Early celebration of Crystal's Quarter-Century birthday!

The family got together on Saturday for an early celebration of Crystal's birthday!  We went to Los Hermanos in Provo.  Avery had fun playing with/in the decorative pond.  

First, the Birthday Girl.

Next, my two wonderful children- Taunya and Chris.  They are awesome people!

My two wonderful daughter and son-in- laws.  They are the BEST.

Then Grandma and Avery , then 

the most of the clan.

Middle East cooking

Because I'm teaching about the Middle East right now, I decided to try some food from that area.I made Tabouli and Couscous with Spiced Zucchini.  The Tabouli wasn't that impressive, but I loved the couscous.  I'm going to make more of that.  It's so easy to use and a nice substitute for rice or potatoes.  

Winter over the river

The Beauty of Winter

Each morning, the trees are crystal with frozen dew.  It looks amazing.  While winter is my least favorite season, I must admit this is a beautiful sight.  I put bird seed out for birds that may be around.  I think they're finding it, but I haven't seen one yet.

Winter view of my home

Here's my home!  We have a lot of snow!

Avery has fun at Grandma's

Chris, Crystal and Avery came over last Sunday.  Avery made herself very comfortable in Tinkerbell's dog bed.  First, she was alone in it, talking on her "cell phone".  Then later Tink joined her- wasn't happy to have to share her bed.  Later, Avery used a banana to continue her phone calls........  what an adorable child.....

photo of bike

Wah-Hoo!!!!!

Here is my new recumbent exercise bicycle!!!  I LOVE it!!!  The reason it's so good is three-fold.  Not only do I get my exercise, but I can read a book at the same time OR gamble!!!!  Yes, it has some games on it- Black Jack and Texas Hold 'em.  I had quite a nest egg going yesterday with my Black Jack, but lost it all..........  Now I know why I don't like REAL gambling.....

Our beautiful earth

I think I've now learned how to post an image from the internet.  I love pictures of the Earth, I love maps, I love photos of far away and exotic locations.

Too bad this awesome planet is beset with wars, genocide, hate and terrorism..............  I wonder about the future for my children and grandchildren.  

The crescent moon and Venus

This beautiful display shows the bright planet Venus just below the gorgeous crescent moon.

The Sisters

My sister, Lori, lives in Poway, California. (I love it there!!!)  My sister, Robyn, lives- at this moment- in Independence, Missouri.  She will be returning to Bear River, Utah in March.

Our other sister, Carolyn, lives in Colorado.

Lori, Robyn and I got together for lunch since we were all in Utah for Christmas.  It is always so fun to see each other.  We went to an Italian restaurant in Provo, hence the mural behind our pic. 

It is great to catch up on what we're all doing and how our children are!  Lori has 4 children and Robyn has 5 kids.  All of those nieces and nephews live in Utah.

We exchanged Christmas gifts.  Robyn is very talented and gave us each an awesome handmade bracelet, along with a journal and the Mitch Albom book "for one more day".

Lori, along with help from Chuck and Amy, created a gift that is a real memory.  It is a CD, along with a printed booklet version, of an interview Amy had with our Dad, Craig Temple, in which he shared memories of World War II.  What an heirloom.  It was so good to hear Dad's voice again.  (he passed away 5 years ago in July).