A Fond Farewell

It is time to say a fond farewell to our Tri-State Blog. With the move back to Utah of my dashing baby brother, JD, we no longer can truthfully say we are spread three states wide. Plus, JD is not much of a blogger. True, Jade? True. Anyway, my mama blogger is keeping her own blog alive, you'll find it at http://susanbuxton.blogspot.com/. Visit her often!

I'm also announcing the birth of my new blog, highlighting our little Hallam clan. It can be found at http://hallamhabitat.blogspot.com/ and we look forward to seeing you all there. I promise to post many pics of Luke to lure you in!

Yours in Blog-Land,
Jen

Wyoming Meets Utah

We enjoyed Jen and Luke here for several weeks in March (Jen and Luke took care of Dale while I went to California), then Clive was good enough to let them stay for another week. He dutifully drove home to Thayne, Wyoming to carry out work and church duties. Then returned the last weekend in March to join his family. In the meantime, JD moved home and so we convinced Jen and Luke to hang out just a little longer. Here's a picture taken at the rec center in Kamas. Luke loves the water and is more brave each time we go. We miss the Hallam's as they have returned to WYO (Sunday, April 6, 2008). BOO HOO. Come back soon.

Cute Luke

Prejudiced grandma behind the camera!

He's growing so fast!

He loves balls, horses, toys, and is saying more and more words and animal sounds.
So cute. We love having him here.

FOH-Shizzle!

A tribute to my mom seemed fitting during her birthday week. She told me the following story after she got home from her trip to California that made me laugh and bust a gut. JD should really tell it since it happend with him, but I'll just do it here to make sure it goes down in blogging history.

During a car ride in California with JD at the wheel, mom got a little nervous at one point and started word racing in her nervous mom voice "Dude, MAN! Oh Dude, for sure SIZZLE!" Now my mom is cool, she is hip, she is happening for a 53 year old woman. She knows street slang like "FOH-SHIZZLE" but was in a dither so our new street slang is FOR SURE SIZZLE!

Love you mom!

Celebration last week

Laguna Beach
Kallie and JD
JD and Mom
Walk along the seawallKallie and JD

Well, I flew to California last week and spent time with JD and Kallie. Here are a few shots if you want to see what lazy sunshiny days look like. It was incredible weather and we relaxed, slept in, ate out, stayed up late, watched movies, read, pretty much did what we wanted to when we wanted to. It was way too short.

Birthday celebration has it's highlights

Susan and Jen
Susan opening presents
Lunch at Provisions
(Luke drinking from a straw and
loving his grilled cheese sandwich)

Dale enjoying some 'jokes"

Grandma and Luke discussing the "horsey"Grandma loves this 20 month old grandson, Luke. WOW.
MARCH 27, 2008

Sunny weather, but cold

Out to lunch at Provisions in Kamas

A little Mother/Daughter shopping

Some take out chinese for dinner

Presents galore

Phone calls from friends and family. Thanks to all.

Clive arrives from Wyoming

Ice cream and the Disney movie ENCHANTED

Simple Day, and yet so profound.

I'm glad to be alive and look forward to the next year of life.

53 hopefully will treat me well.

Keep smiling everyone.

March 27, 1955

Susan - 4 days old (Ft. Meade, Maryland)

Birthdays aren't that big of a deal to me, but it's still fun to have them. I feel it is a good time to hang out with friends, catch up with old friends over lunch, do something special (out of the ordinary), or just do something ordinary (like lunch out with Jen/Luke and Dale). So we plan to venture in to Kamas and enjoy a sandwich at Provisions. It always tastes better when someone else is fixing it. Maybe a movie later on, maybe some shopping, maybe some playing with Luke, maybe just a lazy enjoyable relaxing day. It's fun to have Luke here. I was lucky enough to have him here last year, too. Birthdays are just getting better.

one year old

Easter in Oakley

Fun times were had by most of us this past few days. (Susan arrived home late Easter Night after being in California). Luke spied a little Easter Basket on Easter Morning. The days were filled with Jen/Luke 'caring' for Dale. Thanks!

Words and Sounds from our little GENIUS!

WOW!

Getty Center

JD and Kallie went to the Getty Center in California last weekend. Thought I'd post the photo.

History in the making

If you were keeping track, you'd know that it was 10 months ago today that Dale had the horrific 4-wheeling accident. I keep track, because I'm kind of a date person, an anniversary and birthday person. Today is also a very special friend's 50th Birthday. Happy Birthday to Cori!

This has been a fairly monumental week in significant milestones for Dale. Yesterday he didn't have to take the blood thinner (coumadin). The 9 month required post operative regimen has ended. Today Dale drove our car for the first time in 10 months. He drove from the Kamas Library all the way home without incident. I think he'll be confident soon to drive himself to the rec center where he goes three times a week to work out on the machines. He can do the treadmill and exercycle here, but he is determined to work all the muscle groups. He's now 60 and gets in free, so it's a bonus. He showed me some movement in his toes in the past few weeks. There is much more stability and steadyness as he walks around the house. He is able to do a few more activities and is even tutoring some students in our home. He also helped with the Gospel Doctrine lesson on Sunday (dealing with discouragement). He was well prepared and had a great message to share. Thanks to any and all who kept us ever present during your fast on Sunday. We were keenly aware of the recently mentioned milestones that have come about through faith and prayers and time and patience and endurance. We plan to have some more positive updates in the future. Dale and I have renewed faith and know that this year he will improve. The recent neuromuscular specialist told him the legs may take 12-18 months to return to normal, but he was pretty confident they would. We're holding on to this professional/medical opinion and also our faith in blessings given to Dale. God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform.

candid shots with blankie in hand

Luke shed his coat and gloves and hat and went in for the 'blankie'. Cute how he wanted to lay down on it outside. I've got to get my hands on that little boy. I need some magical powers to transport myself to Thayne, Wyoming. Grandma needs a grandbaby visit soon.

Finally a day outdoors!

Hooray for sunlight! Luke and I finally got to head outdoors yesterday and play in the snow. We built this snowman on our deck bench in the back yard.

Turban Squash

Nan bought a Turban Squash. I'd never seen one or tasted one before. Turban Squash has colors that vary from bright orange, to green or white. It has golden-yellow flesh and its taste is reminiscent to hazelnut. Has a bulblike cap swelling from its blossom end, come in bizarre shapes with extravagant coloration that makes them popular as harvest ornamentals. It is popular for centerpieces, and its top can be sliced off so it can be hollowed and filled with soup. A larger variety of the buttercup squash, the turban has a bright orange-red rind. The turban-like swirl on its blossom end is a fanciful variegated orange, red and white. Its flesh and storage ability are comparable to the buttercup's. It was part of our dinner tonight. Loved it!

They grow up too fast

I begged Jen/Clive for a photo of Luke. (She was exercising and asked Clive to snap a few). Here's one to show you what I mean. He will be 19 months on the 29th of February. I can't explain how fast the time goes and how fast they grow up. I just know from personal experience (my own children now nearly 29 and 31) that it happens before your very eyes. They start kindergarten, and in a blink of an eye they're graduating from high school. They're married and having children of their own. Here's proof. Hang on for the ride as it will fly by. I have got to figure out how to clone myself so I can be here to take care of Dale, but be there to squeeze that baby.

(I mean that little boy).

Who said nothing is forever?

Did you know you can purchase forever stamps. They cost you 41 cents now and they're good FOREVER. I heard at the post office the other day that postage will go up again in May. It's a good time to grab some Forever Stamps. I'm going tomorrow.

Last year, the announcement was made on March 26 2007: Beginning April, 12, the Forever stamp will be available in booklets of 20 through www.usps.com, by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 and in Post Office lobbies nationwide. Once prices change May 14, 2007 the Forever stamp will remain on sale at the 41-cent First-Class one-ounce letter price until the next price change. The Forever stamp will then be available at the new price.

The next price change will be this May (2008), so happy shopping.

Make sure you ask for the Forever Stamps.

Happy Birthday, Paul

Paul - Oakley
It would have been Paul's 44th birthday. Unbelievable how the time does seem to pass and life does go on. But for a moment today, I thought about how fun Paul was. He had such a fun sense of humor. He loved his kids, he had a zest for life. If he wasn't riding a bicycle somewhere, he was working out at the gym, or finding a new movie to watch, or downloading a new song from I-tunes. He had energy beyond description.
We surely would have been celebrating with him today in some way.
Hope he's in your heart like he is in mine.

Annual Valentine

Dale and Susan have been sending out Valentine Cards (in lieu of Christmas Cards) since 1975, the Valentine's day after they were married on June 12, 1974. In spite of the year we've had, we mustered a little one again this year.

For more details see http://susanbuxton.blogspot.com.

Here's a sneak peak. Happy Valentine's Day.

Dale gave a dozen red roses, lunch today, and then dinner down at the Bingham's (good friends) for celebrating our love and getting through yet one more day.
Love abounds here in this home and for our children and grandson, Luke.

Hope the same is true wherever you all are.

Two girls response for Two for Two

Two names
Susan Spafford (parents gave me that one)
Susan Buxton (Husband gave me this one-married the love of my life on June 12, 1974)
Two things I’m wearing
jammies
underwear
(it’s nearly one in the morning!)
Two favorite things to do
Play with Luke
Play with Luke
(okay I like to watch television, listen to music and play the piano, scrapbook and sleep and go to the hot tub)
Two things I want badly now
Healing for Dale and JD
Time for myself
Two pets I’ve had
Irish Setter - Brandy
Two little Shitzu’s belonging technically to Jen.
Rip and Tommy are big old quarter horses, I guess you could call them pets!
Two people I just spoke to
Besides Dale
two friends, Debbie and Susanna
Two longest car rides
Longest car ride from New Hampshire to Wyoming with Jen/Luke/Clive (5 days straight in a car with a 7 week old nursing baby)... Long 10 hour days.
The drive home from Star Valley (normally 3 hours, turned into four -snow packed roads. I didn’t love that experience at all)
Two beverages
Root beer (root beer floats) - my favorite treat
Milk - (and occasionally chocolate milk).

See how I can milk the answers to get a little more than two!

Even by submitting these, I’m sure I’ve shamed the family. It’s a blog request, and It’s done. It might have been done more creatively during waking hours. I’m off to bed. The hot tub was awesome tonight. Wish some of you could have been here. The black slate sky scattered bright starts and a sliver of a moon as far as the eye could see.

Ari, why aren't you here in Oakley where it is a winter wonderland? We miss you!

Tag of the TWO'S

My friend Ari tagged me in her blog and not wishing to anger the blogging Gods, I will post my appropriate responses here for all to enjoy: (but mostly you Ari)

Two Names:
1-Jen
2-Jenny, because my mom can’t quite make the abbreviated switch to Jen yet. But she’s coming along nicely. At least no one calls me Jennifer.

Two things I’m wearing:
1-Uh, this will NOT surprise Clive…my house slippers (aka my best friends when he’s not here)
2-A bra: What? It’s a big deal when you aren’t planning to leave the house. I feel all dressed up with a bra on, like it’s a special occasion or something.

Two Favorite Things to Do
1-Read a good book
2-Swim (I try not to pee in the pool, but I hate getting out for any reason when I’m having fun)

Two Things I Want Badly Right Now
1-SUMMER (five feet of snow in front yard it getting OLD)
2-A Target or Walmart to magically appear in Star Valley

Two Pets I’ve Had
1-Brandy our brilliant red Irish Setter when I was a kid
2-Logan our not so brilliant but very sweet Shih-tzu and Luke loves to torment him

Two People I Last Talked To
1-Clive, my hunky LMFT (see previous blog for description)
2-Luke’s doc this morning. Mr. Luke is down with some serious gunk. He’s got meds now!

Two Longest Car Rides
1-Utah to New Hampshire, no wait, the drive from New Hampshire to Wyoming was the longest, most dreadful ride of all for many reasons. Leaving our friends was at the top of the list. (that’s you Ari, you better be reading this)
2-Utah to Mount Rushmore was long too, but worth it to see four faces in stone. It would have been cool if they were stoned when they posed for their stone carvings, huh?

Two Favorite Beverages
1-I can’t remember what it’s called but it was an orange slushy type drink at Dunkin Donuts. Slurp! Delish!
2-Milk-it does a body good.

Now, I believe I’m supposed to tag others but I’m not sure how that works, so I’ll just tell my other family bloggers who contribute to this blog-Mama and Brother JD that if they so choose they may post their witty quips, if not they will have shamed the family name, but no pressure. Ari, How did I do?

So I Married an Axe Murderer

Wait, no, I'm thinking of someone else. I married an LMFT. What's that? Well, thank you for asking. Clive is now officially a LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST. He got the word today and we are totally excited. He worked so hard to make this happen in under two years and he is now at 1.5 years post-graduation, so he did it! Way to go Sweet Cheeks and I'm glad you are NOT an Axe Murderer. Phew!

Cookie Monster Part I

Tonight I was in the mood for domestic bakery-ness. It's a word. I promise. So I made cookies. Then I gave Luke one. This is how I wanted his one year old birthday cupcake experience to look, chocolate smeared everywhere, gooey hands...but alas tonight he made good on my dirty face fantasy.

Cookie Monster Part II

Luke sometimes gives a little demon side glance with his eyes. It happened during the cookie euphoria where he went from happy to suspicious in one breath. It made me laugh.

It's been dumping rain and snow here too!

This is the view out of my window. The San Gabriel Mtns are behind that thick wall of dark clouds getting dumped on. Somehow the sun creeped through at sunset on those trees making for a pretty picture.

Jan. 29 Luke is 18 months old today....

We love you and that wide toothy grin, Luke!

Where We (the Hallams) Live!

Here we are today in our humble abode in Wyoming. It's cold and snowy so we're bundled up and staying in. We did go to story time this morning and then to buy dog food at the vet. That is our exciting outing for the day! Try not to be jealous.

Where we live!

Dale and Susan's abode

OAKLEY, January 27, 2008

It's been blowing and snowing and throwing cold temperatures around all day.

Just thought I'd document where we live! A good day to stay inside.

Three states, three climates, three abodes! What does it look like where you are today?

Hallam Holiday Shots

Better late than never, huh?

Clive's sis Megan Here's the caboose in the family-Rusty
Megan and Heather-Sisters (Jess we missed you!)

Here is the whole gang.
Luke and his cousin Hunter
All the cousins: Carson, Hunter, Luke and Daeson
Ah, now ain't they sweet?
It was a great holiday to reflect on family and what it means to be together.

Thanks for hosting us Papa and Mama Hallam.

What does a person do in Thayne?

Well, you can see that we put together a 1,000 piece puzzle. Not because anyone (except Jen) wanted to, but because it was too cold to do anything else, plus what else do you do in Thayne in the winter with an 18 month old? Here's the result: 999 puzzle pieces in place. This puzzle traveled to the east coast and back, so who knows where that one lousy missing piece is. Let's just say Jen and I hung in there til the bitter end. Luckily she had some of it already pieced together as we began. Dale would study the pieces, then look at the box and tell us the proximity on the table where the piece would go. Had to share the accomplishment. Dale and Clive can probably take about 30 % of the credit.

Struttin' his stuff

Here's Luke (during our visit to Thayne, Wyoming) after he found his moon boots and wanted them on. It was time for a bath, but first he had to run through the house for a bit, then time to clean up his room before bathtime. He's helping daddy find all the toys, which get scattered everywhere.

The Winter Fishies

We headed out of the cold and into the warm kiddie

pool for some splashing fun in Kamas, UT

The Smiling Tadpole
The ultimate kiddie pool for all ages!The Happy Winter Fishies-Jen, JD, Kallie, and Luke