Grammy Rae's

Thank You to Gordons

2012-01-29T20:14:00.000-08:00

This has taken too long, but I wanted to express my thanks with my efforts. Kelli and Steve got us a Whoopie Pie recipe book and pan for Christmas. My efforts are messy and hopefully with practice they will look more uniform, but they still tasted great. I wasn't aware of all the possibilities there are to make, even some with jalapenos and herbs, of course with a cream cheese filling. Thanks Kelli and Steve!!!

Little Helpers

2011-12-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

It's good to teach them young. Of course they are the ones making the mess, but they are more than willing to clean it up.

I just have to lower the standards a little.

The celebratory cheer!

Summary

2011-10-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

Dale and I took a weekend and headed to Salt Lake. We enjoyed hanging out with our kids. They do know how to have fun.

The purpose of the trip was to visit KC and his girlfriend, Heather. We had a great time and totally enjoyed having her with us.

She became like a daughter to me, at least in the mind of a very talkative quilt shop owner, but I'll take it.

This past week author, Avi, came to talk to the students in Manson. I have read Something Upstairs by him every year during our Revolutionary unit. I have enjoyed every book I have read written by him.

It was exciting to listen to him tell of his life and then answer endless questions from the students.

This past weekend we went to Spokane for a sibling dinner. I enjoyed the food and the company.

All of Dale's brothers and sisters were there with all the usual joking and teasing.

On our way home from Spokane the next night we helped the sorely missed grandkids trunk or treat.

Rock was totally in character as Buzz Lightyear.

Ryker let us put the lion suit on. If you haven't seen how he reacted the first time this suit was put on look at Aaron's blog. It was a riot.

This has been our month. We have enjoyed visiting with lots of family and friends. Bonnie and I took in a musical in Seattle and also a quilt show in Wenatchee. Parent conferences are over and now relaxation can seep in.

Genius

2011-09-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

My son has it.

Yup, that's a fork that he's using to dunk the Oreo.

Dreams

2011-09-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

Scrolling through pictures on Facebook Saturday night this was one of the pictures I saw. It is the only link I can think of for my dream.

In my dream Helen and Leo were able to come back to earth for one day. I remember sitting next to Leo and asking him for advice. I can't recall what I was asking, but I remember the wonderful feeling of having this special gift of talking to him one more time. And as I was talking to him Helen sat nearby smiling. I'm sure just enjoying watching her family. It all felt so real, that when I woke I laid in bed reliving the feeling of being with them.

I am grateful for the knowledge that one day I will be able to visit with them again and have it not only feel real but truly be real.

Boston

2011-08-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

dIt is Boston history time, which we've really crammed into one day.

We spent most of the day on a trolley bus. It helped the aching knees.

The Old North Church was one of our first stops. This is where Paul Revere watched for the lanterns, you know "one if by land, two if by sea." So how many did he see?

Two exactly, well not these two. This is Paul Revere's pew or room at the Old North Church.

Walking the grounds

Lunch was at the Union Oyster House where we met up with an old roommate of Marissa's with her husband.

We were also right next to John F. Kenndy's favorite booth.

Next was Faneuil Hall. I loved the beauty of the building.

We then went to the State House. We didn't pay the extra admission to go into it. When I tried to take a picture of a picture outside the familiar head had to claim its place.

Another stop was the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides

It took a lot to drag these two to his side for a picture.

We got on an old destroyer before I figured out that this couldn't be from the time period we had been visiting for the past week, but Marissa was willing to deface the ship for a picture.

A theme is born. The USS Constitution is a beautiful ship. Ninety-five percent of it has been restored or redone, but it is a great looking ship.

We waited for a family with little kids to get their picture. The girls were not to be outdone.

Our game at Fenway didn't exactly go as planned but we did see the ball field.

A little night vision. I realized there was still so much to see, but after 10 days of walking and visiting we were a little tired. I did go back the next day, thanks to Dale's patience, and visited the State House with the required money for admission.

This is the picture I took the day before with Marissa's head. Whitni and I took the Boston Massacre tour, well worth the admission. It will help my lesson greatly. Can you see what doesn't belong in the picture above? It is outside and is a reflection. The old and the new. I thought it was cool.

Cape Cod/Plymouth

2011-08-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

We drove from Philadelphia to Cape Cod. I did not realize how close we came to New York until we hit the traffic. We turned and there was the big city.

We decided with the horrific traffic we were already a part of that New York would remain a skyline.

We finally made it to Cape Cod, a very touristy place. We enjoyed visiting the Brewster Branch with some familiar faces - at least the first Mrs. Granny Smith, not from Washington but from Cape Cod.

It is green everywhere. We enjoyed the ocean and the dramatic skies.

On our Sunday drive we did happen upon a lighthouse that is still being used.

Beautiful girls, wonderful ocean waves and those dramatic skies

Monday was our Plymouth day, but the dramatic skies got the best of us. It rained. It poured. We did get a glance at Plymouth Rock. So it is not as big as some of us thought, we can say we saw it.

We were pretty soaked by this point and decided to do Plymouth Plantation the next day.

We ended up at an indoor museum with many tourists with the same idea. Whitni and I gave up on this glassblowing demonstration, being too short and in the back. I'm sure it was fabulous.

It was a beautiful day for Plymouth. We did see a lot of places, however, where the previous day's rain washed parts of the trail away.

We started at the craft house. This gentleman was making a chair that he sells for $4000. They also make them for the displays and houses on the plantation. There was also a young man making cups out of clay. It was interesting to see how fast he could make a cup. The one we saw was the ninth.

The girls tried to made friends with this young family.

The village.

Dale volunteered to man the cannons against enemy fire, usually that means his daughters.

We aren't dressed properly for this time, but with our simple minds and honest hearts I think we will fit in.

Whitni got some long awaited revenge in this humble home. I think she's enjoying the 17th century.

I decided to try out one of the woodworker's chairs. I do appreciate carpet, electricity, and plumbing.

From the pilgrim village we then went to the Wampanoag village. Marissa had a battle with a worker at Jamestown who belittled her question about using only shells to scrape out the canoe. She felt redeemed here watching these young natives scraping it out with sticks and tomahawks.

This young man needed to go back to wherever he came from because he did not seem to be enjoying his summer, but he did allow the picture.

This young man, however, loves his job. This was where all the fun was. They are playing a game here where the fun comes in distracting your opponent. The tourist won this game, much to the surprise of the native.

We do need to get this poor girl out to a farm more often.

We enjoyed a visit with the gentleman in the center. They stay completely in character with their great English accents.

The Mayflower II is a small ship. Imagining the 102 passengers below deck most of the time is hard to imagine. These two would not have survived!

We were excited to see our deckhand on board the Mayflower in this cutout, but here as a pilgrim.

A beautiful day with lots of history seen.

Philadelphia

2011-08-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

We drove to Philadelphia from Washington D.C. Traffic is something Garmin and I don't like. So when we ended up right next to the sports complex just as a game was ending traffic was everywhere. Eventually about 11:30 at night we pull into our hotel in downtown Philly. The girls were excited to see how high up we were.

The next morning we headed to the Independence Hall center. Our first visit was the Liberty Bell.

It was very interesting to read the history of all those who call it their Liberty Bell. It is a hope for many who don't share in the same rights as others.

This view was a little disappointing. The top floors of Independence Hall are being remodeled due to a proper drain never being installed causing some rot. They did put up a mesh hanging at least that gives you an image of what it might look like.

Our tour of the inside of Independence Hall was full of great history. The chair at the top to the right of Marissa's head is the actual chair George Washington used during the writing of the constitution. It was so exciting to be where so much of our history took place.

We took in the gallery of portraits. These were amazing to see of pictures I've used in my lessons. Above is Martha Washington.

Marissa conned the park rangers to do a portrait of her to add to the gallery.

She will add a whole new dimension to the gallery.

Next to Independence Hall is the old Congress building. This room housed the first meetings of the House of Representatives. Where the ranger is standing is close to where John Adams took the oath for president. History!!!!

Upstairs is where the Senate held their meetings, decorated much nicer. Most of these chairs were the originals.

Our next stop was a true Philadelpia steak sandwich. We were told to go to Jim's Steaks. Quite colorful, busy and loud.

The girls had theirs with Whiz, Dale and I stuck with Provolone. Both were pretty good. (I'm sorry Philadelphia, but I'm an Italian Place girl through and through.)

A very popular place.

The girls had some places they wanted to see. They took their dad, I took my tired feet to the hotel.

The girls went out by themselves to a cafe, but worried a little since there was a curfew at nine for teens due to the flash mob problems. One cop did look long and hard at them but they got back okay.

Goodbye Philly.

Yorktown/Washington D.C.

2011-08-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

After Jamestown we headed to Yorktown - a quartet of tired soldiers.

Some of us took our fatigue to new levels.

As you can tell Yorktown didn't like us too much.

I did learn the uniform trim color tells where the soldier is from, if we could only remember where each color was from.

The girls have a lot of their father in them.

It just doesn't seem right to have a weapon taller than yourself.

They had been getting along so well.

We left the perils of war behind and headed to Washington, D.C., on a new kind of war - traffic and an annoying Garmin who kept taking us far from our intended destination.

Lincoln proved very calming to our nerves and the girls also got a little excited with the cute guard standing nearby.

Enjoying being together!

It looked close enough to walk, but we went to the war memorials instead.
Vietnam War Memorial

It's a more reverent atmosphere here and way too many names. It sure hits you how much death occurred during this time.

Korean War Memorial

This memorial evoked many emotions, many of those emotions shown on the faces of these statues.

Beautiful water feature at this memorial.

A great statement to start a Veteran's Day lesson.

National Law Enforcement Memorial

This memorial was set more in the city, but worth the effort to get there.

They make it very easy to find names of those you knew or loved ones of those you know.

We did a few etchings and just enjoyed the peace of this memorial.

Washington was a great stop. We really could have stayed longer, but Philadelphia is calling us.

Jamestown

2011-08-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today was Jamestown, but we hit a roadblock when we decided we needed a local experience in the ER. We enjoyed the cushy chairs in the waiting room while Lindsea and Travis enjoyed the peace and quiet to themselves. Luckily Lindsea got some pain relief and was sporting enough to spend a few minutes at Jamestown.

Whitni enjoying the hospital art.

Marissa, never to be outdone by anyone.

Did I say she was a trooper!!! It was great to have them both with us.

I Spy - Pocahontas

Pocahontas

Whitni's feet have actually stood where Pocahontas once walked.

As I was taking a picture this face showed up. I guess I was neglecting her, but I thought it turned out pretty well.

I don't know who thought this would be a good idea. Luckily, she doesn't have a clue what to really do.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to the fun couple. Thanks for joining us!!!

Day 2 of Jamestown.

Dale, inwardly, is showing his excitement.

A bandolier, a skunk and a willing helper.

Do you think they were born in the wrong century?

Enjoying the costume or the young man helping them?

The Susan Constant

Marissa has taught her dad all she learned about cannons.

We had a great time in the villages, the ships and watching many demonstrations. It has left me with great resources for school and many memories.

Williamsburg

2011-08-11T05:28:00.000-07:00

The trip started with a familiar couple sitting down by us in the Atlanta airport. Upon second glance I was so excited to recognize Lindsea and Travis. What a great surprise. They apparently had been planning it with Dale for months. After that the day was all down hill with delays, sitting in an airplane on the tarmac for two hours, and getting to the condo at 1 in the morning.

Our color for the day is green. There should be a few pictures you can spot it in. Two beautiful daughters giving me something fun to photograph.

Three gorgeous girls to have fun with.

Our first day - Williamsburg.

The governor's palace. It is hot and humid, but at least on this day there was a nice breeze.

Their horses reminded me of someone I know. I'll try to remember who.

500 weapons graced the walls of this palace. I was hoping Dale was not getting any ideas.

In the ballroom of the palace the gentlemen were taught how to properly bow.

Our animated tour guide indulging the tourists with their weird requests.

Kodak moment.

Marissa was getting a little out of control so we put her in the corner where she promptly found some children's blocks. She was excited and spent some time creating.

I enjoyed listening to the basket weaver. The process is interesting, but too involved for a simple project.

The palace is behind us in the background.

I'm glad they had these pillories handy for disrespectful daughters.

I should have been more grateful for their presence on the trip.

Marissa explaining why this day is all about her.

We were so excited to have Lindsea and Travis, but they did travel a little snug.
I'm finally here!!

Grand Canyon

2011-08-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

In order to start blogging the current vacation I still need to finish the last one.

Mom, Dad and Sherry were nice enough to drive the couple hours it took to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. It was very pleasant weather, great food, and wonderful scenery.

The Grand Canyon can give a mother nightmares. I remember having many after visiting with our kids many years ago. While buying souvenirs I saw a book that detailed all the deaths that have happened at the Grand Canyon. One of the reasons that many die is the daring ways people try to get that perfect picture. I then looked through my pictures and saw a couple that were lucky.

The gal that is lower is posing for what I assume is her boyfriend. When I zoomed in I was amazed at how little the ledge she is standing on is. Please do not try this while at the Grand Canyon. Relieve your mothers of this stress!

Mom and Dad

One place I wanted to see is the hotel El Tovar. I had read a series of books set in this hotel. We ate lunch here and did a bit of shopping. It's going to so interesting to read this series again with some reference of what they are talking about.

Thanks family for wonderful memories. I really enjoyed this time with you. I'm ready to do it again.

Vacation - 4

2011-07-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

The vacation has long come and gone but I do want to get the rest written.

We were meeting Kelli and Jenni's families at Montezuma. We went to the well and they were at the castle. Turns out they are not at the same place. We took advantage at being at the well and hiked to view the history.

Behind mom and dad above is this little abode. It is hard to imagine raising a family in this dwelling set in the hillside. I freak out with the kids on flat surfaces I can't imagine that worry.

This little lake has water that comes from below if I remember correctly. Formed long ago by the collapse of a limestone cavern, over one million gallons of water a day flows continuously into the Well. It is called Montezuma's Well, but Montezuma was never anywhere near it. Some explorer misnamed it, not knowing it was the Sinagua people.

We left the cave and met with the families at Montezuma's Castle.

What fun. Tyler introduced us to the many wonders of Oreo cookies. Besides it deliciousness you can also play games with them. Put an Oreo on your forehead and with only your facial twitches move it to your mouth. I saw Tyler achieve this twice, of course I saw it hit the ground many times.

Sherry, always a good sport, gave it a try. It may look like she succeeded, but alas no. It flipped off her tongue onto the sanitary picnic bench.

This is perched up on the hillside, which again gives me shudders imagining raising a family in a hillside dwelling like these.

They used to let visitors climb some rickety ladders to go into the ruins, but the travelers damaged them too much and the park rangers have not let people go into them since the 1950's.

It was very impressive to see what people can do with their resources.

Photo-op time.

Junior Ranger and his sidekick. Carter was very funny running around the station and then pushing himself back against this mural ready for his photo moment.

A morning full of hot sun over one hundred degrees and lots of walking leads to a bench full of dehydrated exhausted travelers.

Vacation -3

2011-07-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

One of our days in Sedona was to Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is very interestingly perched in the rocks.

Just after we walked up the hill, finally making it to the top and the marvelous view, my batteries ran out. I was pretty disappointed and trying to plan my plea to my sisters and parents on why we needed to come back.

To my delight and my family's great relief the church had a gift shop in the basement which sold batteries. So now a bevy of beautiful photos.

In the gift shop we found postcards with this rock formation. I believe it was called "Madonna and Child". I was thrilled to see it right off to the left of the church.

View from the top side.

Troopers!

Beautiful country with gorgeous women. After the church, shopping was on the schedule. But first, lunch at a very "close" restaurant.

It's great finding out all a camera can do, like timed pictures. I just need to figure out how to place it a little better.

More to come, yea I know you can't wait.

Vacation -2

2011-06-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Our first adventure in Sedona took us up a very windy road past Cottonwood to a semi-ghost town of Jerome, Arizona. It used to be a mining town, but now seems to be an artist colony.

The winding steep roads were exciting with my sister's stick shift so I was glad I was not driving.

The state park was closed so we didn't see much of the mining history, but here is what we would have seen had it not been closed.

We saw signs for a Ghost Town. We were kind of wondering what kind of place we had come to when you could see maybe a hundred abandoned vehicles and junk sitting everywhere as we drove in. We were ready for an adventure and an adventure we were going to have.

Dad had had to endure many shopping trips in the morning and a quilt store on the way to Jerome so we didn't fault him when he found his "quilt store" in abandoned old cars.

This photo was in an old dentist office featuring many of the old tools they may have used. See how close you think they came. I personally like the bottom one better.

We did need more hands, but it was fun.

Tragedy did befall us. Sherry inhaled wiggly bugs. If you look close enough you can see the teeny black dot. I'm glad it wasn't the tarantula I thought must have crawled up her nostril.

Kelli also experienced a trauma. On our way through the rusted machines a big wasp swooped down on her unprotected hand and stung her. Jenni saved her and found ice for the reddened skin, but Kelli was a little spooked the rest of the walk. Anything that moved sped her to a safer place.

The mine entrance near the Ghost Town.

All in all it was a great day.

Summer Fun - 1

2011-06-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is the my scrapbook of my two weeks vacation. Read at your own risk.

I spent the first week of my vacation down with my parents in Utah. My main focus being my four kids living here.

One day was spent at Sherry's mountain "cabin". The girls and their grandpa enjoyed a long four wheeler ride through the mountains.

Mom enjoyed finding a quiet place to read.

It has been fun visiting, shopping and eating with my kids.

I enjoyed watching Nick play softball. It brought back memories of watching him at home and watching my brother Rob on the same field. I couldn't find anywhere to take a picture without the fence so it is there.

It was the last game of the year for them so I took advantage of the photo op.

The second week of my adventure takes place in Sedona, Arizona. Our trip to this beautiful place was gorgeous. Lots of construction and lots of time watching Sherry pass multiple cars at a time (okay it was a passing lane).

I'm loving the red rock look.

My traveling companions.

My sisters and I took a walk in the bearable temperatures around our "glorified trailer park" resort.

I didn't realize the walk was to be from one vending machine to another. (Okay, she was buying water for us.)

Dad's breakfast was waiting for us when we got back. I figured out how to use the time on my camera but we need to find a different angle next time. It was 106 yesterday. Just a side note.

Release

2011-06-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

The seniors had an auction to earn some money. Dale bought this beautiful young lady to help in the yard. I had heard she knew how to cook Chinese food (she is from Taiwan). So cooking dinner for us was the plan.

Above she is laying rice on a roasted seaweed sheet. She adds the ingredients below...

rolls it up and they become these good looking rolls.

NO raw fish for us, the seaweed is fishy enough. Dale added a lot of Yoshida's Sweet and Savory sauce and really enjoyed it.

These wontons were my favorite. They had sausage and cabbage and we dipped them in the Yoshida's.

A favorite of the boy's was the Egg Drop soup.

Dinner is served.

The release part of this blog involves school being over!! I spent the day doing recess duty for a much smaller group of boys - mainly two special towheads.

New Bike. He was so excited to be going to school to ride it he woke me up at 5:30 ready to go.

Ryker found probably the only mud puddle in the playground but sat for a long time throwing mud around.

The helmet stayed on throughout the day, even though it was Rissa's.

For his aunts, and anyone else interested.

Babysitting has never been so much fun!

Nothing Better

2011-06-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than seeing two boys test their limits.

There is nothing better than coming home from school and having a three-year-old come up and ask, "How was your day, Mama Rae?"

There is nothing better than watching little feet get the feel of life before venturing farther.

There is nothing better than watching a little three-year-old mimicking his dad and grandpa and having friends wherever he goes. (He invited some wide-eyed boy at the park to play trucks with him)

There is nothing better than seeing a sweet face look up to you in happiness.

There is nothing better than getting the mama crazed one-year-old to the point where he enjoys being with you.

There is nothing better than having your grandkids around to spoil.

My Friend

2011-06-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

About 15 years ago or so I met an incredible teacher. I believe I subbed as a para in her kindergarten room, basically chasing down my nephew who kept running away. When I got the okay to student teach in Manson I quickly requested Sheri La Mar. I loved watching her with her students. She completely gave them her attention and love. Throughout the months I student taught in her first grade classroom she was always encouraging, but also offering ways to improve. The next year I was offered a one-year job teaching first grade. Working with Sheri again was amazing. We had a great time. Chocolate, especially M&M's, became a shared love. I missed working with her and her very sunny attitude towards life when I moved to fifth grade. You just couldn't not smile when she was around. When she found out she had cancer she started a blog to keep people informed and titled it "Smile". I loved her attitude and the way she kept fighting. She is now smiling in a different place, blessing those there.

From the musical Wicked

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true.

But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you

Thank you Sheri, for helping me grow as a teacher and a person. You will be missed.

Singin' in the Rain

2011-05-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

I don't remember an Apple Blossom with so much rain. It was wet and cold, but I was amazed how many people still came out.

I was really amazed that the parade went on!

This was the float I was waiting for. They talked of just being in the cab of the pickup, but the crew all looked happy throwing candy in the rain.

Other activities to try in the rain: Fly in the helicopter, but keep it grounded.

Ride bikes with a favorite three-year-old.

The weather really didn't matter. I had two sons, two daughters and their friend, one daughter-in-law and two grandsons here for the weekend. As long as we were together the weather could do what it wanted.

Relaxing Heaven

2011-04-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

I wish I could find a good before picture, but this will have to do.

It has turned out beautifully.

It seemed every time I talked to our builder he had some other great idea, so the bathroom morphed into more than was initially planned. I did stop with some of the extras like lights and cupboards. Maybe later.

Orlando Travel Suggestions

2011-04-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

When you visit Orlando we have some great suggestions to make the trip wonderful.

If you have family nearby they are always the way to go for a great trip. We use them for free tickets, a place to relax and insider knowledge of things to do. They also are great for chauffeurs.

Visiting with friends is always great, especially if you haven't seen them for awhile. We happened to meet up on Cassie's birthday, got to meet two of her daughters and catch up on each other's lives.

Another suggestion if you are in Orlando this time of year is to go to Epcot to see the topiaries. It's amazing how they get every detail with foliage. I have included some of my favorites.

Can you tell which one needs watering?

Visit Animal Kingdom and see the Lion King musical review. I love the music in the movie, so hearing it live was wonderful. This cast member sang Circle of Life and she was fantastic. It's only about 30-45 minutes and well worth the stop.

When I told Dale we were going to a musical dinner theatre he rolled his eyes at me. This show was made for him. Songs he grew up with, comedy and great food.

We dined on buckets of fried chicken, the moistest chicken I've had, barbecue ribs, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet cornbread and strawberry shortcake. It was delicious and lots of fun.

The lady on the right was a riot, but they were all great in their roles.

For great beaches drive west through Tampa to Clearwater. The sand is white, the beaches were clean, and the water was refreshing. We didn't dress for swimming but I got to do what I love to do, read. I sat in a comfy chair hearing the ocean and read! My kind of vacation.

The cute couple.

Another great thing to do in Orlando is visit the temple sitting on what looks like the only hill in Orlando.

It was a great way to spend the morning with Lindsea and Travis.

An important tip for travelers: Double check that you have the necessary clothes for dressing up. Notice how far down the tie is and the fancy dress shoes.

As in every vacation it is important to take someone who is fun to be with, has a credit card, and looks out for your happiness before their own.

Does school really start on Monday?

Sitting In For Aaron

2011-04-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

Somehow Aaron's camera ended up in our luggage, so I thought I would help him keep everyone informed on the cuteness of Rock and Ryker.

It's always great to get to Rock's house. He either meets us at the door or we can see him watching in the window. The hugs are always there, and lately so is I love you Momma Rae.

Rock loves his Poppa Dale.

During the Saturday morning session DeAndra sweetened the air with the smell of cinnamon rolls. It was the Little Red Hen type of rolls where if you wanted to eat you needed to help. Rock took it very seriously and was glad to roll the flour.

He was very engaged in the work. It was great how DeAndra loved all they were doing to help the process.

Ryker took his job of taste tester very seriously. Flour was not a favorite.

The dough was a little better, but was quite welcome when the brown sugar made an appearance. He couldn't get enough of that.

He did help reshape the circle a little bit with every bite he snatched.

The helpers were great help!

Ryker gives the rolls five stars. A definite tradition in the making.

A Postcard for Rock

2011-04-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Rock,

I met your friend Woody. He sure is a lot bigger than he appears in the movies.

Woody loves you, as does your friend, Buzz.

He is pretty tall! Momma Rae and Bampa Dale are having fun. Woody and Buzz will help me find their train for you.

Be good for your mom and dad. See you soon. Momma Rae

Remodel

2011-03-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

We have asked for bids on our small bathroom remodel. We have received many excited contractors hoping to get this very impressive job.

One such applicant was a very cute guy with an impressive resume. He brought some of his fabric swatches.

He sewed up some of his visions for window treatments.

Then he went all out and laid out possible floor designs.

He worked very hard on this masterpiece.

Unfortunately his schedule had some conflicts and we had to go with someone I'm sure less qualified.

Maybe this bright young star will be available next time we have a project.