The Scrappin Genealogist

To genealogists everywhere: We are the chosen

2011-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

I saw this on the Jones Genealogist and wanted to share it.

We are the chosen. In each family there is one who seems called to find the ancestors. To put flesh on their bones and make them live again, to tell the family story and to feel that somehow they know and approve.

Doing genealogy is not a cold gathering of facts but, instead, breathing life into all who have gone before. We are the story tellers of the tribe. All tribes have one. We have been called, as it were, by our genes. Those who have gone before cry out to us, "Tell our story!" So, we do.

In finding them, we somehow find ourselves. How many graves have I stood before? How many times have I told the ancestors, "You have a wonderful family; you would be proud of us." How many times have I walked up to a grave and felt somehow there was love for me? I cannot say.

It goes beyond just documenting facts. It goes to who am I and why do I do the things I do. The bones here are bones of my bone and flesh of my flesh. It goes to pride in what our ancestors were able to accomplish, how they contributed to what we are today. It goes to respecting their hardships and losses, their never giving in or giving up, their resoluteness to go on and build a life for their family.

It goes to deep pride that the fathers fought and some died to make and keep us a Nation. It goes to a deep and immense understanding that they were doing it for us. It is of equal pride and love that our mothers struggled to give us birth. Without them we could not exist, and so we love each one, as far back as we can reach. That we might be born who we are. That we might remember them. So we do.

With love and caring and scribing each fact of their existence, because we are they and they are the sum of who we are. So, as a scribe called, I tell the story of my family. It is up to the one called in the next generation to answer the call and take my place in the long line of family storytellers.

This is why I do my family genealogy, and that is what calls those young and old to step up and restore the memory or greet those whom we have never known before. So we do.

Author Unknown

This is my sentiments exactly!!

Very eventful trip

2011-08-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so when you're planning on taking your first child to college, it is an emotional time. You don't want to see him leave the nest, but you're excited to see him start his life's journey. But, if I was granted a do over with taking Zakk to college yesterday, I would have gladly taken it!!

To start this wonderful odyssey, we need to begin in Ely on the morning of August 18. We're packing the car with Zakk's stuff, and he realizes his TV won't fit. He starts freaking out, until I remind him that his buddy Dylan is coming up the next day and can bring it. Ok, first crisis averted.

Then, we're all packed up and ready to go. Zakk decides that he's gonna drive which is ok by me. We start on the trip and we come to a mountain pass that we have to climb. This pass is called Conner's Pass and it's pretty steep. But, our car is just creeping up the hill. We lose so much speed, that we decide to turn around and go the other way without the mountain passes. Zakk is so frustrated that he decides to let Steve drive. We drive towards Wendover, the car overheats a little on the passes, but we keep pushing on. We stopped in Wendover to eat and gas up - which we normally NEVER have to do on this trip. After we eat, Zakk decides to drive again. So, we start driving. And guess what?

We get about five miles outside of Tooele, Utah and the car loses power. Zakk is even more frustrated and gets out to take a small walk to calm down. I don't blame him - he just wants to get to school and settled before the semester starts on Monday. Steve gets in the driver's seat and tries to start the car and there is this horrendous squealing sound. He just wants to get the car off the interstate, so we creep the five miles to the Flying J truckstop. Our max speed on this little five mile trip - 10 mph. Ugh!

We try to call my sister, and she isn't there. So, Steve called his sister. She tells us that she'll come and get us and take us to Steve's parents house. They have an extra car that we can use. So, we creep into the travel lodge and await her arrival which is an hour later. No big deal, it gives everyone the chance to calm down, go potty, get drinks and snacks etc.

Steve's sister and husband arrive and we get safely to Spanish Fork. We all crash from the ordeal. The next morning, we get up, do a few things and load up the car. Oh, did I mention that Steve's parents are on vacation? LOL We get on the road and go to see my sister. We spend about an hour there visiting with her and her children and then we get on the road.

This part of the trip is minimal. Zakk makes the comment that he hopes Grandma and Grandpa's car won't break down and I laugh. I told him that if he needed to know anything about Grandpa Moore it's that he was VERY good about keeping up on the maintenance of his cars. We get to Weber State University and pull in to park so that we can get Zakk settled into his dorm and voila - we see the red and blue lights flash us. Oh man!

The WSU campus cop walks up and informs Steve that he pulled us over because the registration is expired on the car! WTH! So, we look through the glove compartment and guess what? No current registration AND the proof of insurance was two years old! WTH. Steve tells the officer that it wasn't his car, it was his dad's and that we had car trouble and we borrowed his parents car to get our son to school. He lets us off with a warning. Another crisis averted, for a few minutes.

Ok, we get Zakk registered in the dorm and get his keys, so we drive around to the back to start to unload when guess what happens next? Smoke starts coming out from under the hood of the car. Steve pops the hood and sees that a tube from the reservoir to the radiator has exploded and that the smoke was actually the coolant leaking onto the engine. Geez! As luck would have it, a friend from where we live was dropping her daughter off at the dorms, and she offered to take us to the parts store to get the part we needed to fix the car.

Steve gets the part fixed, and puts more coolant in the car, and Zakk gets settled into his dorm. Well, then Zakk comes down pretty upset. I ask him what was the problem? He informed me that he left his keyboard to his computer at home. Well, this was an easy fix! We took him to Staples to get a replacement and to Target to get some incidental stuff like shampoo, soap, razors, etc. After the small little shopping spree, we take him back to the dorms.

Now, this is the sad part. I had to leave my baby boy there. That was SO hard for me. I just held onto him crying and he's telling me not to embarrass him. LOL But, after all the drama, hugs, and tears of this trip - I watched my little boy, who was always my shadow when he was little, walk into his college dorm. I was filled with sadness because I realized at that moment that he was no longer my little boy. He was a man heading off to start his adult life as a college student. Never again would I wake up in the mornings and have him come into my room and snuggle with me and ask me if we can get donuts for breakfast. I will miss those cherished days of having him in our home.

It hasn't even been 24 hours, and I feel like it's been longer. I miss him like crazy, but that will make future trips to Utah even sweeter.

August already?

2011-07-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that August is tomorrow! It's been a crazy month here! Let me update you all. I started working mornings at WIMPS Fitness. I figured it would be the best way for me to get my butt in gear and start working out regularly. It worked! I lost 16 lbs and 30 inches in a month. Woo hoo!!

I had to give a talk in Sacrament and I was a little worried, but I was able to do it. I actually stood and spoke for 25 minutes. It was awesome!! Today, my youngest is giving a talk about YW camp and she's nervous.

We got Zakk's room assignment and he's all set to check in on August 19. I can't believe that's in three short weeks. But, I am excited to see him off on his own adventures.

I got to meet via telephone my mom's cousin Darrel. He is the son of my great aunt Lorene. We were able to talk at length and I found him a very nice man. We are working on establishing our native american ancestry. He also gave me some photos that I really love. He connected me to a researcher in Texas and now I'm going to be helping write the family history of our two families for her to include on the county webpage. That should be an awesome experience.

I've done a lot of scrapping lately. I am now on a new CT and I love it. I've always loved this gal's layouts and now I get to play with her gorgeous templates too!! So, here's some layouts I've done using her templates and of course the gorgeous designs of The Ettes, both designers are located at Pickleberry Pop. Here's the links to their stores:
The Ettes: http://www.pickleberrypop.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=85
Jumpstart Designs: http://www.pickleberrypop.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=102

Now for the layouts:
These two use The Ettes Going Coastal kit and Jumpstart Designs set 1 templates.

These two use The Ettes Hey Girlfriend kit and Jumpstart Designs set 1 templates:

These two use The Ettes PS I Love You kit and Jumpstart Designs sets 3 and 4 templates.

These two use The Ettes If My Heart Could Speak kit and Jumpstart Designs sets 3 and 4 templates.

These two use The Ettes Time 4 Dreams and Jumpstart Designs set 2 templates:

These two use The Ettes Time 4 Family and Jumpstart Designs set 2 templates:

I just love working with these designs!! I have some more, but I need to put finishing touches on them such as shadows and journaling, so be on the lookout for some more!

Until then, have a good and safe August!

Crazy times!

2011-07-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

Geez, I can't believe how the time has flown. It's been filled with busy times, illness, death, running around, graduation, etc.

First off, my son, my baby boy graduated from high school on May 31. I can't believe it!! In August, he'll be off to Weber State University in Ogden! I'll miss him, but I'm excited to see him start his life's journey.

I've been scrapping like crazy! Here's some of my LOs using The Ettes awesome designs. You can find their designs at: http://pickleberrypop.com

I'll post more news and grad photos later. Right now, I'm exhausted!!

The Ettes CT call

2011-05-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Are you a digital scrapper looking to join a CT? Then you should take a look at The Ettes CT call and apply. Their designs are awesome and they are wonderful to work with.

(image is linked to their shop)

I just love their designs and feel honored to be on their team. Here's a layout I did with their newest kit - Time 4 Me:

Hope you all have a good day!

Scrapping news

2011-05-03T14:22:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to be on the Pickleberry Pop CT a few months ago, but had to step down. It made me sad, but I had to do it. Well, this weekend I was contacted by Fayette to be on The Ettes CT and I just quickly had to accept. I loved working with their designs and was sad to leave Pickleberry Pop mainly because of them. Now, I'm on their CT. Isn't that awesome? So to honor my new CT gig, I thought I'd post my layouts that I've done with their designs.

This is my great grandma and her family in 1913.

Kit: Thankful Hearts by The Ettes at Pickleberry Pop
Roses from Must love blogs by The Ettes and CRK at Pickleberry Pop
Font: DJB All the cool chicks by Darcy Baldwin at Sweet Shoppe Designs

This is my LO for the November list challenge at Pickleberry Pop - to list five things you do online each day.

Kit: Must love blogs by The Ettes and CRK at Pickleberry Pop

This is my oldest DD and her BFF.

Kit is Friends4ever by The Ettes at Pickleberry Pop

Ok, I normally don't call my kids that, but when they get into my Mary Kay makeup, I just have to!

Kit is Reality Bytes by The Ettes at Pickleberry Pop

This is my SIL with her new grand-daughter.

Kit is Mom's Life by The Ettes at Pickleberry Pop

So, there ya go! Now do you know why I was thrilled to be asked to be on their CT?

Baking, baking, more baking

2011-04-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter Beka has two best friends - Autumn and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was selected to go to a law camp in Washington D.C. in July. So, she has been having fundraisers to help her earn funds to go to the camp. So, this week, she asked me if I would make some goodies for her to sell. Since I think of this young lady as my own child, I quickly told her yes. So, I decided to make some brownies and cupcakes thinking that they would be easiest for her to sell.

So, without further ado, here's the goodies that I made. I'll also post the recipes so if any of you want to try them, you're welcome to. I can guarantee, they are ALL yummy.

Snickers Cupcakes
Yield: 24 cupcakes
Original recipe found at: http://kevinandamanda.com

Cupcakes:
1 box Devils Food Cake Mix
1 small box Jello Chocolate Fudge instant pudding mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream

Chocolate Mousse Filling:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk chocolate chips

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
1 stick softened butter
2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 bag mini Snickers

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake tins with liners. To prepare the cupcakes, place the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk and sour cream into stand mixer. Beat until well combined, about 2 minutes. Scoop the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cupcakes are cooked through and a toothpick comes clean from center. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and let cool.

2. To prepare the mousse, melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with a stand or electric mixer until it looks like whipped cream and stiff peaks form. Fold melted chocolate chips into whipped cream until well combined, then transfer batches into a piping bag. When cupcakes have cooled, press the tip of the piping bag into the center of the cupcake, about 1 inch deep. Squeeze the mousse into the cupcake while pulling the tip out. It doesn’t take much, just one firm squeeze is perfect. Continue filling all the cupcakes.

3. To prepare the frosting, beat the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla until well combined and a nice frosting consistency. Spread over cupcakes then top with chopped Snickers. Note: I bought those bite sized Snickers and just put on in the center of the buttercream frosting.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Yield: 24 cupcakes
Original recipe found at: http://kevinandamanda.com

For the cookie dough:
2 sticks softened butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp milk
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the cupcakes:
3 sticks softened butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the frosting:
3 sticks softened butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

To make the cookie dough, combine the butter and sugars in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 mins. Beat in milk and vanilla until incorporated and smooth. Beat in the flour and salt until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Using a 1.5 tbsp scoop, shape the dough into balls or tubes. Freeze on a parchment lined baking sheet overnight.

To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners (24 total). In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and brown sugar. Beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir together to blend. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl on low speed, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until incorporated. Blend in the vanilla. Using a 3 tbsp scoop, fill the prepared cupcake liners 2/3 full with the cupcake batter. Place a frozen cookie dough ball on the top center of each cupcake.
Bake at 350 for 16-18 mins.

To make the frosting, combine the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in the salt, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips!

Brownie Batter Cupcakes
Yield: 36 cupcakes
Original recipe found at: http://kevinandamanda.com

For the brownie batter:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup milk
1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 mins until well combined. Using a small scoop (about 1.5 tbsp) drop batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze overnight.

For the cupcakes:
1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) pkg Jello instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and line with cupcake liners. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips into a very large bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 mins until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Using a large scoop (about 3 tbsp) drop batter into the cupcake liners, filling about 2/3rds full. Remove brownie batter from freezer and press into the cupcake batter. Bake for 22-28 mins. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting:
5 sticks butter, softened
8 oz powdered sugar
1.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa)
a pinch of table salt
1.5 cups light corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
16 oz milk chocolate chips

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring well every 30 seconds. Allow to cool for 5-10 mins. Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt in a food processor and process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl as needed. Add the corn syrup and vanilla and process until just combined, about 5-10 seconds. Scrape the bowl again, then add the melted chocolate and pulse until smooth and creamy, about 10-15 seconds. You can use a mixer for this too, if you don’t have a food processor, just don’t whip the butter too much!

After I iced them, I sprinkled powdered sugar on top. Yummy!

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
Yield: 24 cupcakes
Original recipe found at: http://mybakingaddiction.com

For the Cupcakes:
1 (18.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon instant espresso granules dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water
24 Reese’s Miniatures; frozen (this prevents them from disappearing into the batter)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla and espresso water mixture. Beat for about two minutes on medium speed until well combined. Using a large cookie scoop, distribute the batter between 24 muffin wells; about 3 tablespoons of batter per well. Press one frozen Reese’s Miniature into the center of each cupcake. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the tops of the cakes spring back when lightly touched. There will be a small sink hole in the top of the cupcakes from the Reese’s Miniatures, that’s okay – you’ll cover that with frosting. Allow cupcakes to cool inside muffin tins for about 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from muffin tins and allow to fully cool on a wire rack. Once cupcakes are cool, prepare your frosting.

For the Peanut Butter Buttercream frosting:
3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted
6-8 tablespoons heavy cream (if using milk, amount will be less)

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, cream butter and peanut butter on medium speed until fluffy. Turn your mixer down to low speed and slowly add in the confectioner’s sugar, and continue mixing until well blended. Add vanilla and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add an additional 1 to 4 tablespoons of heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. Beat at high speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and finish with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Note: I bought the regular sized peanut butter cups and cute them into quarters and put a quarter in the center of each one.

Fudge Marble Brownies

Now I know you want this recipe, but I made this one up on my own and I don't want to give it out just yet. =)

I can tell you, that there was nothing left. She made a good amount of money for her trip.

Fearless females: days #28 and 29

2011-03-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your mother’s best friend? Your grandmother’s? How and where did they meet? How long were they friends? What activities did they share?

My mom's best friend is named LaDonna. She is like family to us. My kids all call her Aunt LaDonna. They met in church when we moved to Texas and have been friends for 25 years. They served together in the church and they have done a lot of things together. We helped LaDonna when her son got married. We have spent time with her, and we even talk to her on the phone all the time. We love her and her husband Uncle Bill.

Create a free Footnote Page or a Genealogy Trading Card at Big Huge Labs for a female ancestor. Tell us about who you've selected and why and then post a link to what you've created.

I didn't find footnote to be very useful so I haven't created one. I do document my family history because I believe that an undocumented genealogy is a mythology. I have photos of several of my ancestors, but like I said, I didn't find Footnote to be too useful.

Fearless females: day #27

2011-03-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Do you know the immigration story of one or more female ancestors? Do you have any passenger lists, passports, or other documentation? Interesting family stories?

My great grandmother Ellen Folden Ausmus was born in Nebraska. But, in 1907, she and her sister-in-law immigrated to Canada to be with their husbands who had immigrated a few months back. They moved to Eston, Saskatchewan, Canada and lived there for 21 years. I have census records from Canada in both 1911 and 1916 showing them there as well as earlier (1880, 1900) and later (1930) US censuses showing them here. The story goes that my great grandfather John and his two brothers Bert and Claude went to Canada to settle in order to provide better lives for themselves and their families. A few months later, they sent for their wives and children. Bert was never married and when my line of the family left Canada in 1928, he stayed there along with their brother Claude, who later moved his family to Alberta.

My line of the family went down into Gillette, Wyoming and homesteaded land there. But, they hated the wind and bitter cold and settled in Los Angeles. Nellie died in Torrance in 1953. My branch of the family continues to live in California to this day.

Fearless females: days #25 and 26

2011-03-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Tell how a female ancestor interacted with her children. Was she loving or supportive? A disciplinarian? A bit of both?

My maternal great grandmother Maude Barnett Fogle was a very sweet lady. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren dearly. When her children were little, she always sided with her husband no matter what, even if she felt he was being too harsh. I guess it was the way back then. My paternal great grandmother Gladys Ruth Wooten was the polar opposite. She adored her daughter and merely tolerated her grandchildren.

What education did your mother receive? Your grandmothers? Great-grandmothers? Note any advanced degrees or special achievements.

My mother received her high school diploma. She never went on to college. My paternal grandmother Joan Graham Ausmus received her high school diploma, but didn't go on to college. My maternal grandmother Patricia Fogle Mason didn't graduate college. She ran away from home when she was 16 and was married with a baby by 17. None of my great grandmothers went to college nor did they finish high school. They were all farmers daughters and left school after grades 8-9 to help their fathers.

Fearless females day #23 and 24

2011-03-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Create a timeline for a female ancestor using your favorite software program or an online timeline generator such as OurTimelines. Post an image of it or link.

I did this, but I couldn't figure out how to show an image and the link I tried was just to the website.

Do you share any physical resemblance or personality trait with one of your female ancestors? Who? What is it?

People tell me that I look a lot like my mother. We also sound a lot alike on the phone. I have also been told that I have my grandma Joan's strong will and my grandma Pat's ability to cook.

Fearless females: day #22

2011-03-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

If a famous director wanted to make a movie about one of your female ancestors who would it be? What actress would you cast in the role and why?

I'd want a director who would make a good, truthful film. So, I would probably go with Steven Spielberg. As for actresses, there is only one actress who I would cast to play my great grandmother Maude Ethel Barnett, and that would be Jessica Tandy. When she played Mrs. Threadgoode on Fried Green Tomatoes, it was almost like seeing my great grandma on the television. To portray her as a young woman, I would pick Kate Winslet. When Kate was in Titanic, I could just imagine that is what my great grandma would have been like if she hadn't been poor.

Fearless females: day #21

2011-03-21T07:49:00.001-07:00

It's the second day of spring and it's snowing here! I can't believe it!

Describe a tender moment one of your female ancestors shared with you or another family member.

I've had two personal experiences that would be considered tender. I hesitate to tell them, because some may find it weird. But, I can tell you that they are 100% true.

The first involves my great grandmother Ellen Jane Folden. When I was 12 years old, a friend of mine and I were playing on the railroad tracks. We were laying on them to feel train vibrations. We felt some and waited for the train to come. When it was in sight, I started to cross the tracks to get to the other side because we could tell it was a LONG train and we'd have to wait awhile to cross. But, as I was crossing, I tripped and fell right across the tracks that the train was on. As I tried to get up, I panicked more and more and would lose my grip. I was very scared that I was going to die and my friend Donna just sat there in shock. Out of nowhere, I felt myself being carried across the tracks. When I was put down, I looked up into this woman's face. She had a beautiful face, and her hair was pulled up in a bun. She was wearing a white lacy dress like they wore in the 1920s. I had never seen a woman so beautiful. Then Donna came running up to me, and the lady was gone. I forgot about this incident until four years later when we went to California to visit my dad's family. We went to visit my great aunt Ethel (my grandfather's sister) and she gave us a tour of her home. In her den, on the wall, was a photo of the lady that had carried me across the tracks. I asked her who it was, and she said, "That was my mother. She died in 1953." The hairs on the back of my neck stood up because I knew right then and there that I was a participant in my own ghost story. What touched me was how the dimension between this life and the spirit world didn't keep a great grandmother from protecting her great grandchild in her time of need. Since then, I have always felt a very close connection to my great grandmother.

The second incident that I want to tell you about happened with my grandmother Patricia. She is the one that I talked about on my March 19 post. In mid- December 2009, I was called by the hospice nurse that took care of my grammy. She told me that if I wanted to see her alive, I had better get there quick. So, I took a bus and traveled to Texas. When I got there, it was evident to me that my grammy wasn't going to live much longer. I arrived there on December 28 and had two really good days with her. On the 30th, my grammy fell out of her bed and started to panic, which isn't good for someone with advanced emphysema. We called the hospice nurse, and they informed us that the doctor said it was time for comfort measures. So, they gave her morphine and left several shots there that I was to give her every six hours. There were also tablets that I was to give her every four hours. They wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. My mother didn't have the heart to give her the shots, so I told her that I would do it. at 11:00 p.m. on the 30th, I went to grammy, who was out of it, and rubbed the alcohol swab on her to disinfect the area. As I did this, she woke and was very lucid for a mere seconds. I told her that I was sorry that I had to give her the shot, and she said, "I love you sugar" and I replied that I loved her too. Those are the last words she ever spoke to me as she passed away the next morning at 7:15 am. I will always be so grateful that she had those few seconds of lucidity to be able to tell me that she loved me, even though I knew that already, it feels comforting to me to know that in her last moment of lucidity was one of love.

I know these are pretty sensational stories, but I promise you they happened. I am thankful to have had them because I think they helped me realize that the veil between this life and the next is very thin and that even though these ladies are passed on, we are a family and will be forever.

Fearless females: day #20

2011-03-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Is there a female ancestor who is your brick wall? Why? List possible sources for finding more information.

Oh yes, I have a few. The first one is my great great great grandmother Mary Ann McCoy. Here's what I know:

* she was born in 1844 in Linn Co., Missouri
* her parents were James M. and Mary Ann Moore McCoy
* her mother died in 1844 presumably in childbirth
* she is NOT on the 1850 census with her dad and siblings
* she IS on the 1860 census with her brother and his family
* she was married in 1861 to William Henry Fogle
* she is on the 1870 census with her husband and children
* she died in 1896

Ok, here are my question. Where was she in 1850? Who was she living with? I want to know who she was living with. She wasn't old enough to be a laborer in 1850, she would have only been 5-6 years old. Was she living with her maternal grandparents? I can't expand this line further because I don't know any information on her early life.

This is Mary Ann McCoy Fogle with her husband.

The second one is my great great great grandmother Martha Luticia Portis. Here's what I know about her:

* she was born in 1841 in North Carolina
* she is not listed on the 1850 census with who I have been told are her parents
* she was married to Calvin Gurley who died in the civil war (they are listed on the 1860 census) - they had one daughter
* she married Charles Henry Clay Walker
* they emigrated to Indiana and had eight children
* she died in Los Angeles, California on 13 Dec 1915

Again, I want to know where she was in 1850. Why isn't she with her family? Who is she with? She was only 8-9 when the 1850 census was taken, so where is she? What happened to her child with Calvin?

This is Martha Luticia Portis Walker with her husband.

These are my two biggest brick walls right now. I want to be able to take the lines farther, but I just haven't found the right pieces of the puzzle in order to do that. One day, I know I will.

Fearless females: day #19

2011-03-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Have you discovered a surprising fact about one of your female ancestors? What was it and how did you learn it? How did you feel when you found out?

I have discovered some things about my maternal grandmother that shocked me somewhat. We had always been told by her that my grandfather left her after she had my mother. For many years, we harbored bad feelings for my grandfather, who I never met. Then in 2002, I found his address and decided to write to him and ask him why he left and to let him know about his three grandchildren and eight (at that time) great grandchildren. His wife wrote me back, and the information contained in that letter was very eye opening.

She explained that my grandfather had tried for many years to find my mother, that he in fact did NOT leave her, but it was the other way around. She said that my grandfather told her that he went to the bank to close on a house for them to live in and that when he returned, there was a letter from my grandmother stating that she didn't love him anymore, and that she was too young to be married and a mother (she was 17). Since they eloped, he didn't know how to reach my great grandparents since he had never met them and they were migrant farmers. Once my grandma left my grandfather, she left my mom with her parents and didn't return for 13 years.

When I found all this out, I was naturally furious with my grandmother and sad for my mother. My mother lived her entire life being told that her dad abandoned her, when in actuality, he loved her greatly and mourned her absence from his life. Then the double whammy of her mother abandoning her for 13 years. I immediately called my mom and read the letter to her and she was glad to know that her dad did love her. I did manage to confront my grandmother about it in 2008 when her husband passed away. The sad thing is that she confirmed it all.

Now I know some who read this may agree that she was too young to be married and a mom, but it's her actions after she did all this that make me furious. My grandmother moved to St. Louis and began an affair with a married man. It wasn't until he died, that she started to want my mom in her life again. To me, there is NO excuse for abandoning your child, especially for a sugar daddy.

I have since forgiven my grandmother for all of this. After all, if my mother (who was the most affected by grandma's actions) can forgive her, then who am I to hold grudges about it? I love my grandmother and miss her every day, but, it makes me very sad to think that she was so selfish to have done this to my grandfather, to my mother, and to her parents.

Fearless females: day #18

2011-03-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Shining star: Did you have a female ancestor who had a special talent? Artist, singer, actress, athlete, seamstress, or other? Describe.

Both of my grandmothers were very talented. My paternal grandma Joan made the most adorable dolls. The photo below is some of the dolls that my grandma made for me before she died. She also was a fantastic crocheter and made many afghans, scarves, pot holders etc. I inherited her crochet and knitting needles when she passed away.

My maternal grandma Pat was an amazing seamstress. She made most of my mom's formal gowns. When I got married, she did all the lace and bead work on my gown. It was beautiful. My grandma had the ability to take a piece of junk and make a beautiful work of art out of it. She made some gorgeous beaded jewelry. When she passed away, I inherited all her knitting needles and craft supplies.

My mom is an avid cross stitcher and seamstress. She made each of my children a cross stitch when they were born and she made my grandmother a cross stitch of a seamstress, a Paula Vaughn pattern. It now hangs on my living room wall.

I am proud to have inherited my grandma Joan's knack for crochet and my grandma Pat's knack for bead work and my mom's knack for needlework.

Fearless females: day #17

2011-03-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone!!

Social Butterfly? What social organizations or groups did your mother or grandmother belong to? Sewing circle, church group, fraternal benefit society or lodge? Describe her role in the group.

Besides church groups, my female ancestors weren't members of any groups that I know of. From what I have gathered, they were busy helping to tend the farms and the children in which they lived, and by the time leisure time rolled around, they were sleeping and building up their strength for the next day.

Fearless females: day #16

2011-03-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

If you could have lunch with any female family member (living or dead) or any famous female who would it be and why? Where would you go? What would you eat?

I've never been into the celebrity stuff. They are just people like everyone else, so I don't think that I would want to have lunch with any of them. But, if I could have lunch with any of my ancestors, I definitely have a few that I would like to take out. The three that I would take are Lilly Ann Fisher Barnett, Martha Luticia Portis Walker, and Mary Ann Moore Fogle. The reason that I would take all of these ladies would be to ask them some questions about their pasts.

Lilly Ann Fisher Barnett
(the mother in this photo)

Lilly Ann is my great great grandmother and the reason that I would take her is to ask her some questions and her Native American ancestry. We have always been told that she is from the Choctaw tribe, but when I found her son's WWI registration card, it listed him as Chickasaw. I would also ask her about her parents and any siblings she may have had. I definitely would ask her about her first marriage and why it ended.

Martha Luticia Portis Walker

Martha was my great great great grandmother. I would ask her about her life. How did she feel knowing that her husband led a double life and ran off and left her for long periods of time? Who were her parents and siblings? What made her leave North Carolina for Indiana? Why did she marry Henry and did she know that Charles was his real name? Lots of questions for this lady.

Mary Ann Moore Fogle

Mary Ann was my great great great grandmother and I am extremely interested in why she didn't grow up with her father? Her mother passed away when she was little, and she was sent to her uncle's home to live. She later emigrated to California with her brothers and lived with her oldest brother. I don't regret this decision because it is there that she met my great great great grandfather, but what led her there? Was her last name Filmore as some researchers believe, or was it Moore as other's believe?

I don't think the place that I would take them really matters here. What matters is being able to spend some time with these ladies and to ask them some pertinent questions. Oh, how I would love to meet them.

Fearless females: day #15

2011-03-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Write a six-word memoir tribute to one of your female ancestors.

Beautiful, hard working, spiritual, sweet, great-grandmother.

My great grandmother Maude Ethel Barnett Fogle was a beautiful lady. Even when she was in her 90s, she had the most beautiful skin I have ever seen. She was a good cook, and enjoyed cooking for her family. She was an extremely hard worker having raised eight children and a few grandchildren while helping her husband tend to their farm. She was a very spiritual lady, being very strong in her faith. Her favorite color was pink, and when she passed away at the age of 96, her children made sure that her casket had pink material in it. She was a very beloved lady and I miss her.

Fearless females: day #14

2011-03-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Newsmakers? Did you have a female ancestor who made the news? Why? Was she famous or notorious? Did she appear in the social column?

You know, I have been doing genealogy research for 32 years, and to date, have not found any articles on any ancestor male or female except for obituaries. I guess my ancestors liked to fly under the radar. LOL

In other news, I am halfway through the book The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. It's started to get good. It was a little slow in developing (the first chapter), but now it's getting very good. I guess this means that I'll be reading the next in the series before too long. I am also almost finished with A Series of Unfortunate Events book seven. This one is getting good too. It's a quick read, but quite good. Be on the lookout for my reviews soon.

Fearless females: day #13

2011-03-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

Moment of Strength: share a story where a female ancestor showed courage or strength in a difficult situation.

My great great grandmother Rebecca Jane Oliver Ausmus was a sweet lady who had four sons. She was married to an absolute, for lack of a better word, ass. He was an alcoholic who beat on her very chance he got. Our family history has it that one day, her mother Janet Kirkpatrick Oliver went to her husband and begged him to use their savings to hire a hitman to kill Frank (Rebecca's husband). Janet was simply tired of seeing her only daughter beaten by a man who was supposed to love and cherish her. Well, Frank went out one day and never returned and he was never found. Family history has it that the hitman was indeed hired and that Frank was murdered and his body disposed of. Rebecca went on to remarry and raise her sons and step sons in peace.

Then, in the early 1900s, her sons moved to Canada. She didn't want her children to live so far apart from her, so she immigrated with them. Her middle son John Calvin Ausmus' wife gave birth to a little girl who only lived for three days. Rebecca was so consumed with grief at her passing that she made her son promise that when she died, they would rebury Ruth with her. She died a year later, and John kept his promise to his mother. Grandmother and grandchild lie together in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Canada.

I respect this lady a lot. She endured so much in her life. She is the perfect example to me of enduring to the end.

Fearless females: day #12

2011-03-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

Working girl: Did your mother or grandmother work outside the home? What did she do? Describe her occupation.

When I was a baby, my mom worked at a bank. She was pregnant with my sister, so after my sister came along, my mom quit. We moved to Arkansas, and my mom started working for 7-11 as a cashier. She worked there several years, and we moved back to California where she got a job as a telephone operator. We were only in California a short year, and we moved back to Arkansas. When we moved back to Arkansas, she got a job as an assistant manager at Kentucky Fried Chicken. She worked there until she was offered a job at the school working in the cafeteria. She worked there until we moved to Texas when I was 14. In Texas, she worked for seven years taking care of two little boys. When they grew up and were able to drive on their own, my mom started babysitting three other kids. She babysat them for nine years, which was when the oldest started driving. She then worked babysitting two little girls and she worked there (11 years) until three years ago when she retired.

My paternal grandmother didn't work outside the home until her kids grew up and moved out. After that, she opened up her home to babysit kids. She did this until she passed away. My maternal grandmother worked as a waitress until she married my step-grandfather. After that, she didn't work outside the home until my mom married. After my mom married, my grandma divorced her husband and re-married a few years later. He had a son who was mentally disabled, and she spent a great deal of her time teaching him life skills. When he became an adult and was able to work outside the home, my grandmother and great aunt bought a clothing store, which is where my grandmother worked for a time, until there was a falling out between the two sisters. After that, my grandma started making beaded jewelry and clothing and selling them at local craft shows.

Fearless females: day #11

2011-03-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

Did you have any female ancestors who died young or from tragic or unexpected circumstances? Describe and how did this affect the family?

I've had two ladies in my family that have passed away before their times. The first was my great great grandmother Alice Amelia Kirwin Folden and the second is my great aunt Veda Marie Fogle.

My great great grandmother Alice Amelia Kirwin Folden passed away at the age of 28 years old, leaving behind three children. Alice was born in Ohio on 11 August 1863 and died 18 July 1892. Her oldest child, who was my great grandmother, was only 11 years old. Her other children were nine and seven. I have never heard of any affects this had on the family, however, I can only imagine how tragic it would be to lose your mother at that young an age, especially when there were two daughters.

Here's a photo a Alice taken on her wedding day to my great great grandfather, Charles William Folden. They were married on 30 October 1880.

The other woman that passed away too early was my great aunt Veda Marie Fogle. Veda was only 19 years old when she passed away in a car accident. She was born 27 June 1922 and passed away 21 September 1941. Her passing was an awful time for my great grandparents. Veda was their first child to proceed them in death, and my great grandmother mourned her for the rest of her life. Veda was a beautiful young woman, and her tragic death is something that her parents and siblings never really got over.

Here is a photo of Veda, taken shortly before her death.

I am sad that these ladies had to die so soon. Their lives were just beginning. My great great grandmother never got to see her children grow up and have their own families, and I think that is terribly sad. My great aunt never got to fall in love or get married, and knowing that she passed away so young, and alone, makes me feel very sad. But, I am thankful to have them in my family, and to know that they are in a better place reunited with loved ones.

Fearless females: day #10

2011-03-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

What role did religion play in your family? How did your female ancestors practice their faith? If they did not, why didn’t they? Did you have any female ancestors who served their churches in some capacity?

I don't know the religions of most of my ancestors, but I do know of one. Her name was Martha "Patty" Puckett and she was a Quaker. Martha was born 23 March 1801 in North Carolina and died 19 April 1863 in Mill, Grant, Indiana. She was married to Lewis Wooten and was the mother of 13 children. She was a pioneer in her day. She was so against slavery, that she often helped slaves escape. Although she was Quaker, she was for the civil war and supported some of her sons as they went to fight. Patty also went out and administered to widows, and wives who had husbands fighting in the war effort. She also wanted women to be able to have a say in who gets elected. She was a feminist in her day. I am proud to descend from this lady.

Fearless females: day #9

2011-03-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

Take a family document (baptismal certificate, passenger list, naturalization petition, etc.) and write a brief narrative using the information.

I chose a census because I keep my other documents in my binder in my office, and I'm not at home write now. This is the state census of Nebraska taken in 1885 for Fillmore County. The lines are particular interest are lines 30-33.

Alice Amelia Kirwin was born in 1863 in Ohio to Irish parents. She married Charles William Folden, who was seven years older than she. He was born in Iowa. The couple met in Nebraska and married 30 October 1880. They settled in Fillmore County, where in 1885, they had two little girls. The oldest was Nellie (Ellen Jane) who was four years old when the state census was taken. She was born in Nebraska along with her sister, Alta (Alta May), who was one at the time of the census. After the census was taken, Alice had an additional two children - Charles Leonard and Stella Winnie. Stella Winnie died at the age of three. Alice followed her youngest child a year and a half later and passed away on 18 Jul 1892 at the age of 28.

Here's a photo of Charles and Alice on their wedding day:

I don't know why, but I feel a tremendous loss with this lady. She died so young, and her children were so young when she passed on. It makes me sad that they didn't have her in their lives but a short time.

Fearless females: day #8

2011-03-08T07:11:00.001-08:00

Did one of your female ancestors leave a diary, journal, or collection of letters? Share an entry or excerpt.

I am very fortunate that I have inherited letters that my ggg grandparents wrote to each other during the civil war. This particular letter was written on 30 Sep 1862 by my ggg grandmother Louisa Conarroe Wooten to her husband James Wooten.

James, it is with pleasure that I sit down to write to you. We are well, but I fear you are sick. You have not written since last Tuesday, you must write to us whenever you can. Andrew is at Murrys to get the boards for the fence so it can be fixed nice when you get home. I believe you will come, I can not think you will get hurt. I know you are surrounded with dangers but trust God who is the prince of peace and he will keep you safe. You need not be uneasy about us. The boys are good and do very well. They are a little silly sometimes, but are about as good as when you were home.

Come home if you can. I am so lonesome without you. My thoughts are down south where you are all time.

Here is a photo of Louisa.

I have enjoyed being able to read these letters. All in all, there are 25 letters. It sure has been wonderful to read the words of my ggg grandparents during such a tumultuous time in our country's history. Sadly, James was wounded and died in November 1863, a year after the excerpt from the letter above. Louisa never remarried and raised her six children on her own in Preble County, Ohio.

The Weird Sisters

2011-03-07T08:09:00.001-08:00

My goal of reading a new book a month has been going very well. I have now read eight total books. The most recent one that I just finished was The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. This book is about three sisters who come home when their mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. The oldest one is Rose and she is the one that actually never left their home town. She is bossy and controlling and feels that the family would fall apart if she weren't around. The next sister is Bianca, known as Bean. She is the starlet of the group. She left their hometown as fast as she could for the big city and glamorous life. The baby is Cordelia, known as Cordy. She is the gypsy of the family, roaming around the country working just long enough to earn money to move on. These girls are the daughters of Dr. Andreas, who is the foremost expert on Shakespeare and teaches literature at the local college.

I don't want to say too much more for anyone who may want to read it. But, I really enjoyed it. It was real and I like stories like that. I have also just finished the sixth book in the A Series of Unfortunate Events. I am enjoying these series greatly. They are quick and easy reads and I'm almost finished with the seventh one.

Next up on my reading list is Steig Larsson's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I have read up to chapter six and have liked it so far. I am also going to start reading Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah.

I know it seems silly to have so many books on my currently reading shelf, but there are times you want to read something light and easy instead of heavy. That's why I have so many books currently in the reading process.

Fearless Females: day #7

2011-03-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

Share a favorite recipe from your mother or grandmother’s kitchen. Why is this dish your favorite? If you don’t have one that’s been passed down, describe a favorite holiday or other meal you shared with your family.

This recipe is actually one that my grandmother's husband used to make, but she made these all the time and we love them. Most people have never heard of them, so I consider them a family tradition. Here's a recipe card I made with the recipe - they are called Chillaquillas.

Fearless Females: Day #6

2011-03-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

Describe an heirloom you may have inherited from a female ancestor (wedding ring or other jewelry, china, clothing, etc.) If you don’t have any, then write about a specific object you remember from your mother or grandmother, or aunt (a scarf, a hat, cooking utensil, furniture, etc.)

I have two very special heirlooms that have been handed down to me. Let me give a little back history here. My mother was my grandmother's only child, so me, my sister, and my brother are her only grandchildren. Since I was the first one born, I have always been special to my grandma. Since I'm not a grandparent, I don't understand this, but my mom confirms that although you don't love them any more than the others, that your first grandchild is very special.

The two heirlooms that I have were both given to me by my grandmother. The first one is the pin pictured below. This pin was given to my great great great grandmother on the day she gave birth to my great great grandmother Lilly. Lilly was born on 30 March 1870 in DeQueen, Arkansas. When Lilly gave birth to her first daughter in 1891, my ggg grandmother gave it to her. Lilly wore it often, and on the day that my great grandmother Maude gave birth to her first child in 1913, grandma Lilly gave the pin to her. It was given to my great aunt when she had her first daughter. Now, it never passed to that child as my great aunt Lorene wore it until she became sick with leukemia. When it was apparent that she was going to lose her fight, she gave it to my grandma, who was the youngest daughter. A few years ago when my grandfather passed away and I went out to help with the final arrangements, my grammy gave me the pin and told me about the special significance of it.

I adore this pin because it represents five generations of mother/daughter love. The mothers in my family have handed down this pin to their daughters since 1870.

The second heirloom is the ring pictured below. This ring isn't as old as the pin, but it has a special significance. When my great grandparents were married, they didn't have much money. My great grandpa couldn't afford a ring at the time. But, as they started to have children, raise children, and save money, he bought her the ring below. It's a small eternity band and it doesn't even fit any of my fingers. But, this ring signifies the love that they shared with each other. My great grandma was lost when her husband died unexpectedly. She didn't know how much money they had, and she didn't even know how to write a check. He literally took care of all that. I love this ring because it is a tangible piece of their lives together.

The last one is the bracelet pictured below. This one was given to me by my paternal grandmother. I don't know if you can read it, but it says Graham Ausmus, which is my father's name. This is a baby bracelet that my dad wore when he was a baby. I just love it because I can't imagine my daddy ever being that small to wear it. I cherish this also because it is something that my grandmother made for my dad, her firstborn son.

I cherish all the heirlooms that I have received, but the three above are extra special to me mainly because I know about their histories. I know where they came from, why they are in the family, and how they came about being in the family. They are tangible pieces to the past, and each of them represents love.

Now, did you all see Who Do You Think You Are? last night? Lionel Richie was on it and all I can say is wow. He wanted to find out more information about his great grandparents, and boy did he find out! He found out that his great great great grandmother was a slave and that upon her masters passing, he freed her and her unborn baby as well as provided two years of schooling for the baby. How cool is that? The baby ended up growing up and being a pioneer in the civil rights movement. I always enjoy seeing success stories of African Americans. In my years as a professional genealogist, there have been many African American people who came to me for help, and I was only able to do so much. So, when I see stories like Lionel Richie's or Vanessa Williams', it makes me so happy that they were able to find out about their ancestors.

I didn't catch who was going to be on the show next week, but I am sure it will be just as good as the rest of the stories have been this season.

Fearless Females: Day #5

2011-03-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

How did they meet? You’ve documented marriages, now, go back a bit. Do you know the story of how your parents met? Your grandparents?

I don't quite know how my paternal grandparents met, which is who I wrote about yesterday. I do know how my maternal grandparents met, but it's a boring story. LOL But, I think my parents have a very cool story, and I'm gonna talk about them today.

My parents met at the school bus stop when my mother was 14 and my dad was 15. My mom and my dad's sister were best friend's and my dad wanted her to introduce them, which she did. Over the course of the next few years, my mom and dad dated, going to school dances, movies, etc. My dad was a huge track star in high school, and my mom was one of his biggest supporters.

My dad proposed to my mom at the drive in movie. They were sitting there watching the movie, eating popcorn and drinking soda. My dad asked her to get a napkin out of the glove box, and when she opened it, she didn't see any napkins, so he told her to look again, hoping that she would see the ring box in there. She didn't, but on the third request, she did. She immediately said yes. They celebrated their engagement the following week at Disneyland.

My parents were married on 1 October 1965 in Garden Grove, California by the Reverend Robert Schuller. My maternal grandmother made my mom's dress, and she had a pastel rainbow wedding. She had my aunt Barbara as her matron of honor, and two other friends as attendants. My dad's best man was a man named Dave Nelson (they would later name my brother after this man), and his attendants were my Uncle Bob and Uncle Art (Aunt Barbara's husband).

My parents have now been married for 45 years. They have been together so long that they can finish each other's sentences. They are so much a part of each other that they can't imagine life without the other. They have stood by each other in good times and bad and now enjoy retirement and their 11 grandchildren.

Fearless Females: Day #4

2011-03-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

Do you have marriage records for your grandparents or great-grandparents? Write a post about where they were married and when. Any family stories about the wedding day? Post a photo too if you have one.

I actually have the marriage certificate of many of my ancestors. But, I want to focus on my paternal grandparents who were Charles Clair Ausmus and Joan Etta Graham. They were married in Yuma, Arizona on 4 September 1942. At first, I wondered why they were married in Yuma, Arizona when they lived in Los Angeles, California, but I found out it's because they eloped. They didn't want the big wedding, they were in love and just wanted to be married. So, they packed a bag, picked up my grandpa's sister and her husband to be their witnesses and headed off to Yuma.

Here's a copy of their marriage certificate. I cropped off the registration information.

We don't have a photo of them taken at their wedding. Their focus was to get married and start their lives together and they didn't worry about photos.

Fearless Females: Day #3

2011-03-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

Do you share a first name with one of your female ancestors? Perhaps you were named for your great-grandmother, or your name follows a particular naming pattern. If not, then list the most unique or unusual female first name you’ve come across in your family tree.

I wasn't named for anyone in my family history, but I do have a unique story about how I got my name. I was the sixth of my paternal grandparent's grandchildren. When my mother was pregnant with me, my paternal grandmother Joan, wanted me to be a brown haired, blue eyed baby. All her other grandchildren had blonde hair, but not brown. Grandma wanted a grandbaby with brown hair like her. Well, at 9:47 a.m. on December 14, 1966, I was born with brown hair and blue eyes. My grandmother insisted that I be named Polly Anna after the little girl who was always happy. As my parents discussed this privately, they decided that they just could NOT name me that, so they compromised and named me Paula Ann. To the day she died, she did not know that my legal name was not Polly Anna.

We have two other funny naming stories in our family. The first is with my maternal grandmother. When she was trying to get her birth certificate so that she could get a driver's license, she could not find anything. She had always been told that her birth name was Frankie Earliene Fogle, but she was not able to find a birth record in Wichita Falls for Frankie Fogle. Finally, the vital records people called her and asked if there was a chance that she was named Francis Earliene Fogle because they had a Francis Earliene Fogle in the register with the same birthdate and parents as my grandmother. She determined that she was that Francis Fogle and that whoever took the information took pity on her and named her Francis. When she called to tell my great grandma, all Mama Fogle could say is, "Well, I don't believe it."

The last of the funny naming stories comes with my mother's birth. My grandmother gave birth to my mom in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. She was only 17 when my mom was born and was going through a divorce from my grandfather. When my mom was born, she wanted to name my mother Vicki Jeanette Mason, but my great grandmother wanted to name her Janet Carol Fogle. When my mom was trying to get her birth certificate information - the state of Arkansas had no record of either of the names and my mom was confused as to what her actual birth name was because my great grandmother swore that she informed the state that my mom was born, but we have no idea what name she registered my mom's birth with.

Fearless Females: Day #2

2011-03-01T08:14:00.001-08:00

Post a photo of one of your female ancestors. Who is in the photo? When was it taken? Why did you select this photo?

I love this photo because it contains three of my direct line ancestors. The lady on the front row is Mirrietta Walker Wooten, my great great great grandmother. The lady sitting beside her is her mother, my 4th great grandmother, Martha Luticia Portis Walker and the young lady standing between the old man and the woman with the baby on her lap is my great grandmother Gladys Ruth Wooten Graham.

We believe this photo was taken circa 1910-12. My great grandmother was born in 1900 and she looks to be between 10 and 12 in this photo. I love this photo because it shows a line of my family that I have worked very hard on. It really brings faces to the names that I've researched for so long. I chose this photo because it represents three of my direct line ancestors and I just love it.

In other news, it's been two weeks since I last spoke about the show Who Do you Think You Are? and we've seen the journeys of Rosie O'Donnell and Kim Cattrall. At first, I didn't really care to see Rosie O'Donnell's episode. She's too far left for me, but since the show is about genealogy, I decided to watch it. It was very neat because it focused on her Irish ancestors who were affected by the potato famine. I have ancestors that were also affected by that, and it really brought home to me what my ancestors may have gone through. She was also united with distant relatives that she didn't know she had, which was very cool. I enjoyed that episode very much.

Then Kim Cattrall's episode was last Friday. Wow! That's all I can say. She had a grandfather that left her grandmother and his three daughters and never contacted them again. It was sad to find Kim Cattrall finding out that her grandfather was really a jerk. I really was affected by this because my grandfather supposedly left my grandmother and mother as well. Only to find out years later that he never left her that it was actually my grandmother who did the leaving, which made huge impacts on my mom her whole life. At the end of the show, Kim decided not to contact her grandfather's four children, but her mother and two sisters did. That made me feel so good. Perhaps I should contact my mother's two surviving half brothers and meet them.

This week is Lionel Richie and that one looks like it's going to be good. I also found out that there will be a third season of this show. I am so happy because I really love it.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great day! Now that I'm feeling alive again, I need to scrap what I didn't get done last week and add this week on top of it.

Fearless Females: Day #1

2011-03-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Once again, in honor of National Women’s History Month, Lisa Alzo of The Accidental Genealogist blog presents Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women’s History Month.

Here's the March 1 prompt: Do you have a favorite female ancestor? One you are drawn to or want to learn more about? Write down some key facts you have already learned or what you would like to learn and outline your goals and potential sources you plan to check.

I do have a favorite female ancestor, and I know quite a bit about her. She was my paternal great grandmother and her name was Ellen Jane Folden Ausmus. Nellie, as she was known, was born 4 March 1881 in Strang, Fillmore, Nebraska to parents Charles William Folden and Alice Amelia Kirwin Folden. She married John Calvin Ausmus on 2 March 1902 in Strang, Fillmore, Nebraska. She and John were the parents of four children - Ethel Alberta Claudia Ausmus, John Donald Ausmus, Ruth Ausmus (died at three days old), and Charles Clair Ausmus (my grandfather).

Nellie was only 11 years old when her mother passed away. She lived with her mother's brother and worked for him on his farm. Nellie married John Calvin Ausmus and had her first child Ethel in Nebraska. John and his two brothers wanted a better life for their families, so they immigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada. Nellie came with her daughter and sister-in-law a few months later. Nellie had her last three children in Saskatchewan. They lived there for 11 years and decided that the winters were just too harsh for them. They moved to Los Angeles, California.

Nellie was a wonderful mother and devoted grandmother. She lost her beloved John in April 1940 and devoted the rest of her life to her children and grandchildren. In December of 1952, Nellie was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She was only given a few weeks to live. But, determined not to ruin Christmas for her children and eight grandchildren, she hung on and spent her last Christmas with her family. Nellie lost her battle with stomach cancer on 4 January 1953 in Torrance, Los Angeles, California. Nellie was cremated and her ashes scattered in Palo Verde, California.

I have always felt a deep connection to this lady. I can't explain it, but I have often felt her presence in my life. I know it sounds strange to feel this presence when I've never even met the lady, but her presence is strong in my life and in me. I love her and look forward to the day that I can meet her.

The Hunger Games trilogy

2011-02-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for this year was to do more reading. I made a goal to read one new book a month. Well, as of today 2/20/11, I have read six books. I normally don't get into science fiction books, but when I started seeing and hearing things about The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, I decided to add them to my list. I have read all three of them. They were very good!!

The story is about a 17 year old girl named Katniss Everdeen who lives in a post-apocolyptic world called Panem. Panem consists of 12 districts, and each year, they have a boy and a girl ages 12-18 chosen to go to the hunger games. The hunger games aren't any typical games, they are games of survival, meaning that the last one standing is the winner. Katniss volunteers to go to the hunger games in place of her 12 year old sister. I don't want to ruin it for those that haven't read it, but it's full of suspense and different twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and couldn't put it down.

The other books that I've read are Jodi Picoult's Plain Truth and the first four books of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. These books are SO much better than the movie. I have been enjoying them a lot and they are quick reads.

The next three books that I am working on are: Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown, and the fifth book in A Series of Unfortunate Events. I like to keep two to three books on my reading list because some days you just don't want to read anything heavy. So, I'm always reading 2-3 books.

Anyway, time to go make dinner. Making pork chops with rosemary and scalloped potatoes.

52 weeks of genealogy: week 7

2011-02-15T05:53:00.000-08:00

Week 7: Toys. What was your favorite childhood toy? Is it still being made in some form today?

My favorite childhood toy was Hot Wheels cars. Yes, I know I am a girl, but I really loved playing with Hot Wheels cars. I had a ton of them and played with every single one of them. Then, one fall, my two uncles came to visit. They came every fall to go deer hunting with my dad. My uncle Bob always gave each of us kids $10 to spend on what we wanted. I thought that was the coolest thing! So, when I was six, I got my yearly $10 from my uncle and we went to the local TG&Y store and I bought a Drowsy doll. I totally loved that dolly. She spoke little things and had the cutest little pink and white polka dot pajamas on. I still have that dolly today. I love her.

On another note, has anyone been watching this season's Who do you think you are? I have and have been enjoying it immensely. The first week was Vanessa Williams and I have to admit, I wasn't looking forward to her. I have a friend in the entertainment business and he said that she's a real snot to work with and that she has that attitude that she's better than everyone else. So, going into it with those preconceived notions about her, I wasn't too thrilled about it. But, I have to say, that it was wonderful to see her find so much on her ancestry. She even found a photo of one of her ancestors in his military records in Washington D.C. which is amazing. It was neat to learn about her and her ancestry.

This past week was Tim McGraw and I have to admit, I was totally looking forward to this one! He's one of my favorite country singers, and I thought it would be neat to see his journey and I was NOT disappointed. He chose to research his dad's side, which I can totally understand since he didn't even meet his dad until he was 11. He had some amazing links to some pretty amazing Americans - George Washington (a brother to one of my ancestors) and Elvis Presley. It was also neat to see his link to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia since I had ancestors that lived there as well at the same time as his. I wonder if they knew each other? It was awesome and I enjoyed it.

This next week is going to be Rosie O'Donnell and I have to admit, I don't really care to see it. But, the genealogist in me can't not watch it. It's just what I do. I love anything related to genealogy, so I'll watch it, but Rosie is too left wing for me. It will be interesting to see her journey though.

52 weeks of personal genealogy: week #6

2011-02-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Week 6: Radio and Television. What was your favorite radio or television show from your childhood? What was the program about and who was in it?

When I was a kid, I loved to listen to the local rock radio station. I would hold up in my room listening to that and read. I loved it. When I did watch tv, we watched shows like Little House on the Prairie, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and CHiPs. We weren't allowed to watch too much tv. Little House was on Mondays; Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley were on Tuesdays; and CHiPs was on Saturdays.

52 weeks of genealogy: week #5

2011-01-30T02:35:00.000-08:00

Week 5: Favorite Food. What was your favorite food from childhood? If it was homemade, who made it? What was in this dish, and why was it your favorite? What is your favorite dish now?

When I was a little girl, even to now, my mama would make catfish and hush puppies. I LOVE my mama's catfish. She didn't do anything special with it, but she made it perfectly. Even now when I go home to visit, I beg her to make it. It's comfort food for me.

Check it out!

2011-01-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hey, if you're a digi scrapper, then head on over to Penny Springmann's blog for a chance to win her new goodies coming out this weekend!! Here's the link: Penny's blog

Penny has some amazing kits that are perfect for anything!! Head on over for your chance to win!

So many people

2011-01-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

Through this journey of mine to climb the family tree, I have met so many wonderful people. People who see my family tree at ancestry.com and want to share information/photos/documents etc. It's been a wonderful experience sharing what I have with others.

Recently, I received an email from a lady who is researching the Wooten line for her cousin. She saw a photo that I have on my ancestry.com account of my ggg grandmother and realized that her cousin was also a descendant. We've been in touch and I'm so excited to share what I have with her. You see, when my great grandma passed away in 1989, my uncle had planned to throw a big box of "junk" away. But, seeing that it had documents and such in it, my aunt suggested that he give it to me. It was a treasure trove of genealogical information!! I can't believe he wanted to throw it away.

In the box contained letters that my ggg grandparents wrote to each other while he was serving in the civil war. It contained their marriage license, and two telegrams informing her of his passing. The photo that I mentioned above was also in that box along with some other things including his hat from the civil war. I guess it's true that one man's junk is another woman's treasure. LOL

Anyway, my next few days will consist of scanning the already printed letters (I printed them off once so as not to handle the originals too much) and sending them to her.

So, my advice would be this - never be too shy to reach out to someone while researching your genealogy. You never know who you'll meet or what you'll come across.

52 weeks of genealogy: week #4

2011-01-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

Week 4: Home. Describe the house in which you grew up. Was it big or small? What made it unique? Is it still there today?

The very first house that I remember is one that we lived in out in the country. It was on a dirt road. Across the street and to the right of the house were woods that we used to live to explore in. In the back was a HUGE garden that my mom and dad planted vegetables in. If we were to walk up the road on the right about a half mile, we would get to our babysitters house. Her name was Janice and she lived there with her parents. Her daddy worked for the city and drove an orange truck, so whenever we saw an orange truck, we'd say, "There's Janice's daddy." If you were to walk up the road on the left, you would get to a big house that was owned by the man that owned our house. His name was Vernie. We lived there until I was seven and we moved to California. The one thing that I loved about that house was the long summer nights. We would lay out on the grass and catch fireflies. I loved it. That house burned down in the 80s, but it was rebuilt and is still there today.

When we lived in California, we lived in an apartment that my parents managed. We lived there a year, and then we moved back to Arkansas. We lived in a house that my great aunt owned. It was a two bedroom house, but my daddy enclosed the back porch to make another bedroom and it was mine. I loved it out there. But, my parents decided to move me in a room with my sister, and then give my brother the other room, so the back porch became their bedroom. That house is no longer there. They torn down the entire block to enlarge the army reserves location.

We later moved to Texas when my dad took a new job. We first lived in an apartment, and then moved to a house that was owned by a man in our church. We lived there until I graduated and moved to a neighboring town. That house has a lot of memories. We actually moved there my last month of high school and stayed there until my third child was born. It was a little three bedroom house and we loved it. I have a lot of memories in that house. That was the house where I planned my wedding. It's the house where I brought my children to come and visit their grandparents. It's the house that I lived in when I graduated high school as well as junior college. I will always love that little house.

That's about all the main houses that I lived in. Man, it was so much easier to be a child. I miss those carefree days.

52 weeks of genealogy: Week #3

2011-01-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

Cars. What was your first car? Describe the make, model and color, but also any memories you have of the vehicle. You can also expand on this topic and describe the car(s) your parents drove and any childhood memories attached to it.

My first car was a Plymouth Volare station wagon that my parents let me use my junior year of high school and on into my first year of college. It was a yellowish tanny color and I hated that thing. LOL But, it was a car that I could drive and get around in and that was great for me. Once I went off to college in Idaho, my parents sold it to this jerky guy that kept wanting me to marry him. I had NO interest in him at all, but he thought it was kismet that he drove my car around. Yuck!

When I got home, my dad told me about a co-worker of his that was selling a used 1980 Toyota Corolla, and I bought it for $500. It was blue and got good gas mileage. I even drove it back to Idaho for my second year of college. I had that car until I got married in 1989. It was a good little car. We had some good times in that car.

Ahh, those were the carefree days of my youth.

52 weeks of genealogy: week 2

2011-01-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

Here is this week's prompt: Week 2: Winter. What was winter like where and when you grew up? Describe not only the climate, but how the season influenced your activities, food choices, etc.

When I was growing up, which was in Arkansas, we got occasional snow and it was a real treat when it happened. We experienced the seasons there and my favorite was fall. Spring was always so beautiful with the budding flowers and plants. It always smelled so nice because my mom had a lot of rose and mum bushes around the house. I loved seeing those flowers bloom every spring. Summer was a bit warm, but we usually spent those days fishing at the pond at my Grammy's house or swimming. I loved the summer food because it was fresh fruits and veggies. Yum! Then fall would come along and it would cool things down and the days got shorter. It was in the fall that my dad would go hunting and my two uncles would come from California to go with him. Winter meant colder days and break from school, which I loved. It also meant a trip to Grammy's house to spend Christmas with her.

I think of those days with much fondness and remember quite a few seasonal traditions we had. One such tradition was canning. When the summer started winding down, we would head over to my great Aunt Jo's house and can the fruits and veggies for the winter. My mom, Grammy, and Aunt Jo also made homemade jams, blackberry and apple butter mostly, and I loved spending time over there helping them with the canning.

I truly miss those days because they were simpler and families spent more time together than these days. Nowadays, it's all about Xbox, PS3, and DVRd television shows. I miss the days when families spent time together and actually communicated with each other. Now, when I want to talk to one of my kiddos, I have to text them.

52 weeks of personal genealogy: Week #1

2011-01-03T03:13:00.001-08:00

I've decided to be a more active member of my Geneabloggers group. I haven't been too active in the past year, and I feel that needs to change. I mean, this blog is called The Scrappin Genealogist for heaven's sake. LOL

So, each week, I'll be doing the weekly prompt. Here's week #1's prompt: Did your family have any New Year’s traditions? How was the New Year celebrated during your childhood? Have you kept these traditions in the present day?!

When I was little, our biggest tradition was that we got to stay up until midnight to ring in the new year. We always had sparkling apple cider and lots of yummy snack type foods. In later years, it sort of became a tradition that the girls would dye their hair. You know, new year, new look. We would put the dye on our hair, eat the goodies, and sit and work on jigsaw puzzles. When I was in my early to mid teens, we even watched New Year's Rockin Eve with Dick Clark. I have a lot of fond memories of those days.

As for New Year's day, my mama always made a pot of black eyed peas, corncakes, fried potatoes, cabbage, and some sort of dessert. I think it's a southern thing to eat that kind of stuff and I always found it a good tradition. As for keeping up the tradition, well, I am ashamed to say that I haven't kept it up. Where we live, the local community always has a big New Year's eve party for the kids at the high school. My kids have gone every year since we've lived here. So, this year on New Year's Eve, I sat and watched Three Stooges with my hubby and he ended up falling asleep. We ate leftover tamales and enchiladas.

New year, new goals

2011-01-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011! I am SO glad that it's a new year starting a fresh clean slate! 2010 was a year of negativity and sadness for me and I for one am glad to bid her adieu!! Don't believe me, here's just a little of what happened in 2010:

1. I brought in 2010 with the death of my grandma. I was very close to her and that was a really crappy way to start off the new year.
2. As a result of #1, we had to start purging my grandma's house. Saying good bye to some of her things, clothes, and furniture was very sad for me.
3. As a result of #1-2, I said good bye to Texarakana, probably never to go there again. Some of my most treasured childhood memories happened there.
4. Driving away from my grammy's house that last time was EXTREMELY sad for me. Knowing that I would never go there again, and that I would never see her again in my life, made me feel completely lost.
5. I had to say good bye to my uncle as we moved him to Oregon to live.
6. A friendship that I cherished ended because of gossiping and non-communication. Why can't people just confront others when they hear things are said?
7. As a result of #5, I lost a job that I loved very much.
8. My son started his last year of high school, which made each moment sad because I would think, "This is his last..." at home.
9. My sweet uncle passed away after a short illness.
10. I lost several friends to death which made me feel empty.
11. Some dear friends moved away.
12. I was released from a calling that I truly enjoyed. But, the upside to that one is that the church did away with the calling, so I was the last activities committee chairman that my ward would ever see.

Now, with the new year comes new goals. I have a commitment to making 2011 the best that I can and I have a resolve to meet each and every one of these goals!! We'll see one year from now how well I did. Here's my goals for the new year:

1. scrap one layout a day
2. print off my layouts monthly
3. finish all my started crochet projects
4. spend one hour a day on my genealogy (organizing, researching, preparing names etc.)
5. read the Book of Mormon every day
6. pray daily
7. work out daily at WIMPS
8. recommit to my Weight Watchers program
9. read one new book a month
10. write a weekly review in my journal (I didn't think I could commit to once a day)

And so far, 2011 is looking great!! I have taken photos of myself for my weight loss album. I have taken my measurements and have weighed and started a weight journal.

I also have news!! I made it onto Traci Reed's CT!! I can't tell you how excited I was when I got her email letting me know I was chosen! Woo hoo!!

Well, I need to get going!! I have things to do!!

The 23rd already?

2010-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already December 23. Man, this month has just flown by. Here's what's been happening with us.

I now have a job at W.I.M.P.S. Fitness. Janet and Ron asked me to cover for them when they have school things they need to be at for the boys. I was very excited to accept. I love the fitness center and think it will be fun working there with Janet and Ron. I actually started walking on the treadmill and doing the bowflex. I never thought that would happen, but it did. And, Ron had me working slow enough that I didn't hurt too badly the day after.

I celebrated my 39th birthday for the fifth time on the 14th. I went to lunch with some dear friends and had a good time. I hadn't eaten chinese food for awhile, so it was fun to be able to do that. Karen gave me a necklace that I really love and Christine gave me a beautiful plate which I will put up in my office after we paint it in the spring. Shirley bought my lunch and Janet came which was awesome!! I just love my friends and am so very blessed in the friendships that I have.

All month, I've been guest CTing for Jacque Larsen and Meg Mullens and have had a blast doing that. It will be sad to leave Jacque at the end of the month, but it was fun. As for Meg, well, I don't have to leave because she asked me to stay on full time!! I am super excited to stay on with her. Cori Gammon retired from designing which is super sad, but I hope that all works out for her. Traci Reed also had a call which I applied for, and I am anxiously awaiting the results of that.

We had a little contest in primary last week. We had the bishop come in and judge our singing contest and the kids won. I know it says we aren't supposed to have contests, but I think that directive meant between kids and not kids vs. teachers. It was a good way to get them excited about singing and singing well, which they did. We're set to sing on Sunday. I love being music leader in primary.

The ward party was a huge success. We had a man come who is thinking about buying the funeral home in town. That would be wonderful if he did. He was a nice man and I hope he gets to move here with his family. The food for the ward party was delicious and well worth the entire day I spent there getting things ready. We had a lot of compliments on the food, which made me feel good. It was my last big soiree as ward activities chairman, and I am so glad it was a success. The Bishop actually came up and told me later that it was exactly what he had envisioned.

I have the missionaries coming for dinner on the 30th and will make a second batch of tamales. The first ones were SO good!! I enjoy feeding the missionaries and hope they have fun when they come over. I do miss our missionaries from last year - Elder Swank and Elder Naegle. They are both home now, but I am Facebook friends with them.

I do hope that you all have a very merry Christmas and a joyous new year. This year is going to be a little sad since it will mark the one year anniversary since my grandmother's passing. It's going to be a hard one, but I know she's in a better place now and I have to keep reminding myself of that.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2011!

A Fun Christmas Survey

2010-12-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

Darcy got this from Janet and I thought it would be fun to participate. So, here's mine.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hands down hot chocolate made with milk and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? When my kids were little, yes, Santa wrapped the presents using the same paper. But, now that they are all teenagers and no longer believe in Santa, mom wraps them. LOL

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I love plain white lights.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the day after Thanksgiving, but not this year. LOL We're off to a late start.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I love my mama's cornbread stuffing and giblet gravy.

7. Favorite Christmas memory as a child? We always went to my grammy's house for Christmas. Every year, we'd get clothes and we had to have a fashion show to model them and then we took a photo in front of her buffet. We have about 10 years worth of those photos.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I think I was about 8. My mom had me wrap the presents and so I knew.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, we always open the Christmas pjs and sleep in them on Christmas Eve.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? My tree is covered with ornaments that I've bought my kids throughout the years as well as their art projects from school when they were little.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love me a white Christmas - just as long as I don't have to go out in it.

12. Can you ice skate? Nope.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Oh wow. I've had so many throughout the years, but I would say that my favorite is a Little Bo Beep from Toy Story that my youngest "bought" me when she was five. When they were good in class, they earned "Paul" dollars (the teacher's name was Mrs. Paul) and at the beginning of December, they would get to go to "Paul Mart" and spend their Paul dollars. My little baby girl was SO excited to see me open that gift on Christmas day. It meant SO much to her and that's why it's special to me. It still sits on my desk.

14. What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you? Celebrating the gift of the Savior's birth with my family.

15. What is your favorite Christmas Dessert? Homemade pumpkin cheesecake.

16. What is your favorite Christmas tradition? On Christmas Eve, we always listen to Christmas carols and open our pjs and then we sleep with the tree on all night.

17. What tops your tree? A star.

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? I would much rather give than receive.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Contemporary would be "I'll be home for Christmas" and religious it would be "Silent Night."

20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? The pepperminty ones are yucky, but I love the cinnamon ones.

21 Favorite Christmas Show? Ok, for the serious ones, I love "It's a wonderful life" and "A Christmas Carol" and for contemporary funny ones, I love "Elf" and "Christmas Vacation."

22. Saddest Christmas Song? "Do they know it's Christmas time" by Band Aid.

23. What’s your Wish for Christmas. My only wish is that my kids have a good Christmas and enjoy being together. This is our last Christmas with my son as a minor and living at home, so it's going to be a bittersweet one for us.

30 Days of Thankful - the finale!

2010-11-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's the last day of November. I'll post my 30 Days of Thankful below, but first the news. LOL The First Presidency announced on the 13th that there will no longer be an activities committee, so that meant that I was getting released as the activities chairman. I had that calling for 16 months and I really enjoyed it. I will miss not planning activities for the ward anymore, but I didn't stay callingless for long. LOL I am now the music director for the primary. I love this calling. I've subbed in there many times and have had a load of fun and now it's my full time church calling!!

This Sunday, we had Auxiliary training. I am SO glad that I went even though I hummed and guffawed at having to go. It was so uplifting. We have such an amazing Stake President. He is such a dear man and I love any chance to get to hear him speak. We also have such a sweet Stake Primary President and I enjoyed her talk to us as well. I am going to love being in Primary.

Now, for the rest of my 30 Days of Thankful. I am adding the first 13 days on here as well, sorta like a recap.
Day 1: I am thankful for the 6 lbs I lost at my weigh in making my total loss 62 lbs!!!
Day 2: I am thankful I can make my voice heard through voting!!
Day #3: I am thankful for having good people in my life whom I call friends.
Day #4: I am thankful for my three kiddos who make me smile, laugh, love, and a few negative emotions as well!
Day #5: I am thankful for my cousin Kathy, who celebrates her birthday today! Happy birthday cousin! I love you!
Day #6: I am thankful that it's international Digital Scrapbooking day!!
Day #7: I am thankful for NyQuil geltabs!
Day #8: I am thankful for the wonderful Young Women leaders that teach my daughters.
Day #9: I am thankful it isn't snowing anymore.
Day #10: I am thankful my migraine is gone.
Day #11: I am thankful for my uncle Bob and cousin Jason who served in the armed forces of this great country. I am also thankful to other relatives and ancestors who served including my grandfather Charles Clair Ausmus who would have been 94 today!
Day #12: I am thankful for my calling as Activities Chairman and getting to plan fun activities for the ward. I'll see all you Ely 1st Ward peeps at the chili cookoff tonight!!
Day #13: I am thankful for a beautiful sunny day today!
Day #14: I am thankful I purged my side of the office.
Day #15: I am thankful for the Angleton High School class of 1985 and for all the photos of the reunion my classmates posted!! Even though I couldn't be there in person, seeing the photos brought back a lot of fond memories!!
Day #16: I am thankful it's going to be quiet at my house today, at least until school gets out.
Day #17: I am thankful to be getting things done.
Day #18: I am thankful for good friends who give me good suggestions and save me a lot of work.
Day #19: I am thankful to be able to go and see Harry Potter tonight.
Day #20: I am thankful I have lots of Criminal Minds episodes DVRd so I can watch them while nursing myself back to health.
Day #21: I am thankful for chicken soup.
Day #22: I am thankful for getting lots of sleep yesterday, I'm feeling a tiny bit better.
Day #23: I am thankful my daughter Hannah woke up in a good mood today.
Day #24: I am thankful that I don't have to go out and can bake my holiday pies with my girls.
Day #25: I am thankful for the freedoms that I enjoy as an American, and for my beloved family and friends.
Day #26: I am thankful turkey day is over!
Day #27: I am thankful for my nephew Drew, who turns 14 today.
Day #28: I am thankful for my sister, who gives me such good ideas.
Day #29: I am thankful for holiday music.
Day #30: I am thankful my holiday shopping is finished.

I've been working hard on CT stuff. I quit two CTs. It was a hard decision, but their styles just didn't match mine. There are really only two stores that sell stuff that I like. So, I just didn't feel that I was doing the other two CTs justice. So, now I'm only on three CTs. But, I'm guesting for Jacque Larsen at The Lily Pad this month and next. In December, I am guesting for Meg Mullens at Sweet Shoppe Designs and in January, I am guesting for Jenn Barrette at Sweet Shoppe Designs. So, I'm gonna have a great few months!

I hope everyone has a joyous holiday season. I love the build up to Christmas, but after that, it's kinda sad for me. This is my last year with Zakk as my "little" boy. He'll turn 18 in April and then be off to college. I will miss him SO much.

We got snow and more

2010-11-13T07:24:00.001-08:00

I woke up Wednesday morning to snow. Can you believe it? I was really enjoying the fall weather and winter snuck her little behind in. There is still a little in my yard and it's still cold, but it's nice and sunny today. Yea!!

Lots has happened in the 11 days since I posted. The first thing is that international digital scrapbooking day was last Saturday and Cindy Schneider was having a contest to join her CT. Well, I just had to enter because I LOVE Cindy's templates. And guess what? I won!! I am now a full time CT member for Cindy Schneider. I couldn't be more thrilled about this. That puts my CTs up to four - Amy Wolff and Cori Gammon at The Lily Pad, Cindy Schneider at Sweet Shoppe Designs, and Pickleberry Pop. I am also guesting for Jacque Larsen this month. It's been a fun month!!

Last night was the ward chili cookoff. It was the third annual one and it was fun. We had 16 chili entries. It was nice to see so many people there. Now, we have the Feliz Navidad to plan and then I'm taking a break for a few months. =)

I've been faithfully doing my 30 Days of Thankful. Here's my list so far:

Day 1: I am thankful for the 6 lbs I lost at my weigh in making my total loss 62 lbs!!!
Day 2: I am thankful I can make my voice heard through voting!!
Day #3: I am thankful for having good people in my life whom I call friends.
Day #4: I am thankful for my three kiddos who make me smile, laugh, love, and a few negative emotions as well!
Day #5: I am thankful for my cousin Kathy, who celebrates her birthday today! Happy birthday cousin! I love you!
Day #6: I am thankful that it's international Digital Scrapbooking day!!
Day #7: I am thankful for NyQuil geltabs!
Day #8: I am thankful for the wonderful Young Women leaders that teach my daughters.
Day #9: I am thankful it isn't snowing anymore.
Day #10: I am thankful my migraine is gone.
Day #11: I am thankful for my uncle Bob and cousin Jason who served in the armed forces of this great country. I am also thankful to other relatives and ancestors who served including my grandfather Charles Clair Ausmus who would have been 94 today!
Day #12: I am thankful for my calling as Activities Chairman and getting to plan fun activities for the ward. I'll see all you Ely 1st Ward peeps at the chili cookoff tonight!!
Day #13: I am thankful for a beautiful sunny day today!

I've also been working hard on the genealogy front. I am so happy with all the success I have had with researching Dylan's ancestry. I am so excited to be able to hand him his binder once I get it finished. I took a little break from his, and worked on some of mine for a while. It's good to mix things up a bit so that you don't get burned out on one family. I have had a little success with some of mine as well. Today, I may just work on it some.

I tackled my office on Thursday. I got so sick and tired of all the clutter on my side of the room, that I worked my rear off purging and dusting and vacuuming. I first thought I wanted to change the layout of the room, so I put it the way I wanted, and then I quickly realized I did NOT like it that way. So, I changed it back to the way I originally had it. But, now it's clutter and dust free and I just love it. Now, if I only had a more comfortable chair to sit in, then life would be grand. This project so inspired me, that I am going to start my room next.

I think that's about all that's been going on here. It's been pretty busy, but I love it that way.

30 Days of Thankful

2010-11-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

I am SO glad that October is done!! It was a horrible month! The worst part was that my uncle passed away on October 22. His memorial service was on the 30th, but I wasn't able to make it. Our trunk or treat was that night at the church and it was a HUGE success!! We had hundreds of people there!! I always love it when we have good turnouts!

Ok, so I started this yesterday on Facebook, but I'm gonna make my list here too!!

Day 1: I'm thankful for the 6 lbs I lost at my weigh in making my total loss 62 lbs!!!

Day 2: I'm thankful I can make my voice heard through voting!!

So, the last high school football game for Zakk was last week. It was pretty emotional for all the seniors. Three boys ended up hurt: Zakk with a broken finger; Jake with a broken elbow; and Tyler with a broken foot. It's a good thing it was the last game, since our team was shrinking each week due to injuries!

I've been scrapping, but haven't posted any LOs here. I need to I know, but I just haven't yet. LOL This month I get the honor of guest CTing for Jacque Larsen! I am super excited!! Next month I'll continue with Jacque and I also get to guest for Meg Mullens at Sweet Shoppe Designs!! I am super excited about that!!

I've been working on Zakk's best friend's genealogy. I've found a lot of information for him. It's nice to be able to work on something and have results. I have so many brick walls that it gets a little discouraging. But, that's all part of the hunt. I am glad that Dylan is enjoying seeing his genealogy and knowing that these people are real.

Janet and Ron came over today and took me to the new gym. I am super excited about it! She said it should be opening in a few weeks!! I am really getting excited to see it all finished. The space is really nice and it's going to be fantastic when they get it all buttoned up and beautiful!! And it's less than a quarter mile from my house!!

I think that's all the news that's fit to print right now! LOL I'll be back later to post LOs that I did last month! It sure feels good to be scrapping again!

Updates

2010-10-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

The news about my uncle wasn't good. His cancer has spread to his liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. At this time, there is no news on what stage he is in. I am so sad, but I will continue praying for him and his family. My aunt is taking it hard, it just makes me so happy that my dad is there with them.

We had a home game last Friday and we won 60-0. It was AWESOME!! I enjoy watching my son play. It sure makes the games more fun to be able to watch him. Tomorrow's game is also a home game. I love it!!

I have been scrapping more lately. It's been nice to get back to my scrapping. I enjoy being able to scrap for me and my family and not for others. Don't get me wrong, I loved being on the CTs that I was on, but at times, it was hard to scrap. Sometimes a kit just didn't speak to me, or I didn't have the right photos. I am on four CTs now, and am seriously thinking of scaling back two of them.

I have also been working on my genealogy. I think I have finally broken through a brick wall. It's so nice, and I'm working on connecting the lines, but that will come. Now, I have a starting point in which to look. I have also been helping my sons friend with his. It's nice to be able to find stuff and build a tree for someone.

The diet has been a roller coaster. For the past month, I've been gaining one week, losing one week, and so on. It's been getting irritating. So, I've kicked it up a notch and now I am walking a mile a day. I really am feeling good. At times, my body hurts, but that will go away after I've been at it longer. I am working hard on staying on program and there are times it's really easy and times it is so hard. But, I'll keep going. I want to lose 100 lbs by the time my son graduates high school which is May 30.

I guess that's about it. I have to go and cook dinner. I think we'll be having some baked chicken and rice with veggies. That sounds good to me.

Homecoming and more

2010-09-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

This past Friday was Homecoming in our little town. We started it off with a pep rally, which by my standards, wasn't too peppy. I grew up in Texas and we screamed and hollered at our pep rallies! This was not like that. But, it was still neat!! Then we had the JV football game and we won 28-8. Then the big football game!! It was so neat to watch my son play and what's better - we WON 48-6. Woo hoo!! That was an awesome game!!

I got some seriously sad news this weekend. It seems my favorite uncle has been diagnosed with cancer. He is supposed to go in on Monday to see if there is any spreading and what stage he is in. If it's a low enough stage and no spreading, they can do surgery. If it's a high stage, then they won't be able to. I am going to be on pins and needles and not the good kind waiting for the text from my cousin.

Church was wonderful yesterday. It was fast Sunday because our semiannual general conference is next weekend. I love hearing testimonies and yesterday, all the testimonies were very good and uplifting. The women's broadcast on Saturday was fabulous!! I just love hearing the leaders of my church speak and all the talks were so good, especially President Monson's. His talk was centered around not judging people and following the Lord's commandment to love one another. He told a story about a lady that always looked out her window and she would see her neighbor's laundry on the line and it was always dirty. She would say, "Why doesn't someone go and teach her how to wash clothes?" and "Doesn't she know how to get clothes clean?" Then one morning, she got up and looked our her window and was pleased to see that her neighbors laundry was nice and clean. When she asked her husband if he had seen someone over there doing the lady's laundry, he replied: "No I haven't, but I got up early this morning and washed our windows."

I just love that story!! We need to make sure our own windows are clean before we make judgements on anyone else. What a wonderful and simple story to illustrate the importance of not judging others. It makes me very excited to hear what they say this weekend at the general conference. I love this time of year.

Well, it's time to go and purge my office. I hope I don't get buried alive in there.

Lots of updates!

2010-09-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a month since my last update. I need to get better about this. LOL

My first update is that I have now lost 50.6 lbs and 41 inches! I am so happy and feeling great! I know I have so much more to lose, but I have the momentum going now and I just love Weight Watchers!! I am also walking every morning and it feels great. Since school has started, I haven't been walking up at the school and I really miss my walking buddies - Christine, Janet, Ron, and the boys. But, I do my one mile walk away the pounds dvd every morning while Beka is at seminary.

School started here on the 30th! My son is a senior and I can't believe that he'll be graduating! I don't want him to, but we can't keep them babies forever now can we? He is playing varsity football and is loving it. My baby girl also started high school. It's so hard to believe that my baby is in high school! These years have just flown by. My oldest daughter is a junior and it's hard to believe that she'll be a senior next year.

I have started to organize my digital scrapping files and have realized that I have a LOT of junk. So, I have been purging what I know I won't use. I am so totally hooked on Cindy Schneider's templates over at Sweet Shoppe Designs. She takes all the fuss out and it makes scrapping so easy! I was SO against templates when I started, but now, I think I own her entire store. I haven't posted anything online yet. I plan on it, I just haven't wanted too yet. LOL If I do, I'll probably post them on my Facebook page.

We have missed a lot of church lately. We missed two weeks because we were out of town and this week we missed because we were all sick. It was the quietest day this house has seen in a long time as we all just stayed in bed and rested. Our busiest time of year for activities is coming up. We have our Trunk or Treat on the 30th and we invited the other two wards that we share a building with to come. Then we have our annual chili cook off in November and our Feliz Navidad party in December. Plus, I have my annual cookie and bread exchanges. So, this fall is shaping up to be a busy one.

Now that school is in session, I have decided to start purging my house. I have been watching that show Hoarders, and man, can I just say wow!! I can't believe that people live like that. My house is very cluttered, but I am proud to say that it is clean. My grammy was a hoarder, but she was a clean hoarder. Some of these people had trash all over their homes. I mean trash as in used food containers, food wrappers, one lady even had used adult diapers. Yuck! There was a lady on there from Louisiana, and when they started to shovel the trash out of her house - they found TWO dead cats. Yuck! So, I've decided to purge stuff. My new rule is - if I haven't used it in six months, I am donating it.

Well, I guess this is a long enough post for now! I have to get going! I'm working on a new Charles Wysocki jigsaw puzzle and I am almost finished. I just love his art and his puzzles are challenging, but very fun! I also have 26 episodes of The Office that I need to watch! LOL

Lots going on

2010-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

I am hoping that once school starts, that I'll be posting more often. This summer has been busy and fun. It makes me sad to think that this is my last summer with Zakk as a high schooler. Next year, he'll be off to Reno, starting his own life. Man, I hope this year goes by slowly.

My weight loss is now 40 lbs! I am super happy about that. I've been walking up at the track every morning with my friends Ron, Janet, and Christine. I pushed myself too hard, and hurt my knee, so now I walk along the football field. It's still 1/4 mile and it still feels great. I started doing yoga and I love it. Ron has me doing some stretching exercises every day, and I am up to four times a day, but am planning on going up to six times a day.

Zakk started football practice this week. He's been coming home exhausted every night. The practices are three hours and they do 1 1/2 hours of conditioning. So, needless to say, Zakk is really tired when he gets home at 8:30. He is going to be playing on the defensive line and he was told that he'll be a starter, which is good! I can't believe he's a senior this year.

Hannah is going to be a junior this year. I can't believe my babies are growing up so fast. It's really made me sad to think that in a few short years, my children will all be on their own and starting their own lives. Time sure flies by quickly. It seems like yesterday they were my babies.

Beka is set to get her patriarchal blessing on the 21st in Spanish Fork. It is such a blessing to have my father-in-law be a patriarch and I think it will be very special for her to get it from her grandpa. She is super excited for seminary to start on the 30th.

I've been scrapbooking like crazy. I realized that I was buying a lot of junk. So, I purged my computer of all the stuff that I know I won't use, and have been scrapping with the stuff that I really like and that fits my style. I am now only on three CTs, and guesting for a designer whose CT I'd love to be on full time. But, we'll see how that goes.

I have also finally broken through one of my brick walls in my genealogy. I've been trying to locate my great great grandmother's family for 25 years and by sheer accident, I found a lead, which definitely panned out!! It's so nice to finally be able to see my great great grandmother with parents. I also was able to locate her first husband and her other two children. So, the genealogy quest has been quite hot lately!

I guess I should get going! I have a lot to do today! The kids and I are going to go school clothes shopping online and I want to continue working on that genealogy lead while it's still hot.

Lots of updates

2010-07-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I posted, so it's time that I update you all. First off, my total weight loss is now 33 lbs. I have also lost 15 inches and I am so happy about that. Today, I went to the track and walked 1/4 mile. Now, I know this doesn't seem like a lot, but for someone who went from a sedentary life to walking, it's HUGE!!! I've been on this weight loss journey now for eight weeks and I've never felt better!!

I am no longer working at the museum. I really miss the patrons. I enjoyed it, but circumstances caused me to rethink things and I decided that it was time to go. I just don't have the time or energy in my life to deal with other people's drama. It weighs too much on me, and this year is going to be busy enough with my first child graduating from high school next June. It's amazing how the Lord reveals his desire for you, if you just have faith in him and know that he will answer you.

I'm back to scrapbooking full time. I've sure missed it. I'm working on getting caught up and I have also purged my scrapbook supplies so that now I'll only be using the things that I like. I felt obligated before because I got some free things, plus I was on a LOT of CTs, but now I'm scrapping for me and it feels great!!

I'm still the activities chairman in my ward. I really love the calling and hope they don't decide it's time for me to move on. I enjoy thinking up activities and I need to pray about committee members. Several of mine have moved, so it's time to restock on members. We have a temple day scheduled in August and that it going to be amazing. Then we don't have anything else until October when we have our third annual chili cook off. That's gonna be fun!!

Beka has been in Texas for nearly three weeks and I sure miss her! She'll be home on Tuesday. We'll be heading off to Vegas to get her and then my house will feel normal again. Then in August, hell week for football begins! Ugh! That's gonna be rough on both Zakk and me - unless he gets his license before then. Because hell week means they have to be there in the morning AND in the afternoon! Twice a day to and from! Ugh!

Well, that's about it here. It's been a fairly quiet summer. But, things are going to start kicking in here soon and then the busy life will start again! I miss it.

Man, a week's gone by

2010-06-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe a week's gone by since I posted anything. Well, this week, I had to weigh in a day early because we're going to be traveling on Wednesday. I am down another 2.8 lbs for a grand total of 27.8 lbs down! Woo hoo!!

Yesterday, some friends and I went shoe shopping in Salt Lake City. We went to DSW and I bought some New Balance shoes. They are super comfy on my feet and they have mesh so my feet can breathe. I went walking today and I walked 600 yards! Woo hoo!!

We're leaving this afternoon to take my baby to Vegas. She leaves at 7:30 am tomorrow for a month long trip to Houston. I am gonna miss her like crazy!! I've done some LOs, but I feel bad that I haven't posted. I'll try and do that tonight when we're in the hotel.

Then, we're heading off for the Moore family reunion. I really am apprehensive about going because I don't really know how the girl that is watching our dogs is gonna work out, but we'll see. Then we'll be home for the ward 4th of July BBQ on Saturday! Wow, busy week ahead!!

So, I better get off and pack!!

Geez Louise!!

2010-06-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Just when I am feeling good about myself - 25 lbs lighter, new hair color, and finally exercising, someone who I thought was my friend decides to get pissed off because I went walking with someone she doesn't like. I am SO sick and tired of all the drama. I left high school 25 years ago and thought I left all the drama behind me. As my 16 year old daughter says, this person is very immature. Oh well.

My diet is going well. I managed to walk almost 1/4 mile today and I feel exhilarated. It feels great!! The ladies that I walk with are awesome and it is great to have walking buddies! Go Henze Hens!!

LOs will be posted later. I have a few more to finish!! Time to go!! Have a good one!

Fresh fruit dinner

2010-06-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

I did get my fresh fruit dinner last night!! We had watermelon, strawberries, apples, and bananas. Steve also bought some chicken and we pan fried it in a little olive oil and mushrooms. It was so yummy!! What's even better is that I had leftovers for breakfast (well, not chicken, but fruit).

I did a little scrapping this week, but I have four more LOs that I am almost finished with, so I'll post LOs tomorrow. Today is hump day for us at the museum. I think Susan is going to have Zakk help weed the yard today, so that means I'll have plenty of time to scrap when we don't have patrons.

Susan has some awesome ideas for the museum, and I can't wait to help her get it all buttoned up and beautiful! I love working there and enjoy it so much!

This week, I was a little hurt by someone who I thought was a friend. I've done a lot of soul searching about it and I've decided that one good friend (and lots of fabulous family) is all you need in life. So, I've decided that I am only going to confide in my one good friend. Some of the people in this town act like middle schoolers. You can say one thing about someone, and it goes around this town like wildfire and once it gets back to that person, it has morphed into something you totally did not say. It's ridiculous! I am an adult woman who left middle school MANY years ago. For heaven's sake, I graduated high school 25 years ago. I just don't have time for it anymore, so I am alleviating the situation by not talking to anyone. I'll be nice and cordial, but that's it.

Anyway, my rant is over! LOL Time to get ready for work!!

Another work week begins

2010-06-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Since today is Thursday, it is the beginning of my work week. I love working at the museum and I enjoy meeting the new people. Today, we had the cutest kids come in and they had a good time. They loved Lil, our cave bear skeleton, and they bought themselves a reminder of the visit. It was so cute.

As I was working at the museum, I was getting more and more hungry for some fresh fruit. So, I'm sitting here waiting for Steve to go and get some. Which means, I'll probably end up eating a hot dog.

Anyway, I am going to get to work. I have some LOs to upload to galleries and report to my CT bosses. =))

Knowledge is empowering

2010-06-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling pretty down the last few days. I don't want to say what caused it, but it was there just the same. But, today a friend of mine sent me a link to a talk that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave about not giving up. It was JUST what I needed today. That same friend (thanks Jan) came over and took me out to lunch. It was just what the doctor ordered. I needed to get away and just be with a friend and it was awesome. I've had a nice long chat with my heavenly father about it and we've decided that enough is enough. I have enough knowledge to empower myself and I'm gonna use it. It feels great, but sad at the same time.

I didn't do too much genealogy work as I've been commissioned to revamp a Boy Scout website. So, I had a call yesterday and will be getting another one today. That should keep me pretty busy. I do need to work on some genealogy because I've recently found some good hits, but that will have to wait. Perhaps I'll have time to work on it tomorrow.

I also need to do some scrapping, so there's a few busy days in my future. LOL But, I love staying busy. Beka is a YW camp and Zakk has been in full football training mode. So, I pretty much have had the house to myself the last few days and it's been nice.

Anyway, I need to get ready for a conference call, so I will be back later.

Sleep, sleep, and more sleep

2010-06-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I came home from work on Saturday and went right to bed. I thought it was going to be a small nap, but it ended up being a 14 hour siesta as I didn't wake up again until 6:00 am the next morning. I got up, did a little stuff on the computer, and went right back to bed until 3:30 that afternoon. So, my body must have needed to shut down and rest. I feel great today.

I am going to be working on some LOs today and some genealogy. On Saturday, I worked a little on a baby girl afghan that I've been wanted to finish up, so maybe I'll work on that tonight. And since tomorrow is payday, I am going to be working up my menus for the next two weeks.

Beka had a great time at Youth Conference. I knew she would and she even met a girl there that is moving here to Ely next month. I hope the girl moves into our ward, but if not, at least Beka can be friends with her. Tomorrow is Girl's Camp and she'll be gone for the rest of the week and the week after that, she's heading to Texas! Man, I am gonna miss my baby girl!!

I hope it's a good Monday for you all!!

Yucky day!

2010-06-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today is a yucky day! It's overcast and it looks like it's going to rain. We really need the moisture, but I just wish I didn't have to go out in it. It's also accompanied by some cold wind, so it seems more like winter than summer.

Today, my in-laws celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary! I think it is wonderful that they have been married so long and are so happy. They are so cute to watch together because they have this little banter between them. I hope Steve and I make it that far, I may just strangle him before then. Just kidding. I have a pretty good and patient hubby.

As promised, here's the LOs that I've been working on.

The first one is my DHs maternal grandmother Cornelia DeGroot McKell. The kit used for the LO is called Warm Scent by Armina Designs at Pickleberry Pop.

The second one is my adorable grand-niece Catherine. The kit used for the LO is called Calico Cottage by Amy Wolff at The Lily Pad.

The third one is my daughter Beka at her 8th grade promotion. The kit used is called Sassy Pants by Cori Gammon at The Lily Pad.

The fourth one is a five generation spread that I did for my son Zakk. The kit used is called Shades of Gray by Cori Gammon at The Lily Pad.

The fifth one is my daughter Bekah and her cousins at the beach at Christmas. The kit used is called Summer Breeze by Dawn Inskip at Pickleberry Pop.

The sixth one is a LO I did for my weight loss journey album. The kit is called Fresh Start by Lindsay Jane at Pickleberry Pop.

The seventh one is my hubby's ggg grandparents Robert and Elizabeth Boyack McKell. The kit used is called Spring Sunset by Laitha at Pickleberry Pop.

The last one is my sweet girl Hannah. The kit used is called Pink Sugar by Amy Wolff at The Lily Pad.

So, there ya have it! Lots of LOs done this month! I guess I had better go and eat breakfast and get ready for work! It's my Friday!!

It's hump day for me!!

2010-06-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Since I work at the local museum on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, it's my hump day! LOL I love working at the museum. I've met some pretty neat people from many different places. I also love working with Susan. We have a good time when it's slow. But, yesterday, we had 17 people in there which is good for a Thursday.

I baked a turkey for dinner last night and we'll have leftovers for dinner tonight. Maybe a turkey stir fry? Sounds ymmo! That's a good way to get in my veggies for the day. Weight Watchers really is a sensible plan, I just have trouble getting in 5-6 servings of fruits and veggies daily. LOL

I will be posting LOs later on tonight. I have to get ready and go to work right now. But, be on the lookout because it's new release Friday for the Lily Pad and Amy Wolff has an adorable new kit out and it's also new release Friday at Pickleberry Pop and Dawn Inskip has a wonderful Essentials kit out that is a must have. So, check back later to see what's up!!

Got it all pretty!

2010-06-10T06:29:00.001-07:00

After a little time, I managed to get my blog all prettied up using Zoe Pearn's beautiful blog in a box graphics!! (You can find the link at the bottom). I think it looks pretty!!

I have decided that I am going to try and write on this everyday! We'll see how that goes! LOL Here's a tentative schedule of how I plan to do my blog.

For scrapping, since I deleted my Scrappinmama website, I'll post LOs here once a week. For my CTs, I have to have LOs finished and posted on Fridays, so that is probably when I'll post my new LOs.

For genealogy, I work on that on my days off which are Sunday-Wednesday. So, if I have anything to share, which I probably will, I'll post on those days!!

For weight loss, I weigh in on Wednesdays, so that is when I will be posting those updates.

Anything else that goes on will be fillers! =))

I'm hoping this new schedule will get me blogging more. I sure have missed it and visits from my old friends. Maybe I can get some of them to come back. LOL

Starting anew!

2010-06-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

I realized today that I was paying money to have two websites that I never use. I was renewing the domains for $10 each a year and then paying $6 a month hosting for each to have them. Why? I am a long standing member of Ancestry.com and all my genealogy research is there. I also have all my scrapping LOs in numerous galleries on the net, so why? So, as hard as it was, I let them go and started this blog!! I am gonna get it all prettied up, but I feel the need to simplify my life! So, here I am!!