It's a Tucson Christmas - lights and rocks. Didn't Bruce do a great job hanging the lights??

So I was looking at my mom's post from a while ago and I just found out tuesday where I will be stationed next, after tech school, I am going to cannon afb New Mexico! whether this is exciting or not I imagine I will find out once I eventually get there.

Bruce, the phanton painter, has struck again! He created a stunning visual with the last of our Tandoori Spice and put those surround sound wires into neat little boxes.

I'm Alive!

hehe Hey it's Liz remember me? Yeah I'm the girl who pretty much dropped off the face of the planet for 2 months. Anyways I'm back now and writing from San Angelo Texas. I got here on Monday and I've been in death by briefings all week. Pretty much really boring, I start class on Weds. So I'm hoping that will liven up my life a little. I'm not complaining though, because so far this place is so much better than basic it's not even funny, it's a much better environment so far, I hated basic, I really did I will be happy if I never go back again,(then watch all my kids decide to join) haha. I went to church today, it's a student ward, most people there are military though, or married to military memebers, it was the first time I'd been to a full church in two months, becuase at basc they were only allowed 2 hours, so it was really cool to go to a full service, the branch is really small, and there are quite a few more guys than girls, not that i'm complaining haha. But I'm doing pretty well here, I really miss home, I think that's one of the hardest things for me right now, but I'm trying my best and I think things will turn out great! If ya'll wna tot write my mom has my address, you can also email or call me.

Have you ever seen such big tumblers? They practically dwarf Airman Weston. Oh, did I forget to mention that we just attended her graduation from Basic Military Training?? Woo-hoo! She is now at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, TX and will begin her 5 1/2 month tech school for intelligence on the 18th. What a great accomplishment. We may never again see her bed this neat - enjoy the pic.

We're off to see Elizabeth graduate this Friday in San Antonio! What an exciting life she has ahead of her - except for the "hurry up and wait" part of the military. She will head to Goodfellow for the next several months for tech school and then who knows where she'll be stationed. I'll take the camera this time!!

The story behind Bruce's famous cookies - as told to Elder Weston

So here’s the story behind Dad’s famous cookies. You remember that we are a total geek family and enjoy watching documentaries, how-to shows, and get goose bumps when we find a particularly satisfying reference work?? Abbers checks out “How the Digestive System Works”, “Basic Carpentry”, and “Magic School Bus”. Thomas made a house for his pencil eraser named George, complete with a working safe – filled with miniature 100 dollar bills. So we’re pretty much gone, right? Well, Dad started watching How It’s Made, a show on how manufacturing works. I confess that I found it alluring eventually. Then he started on the cooking shows and here’s where we pick up the story. Alton Brown is a bespectacled chef with a totally weird cooking show. On one episode, he cooked these chocolate chip cookies with bread flour, kosher salt, unsalted butter, real vanilla, etc. and used parchment paper to cook them. Well, Dad was really excited and wanted to make those cookies. So I bought the stuff on my next shopping trip and he solemnly whipped up a batch. It was almost a holy experience. He carefully placed 6 cookies per batch on the parchment covered pan, measured in ½ cup increments (after the dough had chilled overnight). In his apron and with his brow creased, he expertly and anxiously (using only one oven since we don’t have two in this house) hovered over the process until he had 30 perfectly shaped chocolate chip masterpieces. They are very good and he uses only the finest ingredients. His Sunday school class was most gratified to be taste testers. I’ll tell you the rib story later…….

How cool is it to visit your former home and feel that great "we still love you" feeling? It did my heart good to see dear friends and know my affection for them is reciprocated. I took Bruce and the kids this time - Bruce said he would like to do it again! Someone asked me if I had fun in Escondido this weekend and I had to stop and think. I wouldn't call it fun. I would call it a filling experience that goes a little further than "fun". It's seeing people and realizing that ties that have been stretched with distance bounce back when you do. Thanks, everyone!! PS Jim and Ginger still have the best pool ever!!!

We now have a queen-size bed in our David/guest room just itching for people to stay. Of course, you must pass our thorough exam and have a background check! Party!

Elizabeth is nearly to her 4 week mark. She's hungry, tired, yelled at, and enjoying church more than ever in her life. She prays, reads her little Book of Mormon, and hangs on for dear life. She cries when she calls (two times already - they are the best female flight there and have been earning privileges), and when she reads letters from home. Here is a shot taken at Young Women just a few weeks before she left.

Look what Tucson has at 9000 feet?? Pine trees, and ski resort and RED LEAVES!! Talk about a breath of fresh air. We went to Mt. Lemmon, about 45 minutes north of us, and got out of the cactus and into the timber. It was great to be chilly, to listen to the quiet, and to take a chair lift up to the 9100 mark. This is where we had girl's camp this summer. Are we lucky or not??

Abbers' last game for volleyball was this afternoon. She has a great serve and even sent a few back over the net. It's been fun to watch her and I even got to be a line judge. Where's Serena Williams??

Guess which one is Elizabeth?? We were so pleased to hear from the missionary couple over Lackland that they met Elizabeth and she's okay. She attended church there Sunday and they took this pic. Someone is watching over her (besides all the angels we've been praying for) and that does my heart good. Dang, she looks good in camo!!

There she goes

The world will now be a lot safer with Elizabeth in the Air Force. Whew! How have we managed?? Exits - so many questions come up. Did I do all I could to help her be ready for "life"? Can she balance a checkbook? Will she karate chop anyone who is inappropriate? Do they have uniforms that fit her? Will she never forget to stay close to her Heavenly Father?

Well....she's wanted to grab life and go for most of her life and now she will. She's ready to bloom and God bless her. I will miss that little redhead!

Who knew there was a wall there?? We decided that "Tandoori Spice" might just look good on our stairway landing. What do you think? We're planning on filling the wall with family pics. Did I marry well or what??

Moms rule

Elizabeth and I went to the cannery Saturday and now we have very close to a year of nutritious, boring food. It brings satisfaction to us anyway. We have to store food in the house since the garage gets up to 102 lately. So I guess Elizabeth's "bedroom under the stairs" is now too full for her to live in. Oh, bother!

This is a pic of our ceiling in the front room. We had a monsoon this weekend, which is normal, but the gusts were very strong. The kids started yelling, "Mom, there's a leak!" I was hoping they were talking about something else, but sure enough, water was coming in from the roof. This crack is about 20 inches long, but should be taken care of under warranty. We're crossing our fingers that it was just rain being blown in through the vent on the roof.

Phoenix in the Fall

Bruce swept me off my feet and arranged for us to stay in Phoenix as an early 24th anniversary celebration. Elizabeth will be leaving for the Air Force just before our true anniversary so it's now or never. We stayed 2 nights and a day and a half in a 2-bedroom suite (Bruce is platinum) in the Marriott. We did a temple session, shopped (I'll have to tell you about Bruce trying on pants in the ladies dressing room - I swear, I didn't know), saw "Julie and Julia (quite good - loved Meryl), and ate at "Haus Murphey" which is a German restaurant in Glendale (Imagine eating Sauerbraten and listening to a tuba and accordian playing polkas!). We also walked through one of the biggest outdoor stores I've ever seen (complete with 8 foot aquarium, indoor stocked stream with manequin fisherman, and pistols that made me want to get my concealed weapons permit) right next to Toby Keith's bar and grill in which he was performing. Good times and a good idea!

When the bishop wanted to talk to me yesterday before church, I assumed I'd be getting a call into Young Women's. I loved camp, the leaders are becoming great friends, and I know and love the girls. I was totally shocked when they asked me to be Relief Society Secretary. In fact, I had to go into the bathroom after saying yes and regain my composure. Doesn't look good to cry when you're being sustained! God's ways are not my ways, and this is where faith and obedience come in.

BTW - Abbers was wearing a jacket to school this morning in 100+ heat. When I asked her about it she told me that the classrooms are freezing. This is the Tuscon Irony - Hot outside, cold in the middle. Kind of like cooking a steak too quickly.

The Proper Arizona Turn For Vehicular Traffic

Slow to 10 mph 1/4 mile before the anticipated turn. Reduce your speed again by half 50 yards prior to turn. Just before beginning of turn, stop vehicle completely. Allow vehicle to slowly move forward into turn until halfway completed. Stop again. You may now finish the turning process. This approach works best for right turns but can be implemented for left as well. Remember: the pile-up was not your fault!

Here are the new couches. Now what do we do???

Wisdom Teeth

I had this bright idea to have Elizabeth's wisdom teeth taken out before she leaves for basic on the 8th of September. Get them out while they have no roots, takes less time, less trauma - great idea. In fact, it looked so easy that our dentist decided he could just do it in the office. Why didn't I listen to that still, small voice saying "error". He numbed her all up and then took out one tooth. Apparently, her mouth had shrunk between the pre-op and the appointment. Her mouth was just too small for him to get the rest out. I was dumfounded and Elizabeth cried. So now she will have to go through it all again when the rest are removed by the oral surgeon this Wednesday. Fortunately, she will be sedated and the whole procedure will take less time than the one tooth last Wednesday. Moral of the Story: Have Elizabeth talk more so her mouth is bigger.

Bruce, aka HarleyDad, is on fire cleaning the boxes out of the garage. We are making great progress. To the dump, to the dump, to the dump, dump, dump.....

Gradimation commencement

Abigail got fired after taking this shot


There we go!



Whoohoo!

I did it yeah!!!!

Here I come

Wow that's a long walk

This is the photo op pic. that gown is so long on me

Oh boy

Eww!!

Last night we had my seminary and my high school commencement, mom found David's graduation robe, and she acted as the MC, dad and the kids were the crowd. I marched down the stairs and accepted my diploma from mom, it was pretty quiet, small crowd, but I didn't have to sit doing nothing for 5 million hours. Basically it was the sweetest graduation ceremony ever!

I love being assistant camp director! Imagine this: 31 girls, 5 leaders, and a mess hall. Yes!! We spent 5 days at 8,000 feet with some wonderful people. I felt this was a great gift given to me by a loving Heavenly Father. Such freedom and love has been most healing. The girls were awesome and getting to know the leaders was enriching to me. From the men doing bear watch at night, to inspiration point at 11 pm, to "Singing Trees", to falling off the motorcycle just before leaving - it was all good. I am surrounded by angelic people wherever I go. It never fails. Oh, and being with Abbers on her first year was just the icing on the cake!!

Move day is tomorrow and the computer will be down until Tuesday. Here we go again!

Someday, I'm going to learn how to do a slide show!!

We just got back from the dream Powell trip. A 62-foot houseboat with 19 people for 4 days. They provided a better kitchen than I have in the apartment (same square footage), 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and and Bruce's sister brought a motor boat for waterskiing, tubing, and transportation. The kids (and Bruce and I had a blast on the triple tube shown here.

Here's Abbers!

There was another TV on the top deck as well, with a great sound system for music.

Need I say anything?

Top deck Jacuzzi with Grandma LeAdelle.

I have discovered something. You know those things called pantyhose? Don't wear them in Tucson during the summer except in the exceedingly cold church.

Ok so i've been thinking deep again, I know it's scary

So I heard part of this quote once on "Akeelah and the Bee" and I really liked it, and then I was reading a bookmark my mom has that has the quote on it, and I started thinking about it, the quote is:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,talented and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.We were born to make manifest the glory ofGod that is within us.It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,we unconsciously give other peoplepermission to do the same.As we are liberated from our own fear,Our presence automatically liberates others.
—Marianne Williamson
I think this quote is actually surprisingly accurate for some of us, I think sometimes we do get scared of being great or even just good. Why is that? Is it because we're scared? Because if we acknowledge that we have strength we can't hide behind our facade of weakness? Is it because we think that if we're great people expect too much of us? Maybe it's because if we choose to be great we have to find ourselves, maybe we've been living behind a mask in a way of speaking for so long, and are so comfortable with that, that we don't want to be uncomfortable. Maybe we know that it takes courage to let ourselves shine, we know that we have to trust in ourselves, and even let people in, and that is kind of scary for some of us. I won't lie, I'm not the best at letting people in, pretty good at keeping them out, but not so good at letting them in. I don't know why, maybe I'm scared of getting hurt, cause when I let people in and then loose them it hurts too much, maybe that's why. But I think it's ok, I think it is just fine to let ourselves shine, it's awesome to admit that we are special, that we have more strength than we know, it's ok to let our true selves shine, sure this doesn't mean that we won't get hurt again, but we will be ok, if we get up, put a smile on our face and keep on going, we can make ourselves into the wonderful people that we were meant to be, when we ask Heavenly Father to help us anything is possible, we can let our light shine, we don't have to be scared. Ok I think I've rambled enough, I was just thinking about this and thought I'd post.

It took 7 gallons of paint and the whole day, but we got it done!

Mom is telling me most strenuously to post again

I know it's been a while since I've posted, and my mom is making me now, well last week I was in New York with my grandparents. I was doing my senior project so I can graduate from high school, I was helping my grandpa with his annual airplane inspection, it was sunch an amazing trip! I learned alot, met some cool people, got to work with my grandpa, ate a lot of food, they made sure I didn't starve! I also biked a total of 72 miles with grandpa and LeAdelle. On sunday the day after I got there they took me to palmyra, that was an amazing experience! I loved it, the sacred grove was amazing, and I got to see the hill cumorah, and Joseph's farm, it was so incredible! The whole week was amazing! I also got a call from my recruiter while I was there, I got a job and I leave for basic in September!

Moms rule

Guess who was made assistant camp director?? Yours truly!! I guess I'm supposed to be in this calling. Bruce gets to teach the 13-year olds in Sunday School. Wonder if he wants to change???

We're closing the 12th (Tues) and then the real work begins. We have to seal the grout, paint some rooms, seal the garage floor, install 8 fans/lights, and get blinds and drapes in. Moving in won't happen until June. The adventure continues -

Moms rule

Happy Cinco de Mayo! We're doing tacos and we're having our final walk through.

Elizabeth is set to graduate from seminary on Saturday night. Not a weak accomplishment when you consider she had to make up 43 days in this half of the year. I wonder if she would have received her 4 year certificate if we had stayed in Escondido?? We're so proud of her and the way she is taking care of herself. She's quite a young lady.

Bruce was able to fly to Salt Lake and see his brother sealed to his wife and two children last weekend. What a happy event that we have been hoping and praying for!

Now, let's see if I can get Elizabeth to post some pics from her New York trip!

Moms rule

Elizabeth is in New York with her grandpa, completing her senior project for graduation. He offered to drive her to Palmyra on Sunday. What a wonderful experience to have her tell me that she felt something special when she was in the sacred grove. Her testimony continues to grow and what more could I ever want for her?

We have received word that 2 elders in David's mission have been sent home due to a mystery illness. Another has just come down with the same symptoms. We have been asked to pray for them all. I hope it 's not the swine flu, but that is treatable. I pray that the missionaries will be protected and that the doctors will be able to get the answers they need to treat those already affected.

Moms rule

Many people consider the ideal 3-day weekend to include a trip to Vegas, or San Francisco, or another exciting or unusual place full of things to do and perhaps a bit of pampering. I've just had such a weekend, but it was wonderful because it felt like home. How humbling to want very much to connect with dear friends and find that they are equally delighted to reconnect with you!

Ta-Da

Moms rule

Bruce has done a very nice job with the house choices. People are surprised when I tell them he chose all the options while I was busy getting the house sold in CA. What can I say? He has better taste than me!

Elizabeth is now the big 18. Abigail is now the big 12. We have had a busy birthday week with eating at a Chinese Buffet, going to a school musical, attending the Pima County Fair (a little smaller than Del Mar), cheering at Abigail's softball game (which Elizabeth played in since we were short players - wait! She is a short player!), watching a dance festival which Elizabeth participated in - did I mention this was all in 3 days?? - and unwrapping presents. David has been assigned to open Port Arthur with another elder - Spanish-speaking! He is wigged out but determined to do his best. His Spanish is a "leetle" rusty, but I have a feeling that he'll do fine! So we're looking forward to this week. Wait a minute - it's almost as busy!

Moms rule

So, here's our front yard. Hey, Jim! Have fun with the lawn mower, okay???

Moms rule

Here's the kitchen!!

Moms rule

Yes, it's coming along nicely. We even have a driveway now and tile!!! Now we need to get the workers to stop banging into the walls of the newly painted house, for pete's sake!!!

Moms rule

Here's Abigail, all suited up and playing catcher. That girl is growing up so fast I'm not sure what to do.

Moms rule

A couple of things I'm really grateful for are: flushing toilets, cold apple juice, dry soda crackers, and a soft bed. Got walloped on Sunday and that sure makes the simple things really nice.

Happenings: Abbers had her first softball game Saturday. She hit a triple and played catcher. But her best role is team cheerleader. We hope to squeeze in 7 more games before the dreaded heat catches up with us.

Car: We are now the proud owners of Bruce's mother's Camry. Bruce and Elizabeth flew to Vegas and drove it back. Anybody want to buy Elizabeth's Saturn? We now seem to have 5 vehicles!

House: Cabinets in, walls painted, driveway and sidewalk poured, and lights working. Closing date - 5/12. Forgot to take camera last visit - will post photo next time.

David: Baptism was Saturday. Hope all went well.

Reply

Dear Master Wan,
I am finally giving you my answer as promised, it does not seem that I can think of any excuse.. I mean reason that I cannot babysit on friday, I asked everyone I know if they wanted to do something, i even offered to pay them and everything just kidding. But it does not sem that I have any pressing business, so it appears that I am available to babysit.
Sincerely,
Me

My Braces

Finally, it's my turn to start. Here's a picture of me with braces on. I got them on Thurs. My teeth are still trying to get used to them. Thomas and I are on Spring Break so we get to sleep[ in more.We go to the pool earlier too. We have an "l' shape pool w/ a square spa. So lucky us. We now go to the Rincon stake at 10:30 for church. How is everyone? Our closing date on our house is May 15 and we get out of school on the 22. Can you believe that my b-day is a month from tomorrow. I will be the big 12 years old.

Moms rule

Life is full of changes! My little redhead is now a member of the Air Force, awaiting high school graduation for basic training. What began as an innocent comment a month ago has blossomed into a path. I'm still a little stunned, but readily acknowledge God's help in showing us a good and maybe even a wonderful life choice.

David recently wrote and told us he wasn't transferred this go around. Well, we were! At church today, we got a new bishop and then were transferred to another ward, along with several families within our subdivision. We've only been going to the Sahuarita 1st ward for 2 months and now we will be going to the Cienega ward. Pros: The church is only 8 or 9 miles away instead of over 30, it starts at 10:30 instead of 8:00, and we accidentally went there when we first moved here, thinking it was our ward. So we have a little familiarlity with this ward. Cons: We will miss the 1st ward! The man they put in as bishop is awesome and we had made some nice friends. We're moving again and we still haven't moved into our house. So I'm released as assistant camp director and Elizabeth is no longer Laurel secretary. On we go!

moms rule

Thomas and I were sitting on the couch, watching a movie. I handed him a few peanut butter cups and we started eating them. He turned to me and inquired, "Are the wrappers toxic?" I told him they were not. After a few minutes, I asked him if he had forgotten to take the paper off the peanut butter cup. He sortof grinned and said, "Yep."

Marilee said I have to do this

We had our "Pre-Drywall Orientation" on Wednesday. This means that all of the framing is done, the plumbing, heating/air-conditioning (especially air-conditioning)/wiring are complete.

We went by to take pictures yesterday but our camera's batteries were dead. We tried to borrow a camera from a friend up the street but their batteries died, too. On looking, they had spare batteries in the case so we replaced them and seemed to be back in business. After 8 or so pictures, the camera announced that the memory was full and Karma seemed to say "no pictures today." We went back this afternoon on the way home from church (after charging the battery all afternoon yesterday) and I got about 100 pictures. Now when Marilee wants a picture or shelf hung I can say "show me where in the pictures" and can be reasonably sure I won't hit a pipe or wire.

It is very exciting!!

Marilee wants me to say "Hi, Ginger and Laura!" (we think they are the only ones that read these)