christmas. Really....these guys love our quilts!

Another cute Michelle quilt in the making!

This quilt is partially hand appliqued. It was on the cover of a magazine and on display one year at the International Quilt Show in Houston. It is a time consuming quilt. Marae and I are trying to finish ours. It has been an on-going project for oh....about 3 years!

The Sound of Silence.......Sniff

Well, I knew this day would come. My house is quiet, uneventful, serene, full of men, and I'm a bit teary. No more crumbs on the floor, plastic Halloween place mats (even though that Holiday is long gone), sippy cups that take up one whole shelf, toys scattered in my back yard, a black car parked in a precarious place (yes, I hit it TWICE!), wash on the floor that isn't mine, Lion King playing on my Family Room T.V., and sweet little Zacky with his dog and monkey. What's to be happy about?

Amy, Scot and Zack moved out yesterday. While it was high time (that is not a complaint) I still would love to have them around. Why can't you live with your parents forever? I'm good with that! We got along famously. It was down right easy....so why get rid of a good thing? It's hard to get back to reality. Kevin and I both commented this morning.....We miss Amy and Scot!

Who wouldn't miss this little face?

Okay, we are all grown-up and can cope with reality. But this one is hard. I was starting to think Zack would be around forever! Kev is now an only child again. He has to live with the old couple and try and be happy. Amy filled the gap quite well. She was downright helpful. She filled in when I couldn't and visa versa. Scot was the resident handy man. We had a great thing going. I was a little nervous this morning when I realized it was just Kev and me. Do I need to entertain him now? The silence is hard to ignore. Amy is one in a million.....yeah, I am teary!

But really.....enough of the Boo Hoos, we are thrilled Amy and Scot are in their new house. It is nice and cozy and everyone showed up to help move the Gregory's to their new abode. So now we all have to adjust to new things, new places, new jobs???? and Amy....well....start cleaning that house, cooking all your dinners, doing all your dishes, paying all your bills...yep...on your own! We love you guys! See you for dinner!

Sewing 101

Sunday Night Emma called me and said, "Nana, can you help me sew on my new sewing machine?" Ohhhhh, how can I resist? I don't have to explain how much I love to sew (really.....only my quilting thing!) I must have a granddaughter who learns to sew and love it!!! Julie's little girls have a sewing machine as well. It is likely I will have one little granddaughter I can bestow this talent on!

Lindsey gave her girls a new little Singer sewing machine for Christmas. She informed me that I would be responsible for teaching them how to sew! So begins Sewing 101. Emma and Kate were so excited to start they could hardly stand to listen. I let them practice on some little squares to get the hang of it. Emma picked up on it really fast with a little practice. Kate was excited, but lost interest after a few minutes of waiting her turn.

At the end of the hour Emma had finished a row of scrappy squares I gave her to practice on and was so proud of herself. She said, "When are we doing this again?"........"Next Monday I am coming over!"


Lindsey gave Emma a little quilt pattern and some fabric for Christmas. That is the real project!

So Far So Good!

The "Wrestling Season" is in full swing! Kevin has worked so hard. No more "Boys Night Out" at Buffalo Wild Wings and endless snacking on whatever looks good. Kevin has to watch his weight and it has been a challenge for him. Early morning runs at 5:15 a.m. and after school work-outs until 5:00 p.m. have pretty much dictated his extra time.



Individually, Kevin is undefeated (on the J.V. team). He had a couple losses when he had to wrestle on the Varsity team. But the experience has been good. He eats well and looks good and his Coach makes him work! Unfortunately, he does not have time to "hang" with his friends and waste time. I like that! We are proud of his hard work and dedication. Keep it up....

New Year's Eve at Polar Ice

Happy New Year!

It's good to have fun friends. This year a family in our neighborhood rented "Polar Ice Skating Rink" and hosted a New Year's Eve Party. It was a First....a new idea....something fun....for the whole family! The great thing about it was that it was geared to the young and old....meaning that half of the ice skating rink was set up for a wild game of broom hockey (the most popular activity) and the other half for skating.

Broom Hockey Die Hards!

I'll tell you that it has been a while since I have been on skates! Once a skater, always a skater! I can say I made it through the night without a fall. What a fun evening. Everybody brought food for snaking and midnight was a treat. Thanks to the Tanners for an awesome New Year!

Hey...Wait....Time Got Away From Me

I have to go back! I missed all of December, but I will excuse myself because, hey....Christmas ya know? So ahead are experiences and thoughts I can't put aside.

I always think I am more prepared than I am. Christmas is such a RUSH! I always want things to be perfect and that always means more work. But first things first.......We had a few things on our schedule this year. One of the best being my Mom's 80th birthday celebration. Yes, I am one of that last to record this, but it was a highlight.

As sisters (all six of us!) we planned an 80th birthday celebration for my Mom. Of course it was in Utah!!!!!!!! Travel. We made the Trek. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Yes, it was cold and miserable, but we had a fun party to look forward to. Ryan and Lindsey were able to come with us which made it extra-special. Time together!

Snow and Cold

The Arizona Boy...Is this for real????? Ryan slept in his coat!

The Highlight....I made Max and Ryan go to the quilt store with me..... he he he he.....they loved it!   (not really)

We planned the Open House right on my Mom's 80th Birthday. It turned out so well. Lots of friends and family attended and I know my Mom loved every moment. We had the event at my sister, Kathy's home, which is always beautiful. Each one of us had our assignment to fulfill to make sure the party came off without a hitch. The pictures say it all!

Six Daughters

We gave Mom a book with written memories from all of us

Love ya Mom!

On Monday, December 22nd, we had our annual family "Polar Express" dinner and movie. Yes, this is for the Kids! They love to come in their jammies, bring their sleeping bags and eat popcorn
in front of the movie. Really....it is so much fun. Polar Express is always a good one to watch over and over......at least for me......I am a movie lover!




This year we had to exchange some gifts as well. Two of my children and their families had other plans this Christmas and would not be available on Christmas Day. This was a fun occasion to spend some time together and watch the Grandkids enjoy the gift-giving. Paper was flying everywhere and we had a little Christmas Cheer a few days early! We enjoyed having Julie's family here to spend this night with us!





Christmas Eve was a little different this year. We were smaller in number . I don't know how I feel about that! You always want to have everyone around.....but I can say I am willing to share. We are so fortunate to have our kids live close. We usually have them here. This year Lindsey and her family spent Christmas Eve with us. We were small in number, but had fun together!

Christmas Eve included searching some last minute items for Santa, bowling, lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, preparing Christmas Eve dinner, a nativity photo shoot and a yummy Christmas Eve Dinner. To top it off we read the Christmas story from the scriptures.


This year I did things a little different. I let Emma and Kate be in charge of decorating and setting the table for Christmas Eve dinner. FUN! We made snowflakes....and yes, everybody had to participate! We all had a go at making our own snowflakes to add to the decor. Some were better than others!




My neighbor had a big nativity stable set up in his yard. We dressed up the grandkids and took them over for pictures. It was really fun. Lindsey got some sweet pictures of her kids dressed up as Mary, shepherds and an angel. We had some onlookers who enjoyed the whole process!




Christmas came and went quickly! Well....what can I say. Christmas is for kids and we only have one left! Amy and Scot left for San Diego which left Kevin to himself. I need more kids! I don't know how Kevin felt about that......It's hard to be the last one home....stuck with Mom and Dad! Oh.....Kevvvy! All I can say is that he didn't sleep in! He was up earlier than I thought he would be! I don' think he would admit that.



Christmas Day was fun and relaxing. It rained. We spent time with Lindsey, Ryan and the Grandkids. Emma, Kate and Drew were so much fun. Kevin enjoyed the extra company. Yes, we ate too much, watched the Suns LOSE to the Spurs at the last minute (why does that always happen?), went to a movie, played some games and ate some more!

Score....Kev has new wrestling shoes

I think the aprons were a hit?

Emma tested her cooking abilities on Christmas Night

I'm always happy when Christmas Day arrives because that means no more RUSHING....just RELAXING! Merry Day!