Max Made Jory & Sarah Parents - Amazing

Max has arrived. He is early, beautiful and healthy. We thank the Lord. What a surprise to see a cherry blonde head of hair. His hands are similar to Sarah's and the nose is definitely from Jory. Some say he looks like Grandpa Schmidt. His chin resembles Grandpa Sargent. Then again you could say he has a little bit of all of us.

Mom & Dad couldn't be prouder with the big smiles and larger than life blessing that has come to them this week. Parenthood forty-eight hours in and still going strong. The best thing is that little Max slept all night after being born. What will the next eighteen years be like?

What a wonderful gift we have received, eleven grand children and all angels.

Measuring My Progress

Jenn made this measuring board "Miracles Keep Growing and Growing" and gave as a gift in 2005. We began to use it immediately and put it in a prominent place so any and all guests could put their current height on it. The earliest date I can find is May 13, 2005, for Kade Stevenson. I count at least twenty-five names having been here. We even have newborn babes and their growth over the years noted.

It is really fun to compare how tall each cousin is to other cousins at the same ages. Now it is time to mark Zero's and the Taz height since they have stepped up and appear to be waiting. We will continue the tradition when our little Max Schmidt is born in a few weeks.

Picture Perfect at 'The' Parade

Every year Grandma Crane watched the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day, so we watched it, too. She went to see it years ago when she had the traveling bug. I must be getting old, because I wanted to watch it live as well. The parade begins with the Master of Ceremonies riding in a classic car (only 7 in the world) covered in blooms. I have included some of our favorite floats or masterpieces. The first float, Trader Joe's is one that Jim Crane Jr. and his daughter helped decorate. Our VIP stadium seating was amongst the media, relatives and moguls of the Tournament folk. One of the photos, Allan, in his hat is coming up the stairs.

On the Road to Bethlehem

Looking through some pictures, I ran across Joseph, Mary and the sacred nativity.  They look so happy going about doing the work of the Lord. 

Mary even had time to comfort a baby lamb.  She must the best at showing love and charity.  What a bright smile and loving heart. 

Joined by a shepherd boy or perhaps even a wealthy, wiseman, the beloved family enjoys spending time together. 

Booking It to Bluebell And Back

Allan had a six hour crane job in Bluebell, Duchesne County.  With a three hour commute each way, he thought I could keep him company.  I was happy to ride along taking pictures and enjoying the scenery.  Crossing three bodies of water, Deer Creek, Strawberry Reservoir, and Starvation.

We finally arrived in Duchesne about 1pm.  An eye appointment prevented us from leaving earlier.  Twenty more miles to Bluebell and a wrong destination by the Garmin, we called the contractor who met us in town, ten more miles down the road. 

Cold temperatures and occassional wind slowed the work.  They had to hussle because daylight closed in shortly after 5pm.

These men were perfectionists and had to get every truss on the exact mark, before going to the next batch.  Allan worked on the crane from 2pm to 9pm straight barely getting a bit to eat and bit of drink. 

After dark, the men pulled their vehicles up to shine on the site so they could finish the job.  It was bitter cold, but they worked into the night to complete the job.  These pictures are from warmer days.  A major storm was to hit the Wasatch Front later that night.  We pulled in our riggers and headed home at 10pm after stopping for a potty break in Duchesne.      We arrived home at 1am thankful to just hit patches of snow along the way, light traffic and a cozy bed.  Next day we woke to six inches of snow.  More fell in the Uintah Basin with below zero temperatures since the day we completed the job.          

An Apple A Day

We harvested an abundance of apples this year.  They were so crisp and delicious.  I shared them at work, gave to family, friends and everyone I could think of.

I made pies, desserts, applesauce and more.  I even sold some to a lady at work that said when I first took some, she didn't like apples.  There is still a bunch left.  In fact, I think they doubled in number after being picked. 

Sad to say, the crispness is gone and they are getting soft.  Next step is to not only get the fruit dryer out, but to bottle, bake and barter even more.  What a blessing. 

Gertrude Gladiola

i have a new name as of recently when I wore this old but beloved dress on Halloween.  I'm still trying to get my money's worth out of it after the styles changed. 

I was glad this pink hat I bought years ago matched it perfectly.  Now I just need to come up with some kind of cute skit to perform.  Maybe the place to preview it would be You Tube.  Who knows I could be the next copy-cat Carol Burnett act.  Time will tell