The Annual Family Photo

I am pretty obnoxious about "my" family photo...each year I want an updated shot because we are constantly evolving & it is a way of "photo journaling" that growth. It's safe to say that I drive my kids crazy about it...but they have all inherited the "need" for their own annual family photo, too! With Ty being on his mission, the last couple of years we've used a life-sized photo cut out of him. This year all the kids were able to attend G'ma Lucy's surprise birthday party so I took advantage of the opportunity to get an "updated" sibling picture. The last one we took, Ty was still in braces! Aren't these the best looking kids on the planet?



Of course, some things never change & their attention span hasn't improved much over the years. It wasn't long before they began to get silly, letting me know that they were done taking pictures.




Here are the kids' 2008 family photos...aka the Mid/Cart Parade of Photos:
PS - look carefully at Ben's family pic to see the "newest" addition to the family...wedding date TBA! We are very excited & happy for Ben.

Happy Birthday Lucy!

I always thought it would be fun to take my mom to Hawaii, but she wasn't too crazy about the idea, so for her birthday - we thought we'd bring a little bit of Hawaii to her...



My brothers & I (with the help of a lot of people) gave our mom a surprise birthday party last Saturday. She turned 75 on December 5th & we tried to gather as many family & friends that we could to help us celebrate & honor her. This is just the "family" that was there!



Many thanks to my niece, Carrie, for letting us use her beautiful home...



...to Denise & her sister Terrie for taking care of the food & manning the kitchen...



...& to Sylvia for actually getting Mom out of her house & to the party! (She doesn't like to go any where!)



Mom, I hope you know that we love you very much & that you are very special to a lot of people. Happy Birthday!

PS - I can't forget to thank Carrie, Amber & Adrian, & Kristi for "babysitting" for us during our photo shoot and of course, Dara, for being so willing to take the pics. Love you guys!

G'ma's loosing her touch...

So I'm out here in Florida to escort Cindi & the Ocala Critters back to CA for Christmas. She decided she wanted to bring the kids out early to have more time to play with the cousins, but Jared won't be able to join us until the 23rd. Flying alone with small children can be difficult, flying alone with FOUR small children is just insane, so I volunteered to help.

So tonight I got to "baby sit" while C&J went out to dinner. Cindi asked if I'd feed Lucie (or "Who-C" as Jake calls her) - of course, I would love to...Cindi warned me that she was a messy eater..."puhleeeze" I'm the g'mother of 19...how bad can it be? Ummmmmmm, garden vegetable!



Nice job G'ma...I think you were able to get most of it in the designated area...but don't quit your day job! You might be loosing your touch - but that was really fun!



Cindi always turns a few heads - not just because she's beautiful - people are amazed at how she handles her little ones. She doesn't let four kids keep her from doing what needs to get done. Yes, all four of her children can sit in this stroller at the same time & she can manuever it easily...she's "super mom."



CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME!!! There's no place like home for the holidays...

Happy Thanksgiving!

The "babies" joined us for Thanksgiving. Ty & Nicole were annoyed at all the pictures I took so this is what I got when I put the "self-timer" on the camera...Ty grabbed the Martinelli bottle in one hand & his turkey in the other hand & we all bust up laughing...that pretty much says it all. I hope you found lots to be thankful for.

Shalom!

I'm happy to report that my new "good neighbor" camera works great...& I have a few pix to prove it! Paul's parents took us (along with Paul's sisters & spouses) to Israel for a wonderful trip to the Holy lands to see the places talked about in the scriptures. From Bethlehem, to Galilee, & Jerusalem, we saw the places where Christ lived, taught, & performed miracles. It was a marvelous experience! Thanks Mom & Dad - you are the BEST parents ever...(Am I the favorite now?)

Here is our family on the Mt of Beatitudes after a wonderful testimony meeting. It is hard to be in this beautiful setting & not feel the spirit of Christ's ministry.



On our way up to Galilee we stopped at Caesarea on the Mediterranian Coast where Paul "almost" converted Herod Agrippa to Christianity (Acts 26:28).



The Mt of Olives offers a scenic view of Old Jerusalem. The gold dome building is Muslim shrine (Dome of the Rock) that stands on the ancient temple site. It was interesting to see the strong presence of three religions inside the city walls; the Jews, the Muslims, & Christians alike believe Jerusalem to be a Holy City.



Of course the most significant thing for me was the strong feelings I had as we visited the Garden Tomb. This peaceful setting offers such a contrast to the hustle & bustle of the modern city of Jerusalem. As wonderful as it was to visit all these wonderful places, this humble garden tomb had the most profound impact on me as the promise of the Resurrection was impressed upon my heart..."He is not here, He is risen."



In addition to Israel,we visited Jordan (including the famous city-carved-out-of-rock, Petra, featured in the Indiana Jones movie, The Last Crusade) & the red sand deserts of Wadi Rum. Unbelieveable scenery! Thanks Mom & Dad for the trip of a lifetime...(Am I the favorite now?)

On the way to Jordan, we stopped at the fortress at Masada (The movie by the same name starring Peter O'Toole is actually pretty accurate if you care to rent it & enjoy a little bit of historical reinactment.) It was originally built by Herod the Great as a Pleasure Palace...it has an incredible view of the surrounding area - as it should...it rises 1500 ft above the valley floor.



We felt like "extras" for an Indiana Jones movie standing in front of the Treasury of the city of Petra. Petra, of course, means "rock" & this city is literally carved out of the rock canyon walls & it goes for MILES!



Here is our illustrious "Sheik Larry" & his "Bedouin Princess Jeanne" (aka G'ma & G'pa Fudge). We appreciate them including us on this "trip of a lifetime." You can see more of Petra in the background. (Am I the favorite yet?)



After a donkey ride up a steep canyon...



...we continued walking up the canyons till we eventually came to this magnificent building called the Monastery. (This & the Treasury are the most photographed in all of Petra.)



Believe it or not, I was happy to see this wonderful sign throughout the trip...& this was one of the "nicer" ones we came upon. Here I am waiting patiently...or not! You can see my friend in the back ground wanting to sell me some TP, but I happen to keep such a treasure in my pocket at all times!



After leaving Jordan we headed back to Jerusalem & we stopped in the red sand Deserts of Wadi Rum. Here we are at the top of a little climb enjoying the view.



Of course, I couldn't resist such an opportunity...it's good to know I've still got it...who says 50+ year old g'mas don't know how to have fun?



Our last stop was in Egypt to see the great Pyramids. They are crazy HUGE! Those pharoahs had some kind of ego to build such GINORMOUS monuments to themselves. Amazing civilizations have been buried in the sands & are still being uncovered.

Karen & I rode a camel with the Pyramids of Giza in the back ground...way cool!



Up close & personal with the Sphinx.



In the word's of Steve Martin, "(king Tut) Now, if I'd known, they'd line up just to see him, I'd trade in all my money And bought me a museum. (king Tut)
Now, when I die, now don't think I'm a nut, don't want no fancy funeral, Just one like ole king Tut." (king Tut)"



Did I mention that I was thankful to Mom & Dad for such an awesome trip? (I don't really care if I'm the favorite or not - actually, I'm pretty sure that I'm the favorite daughter-in-law since Paul is their only son)...I'm so happy to be part of such a wonderful family.



Thanks Mom & Dad - I now have personal experiences that will come to mind everytime I read about these places in the scriptures. It was a thrill to be there & an even greater thrill to have shared it with part of my family. I love you guys!

"Like A Good Neighbor"...

I know that we all tease this guy about the amount of time he spends (or doesn't spend) in the office, but I have to tell you that his "every second counts" attitude makes my life A LOT easier because he works VERY hard at what he does & I am VERY proud of him.

Here he is in his office. I took this picture with my NEW "good neighbor" camera...yes, he ordered me a new one since I lost the last one in Brazil. I won't even mention the one I dropped in the ocean in Hawaii...or the one I dropped down the rocks while rock climbing at Camp Ritchie...I know you are probably thinking that he is taking a BIG chance by getting me a new camera - but, HEY! He loves me, what can I say?

Below you will see more of my favorite "good neighbors" - we recently welcomed our son-in-law, BP, into the club. (L-R; G'pa Fudge retired after 37 yrs in the business, Kyle's been going strong since 2003, the new kid on the block, & my personal favorite has been working hard for 30+ yrs.)

...& finally, I pray that we can all be good neighbors as we wind up this exhausting election season. I don't remember other elections being so negative & ugly as this one seems to have gotten...it is such a sad thing to witness. Freedom of Choice should be a liberating thing, yet some just can't "agree to disagree" as they attack others who think differently than they do. I urge you all to remember that we are all children of God & to be good neighbors as you support these most important issues. I also hope that you study the issues & vote responsibly.

Yes, I have already voted. I vote absentee every election because I want to take my time & study every issue so that I can make an informed decision. I do not want to wait in line & feel rushed/limited by schedules as I take advantage of such a wonderful privelege. I am proud to be an American & I am grateful that I can stand for what I believe & let my voice be heard.

Another Trip to Utah

We accompanied Terri & Olivia home to Utah after having them with us for a couple of weeks for Terri's surgery. It was fun to spend the extra time with Livi, I mean "them"...thanks for sharing your girls Ben. We got to see the Ferg's home in Lehi when we took over a wedding present for Nick & Heather, and Ty came down from Rexburg while we were there. Leah & Rick had Keira's baby blessing that Sunday which allowed us to see lots of neices & nephews & their kids who came for the blessing. Since my camera is still somewhere in Brazil, Leah was kind enough to let me snap a few pix with her camera.

Saturday - Terri, Leah, & I got to go to the Women's Broadcast where we learned that the sisters of Relief Society are needed now more than ever - Sister Julie Beck said, "We rejoice in the knowledge that you are going about doing good, as the Savior did. You are doing a magnificent work. Yet we feel impressed to say that there is more to be done. We have sought inspiration from the Lord to know how to assist the priesthood in building up the kingdom of God on the earth. It is time for Relief Society to fulfill its purpose as never before."

Sunday was Keira's big day. She looked beautiful & Rick gave her a beautiful blessing. Later we all gathered at the Bassett's for a brunch & a little visit.

There was quite a crowd - Leah did get a total group picture but this is only the Brown, Garner, & Mid-Cart cousins. (L-R: Terri w/Livi & Ben; Unka Ty; Rochelle w/Carson; Aunt Linda hiding behind R, Becca w/Lydia & Ryan; Leah w/Keira & Rick; G'ma Jenny & G'pa Paul; Tyler w/Cameron, Abby & Vanessa; Chad & Cara; Thayne & MaryAnne w/Cache.) It was fun to see everyone & catch up a little bit.

Monday we took a scenic drive up the canyon along the Alpine Loop & stopped for a "foil dinner lunch" with the Bassetts. Rick picked a great little picnic area to stop at near a little creek.

Rick did all the work; he cut up the veggies, seasoned the meat, wrapped them in foil, built the fire...

& hmmmmmmmm....delicious!

The fall colors are already turning - the scenery was gorgeous & the company was even better!

Thanks for a great weekend Leah & Rick - we had a terrific time! Oh, & thanks for sharing your camera, too!

The LDS Cannery

Paul is the High Priest Group Leader in our ward & one of his responsibilities is to get volunteers to serve at the cannery in Sacramento. When G'ma & G'pa Middleton were serving their missions at the Bishop's Storehouse & the Cannery in San Jose, we went a couple of times as a family to help - but I never realized what a slick set up we have in the Church Welfare program...check out http://providentliving.org/.

They bring the tomatoes in by the truck load (we had four truckloads waiting)...

Then they send them down conveyor belts, similar to these, & wash them...

Then they continue on the belts & people hand sort the bad ones & send the rest to be "cooked" or "juiced" - Since I lost my camera in Brazil, I took a couple of pics with Paul's phone, but this is the only one that wasn't too blurry...here we are in front of one of the four batches of tomato juice that Paul was supervising.

The tomatoes & the juice is then canned, labeled, & boxed for distribution. We were there for a 4 hour shift & we boxed thousands of cans for a lot of "someones" in need. It was a great "date night" & we were happy to contribute to one of the many facets of the Churches Humanitarian efforts.

Have You Forgotten?

9/11/2001 - I was picking kids up from seminary & heard a casual radio report about a plane that hit the World Trade Center. I thought out loud, "What idiot could NOT see the WTC?" Thinking some small little plane "accidentally" hit the top, a little damage to the plane, no one got hurt, etc. It wasn't until I actually got to school (I was teaching 3rd grade at the time) that I began to understand. I turned on the TV to try & get more information... I was a basket case by the time the students showed up. How was I going to keep it together in front of these 8 & 9 year olds? Teachers & administrators were in & out all day long, the TV stayed on in the back of the room with the volume down & phone calls were allowed in & out of the classroom (I was relieved when Paul finally called to tell me that our son-in-law, Brent, wasn't flying that day - he was safe at home!). A few of my student's father's were on business trips in New York & they hadn't heard from them yet & some parents came & got their children. We let the students talk about it & ask questions & we watched the story unfold together but we tried to carry on as normal as possible...it was the longest day ever! All I wanted to do was go home to my family. When we finally got home, Leah, Nicole, Terri, & Ty were home already & we all sat in front of the TV in disbelief & cried & hugged & prayed - it was so frightening.

Have you forgotten?

Those disturbing images...

Heroes among us...

Those who still fight...

Your prayers?

May we continue to pray for those lost, for courage to carry on, for strength to endure, for wisdom to understand, for leaders of nations to do all in their power to establish peace on the planet, for sons & daughters to come home safely. I'm proud to be an American & I'm grateful for the sacrifice of others who protect us from more days like this one.

I will NOT forget...because the Lord blessed our family with a reminder of the sacredness of life - Adison Faith Middleton was born on this day in 2006 & every year we get to celebrate her life & the hope that comes with "new life." We remember that she was born on this solemn day...the day so many returned to that God who made them & we celebrate the memory of their lives through the joy she brings us. Happy Birthday Adison - we love you!

Our 2008 Baby Tour is Complete!

At last our 2008 Baby Tour is complete! Penelope Ann Holyoak waited for us to get back from Brazil. Penny arrived September 3rd at 5:25 AM weighing in at 8#14oz and 20 inches long. (Incase you've been absent from the planet...Penny is our 6th grandchild born this year - bringing our grand total to 19...9 boys & 10 girls!)

Being a grandparent is the best!

Macy REALLY likes her new baby sister! Her reaction, "Oh cuuute!"

Of course we got to play with Macy lots - she kept us entertained with her cute little personality.

We went blackberry picking & made a delicious cobbler.

The Happy Holyoak Family of FOUR.

Congrats guys & thanks for giving us another beautiful grandchild.