School. Awards, Trip And Summer Time

Warning there is a lot of pictures and a long post!!
Last Thursday the little girls school had an Awards Assembly. Faith had 100% perfect attendance for the full year. She is the first out of the 5 children to do this. Faith and Gabby made the Honor Roll for the full year also. We are very proud of them.
On Friday Alan and I went on a trip to the White Mountains were we lived almost 2 years ago. As we drove into town my heart just ached to be back up there. It was a wonderful 58 degrees and rainy. We stayed in a little place called the Double B Lodge. We had a great cabin with a kitchenette. I took a few pictures of the inside
This is the living room, dining area and kitchenette
The front of the bathroom.
The bedroom. Love this quilt!
We left Saturday morning and had to take out a fence that we had put in at the cabin we lived at then headed out of town. We headed on our way to make a full circle of coming home. We drove to a small little town called Nutrioso. The town is so small I couldn't even find out how many people lived there. I sure could have though. Then we headed to a sweet little town called Alpine. It was so pretty and green there. The elevation is 8,012 ft. another place where I could live. We ate lunch at a little cafe called Bear Willow Cafe.
They have pies made fresh daily. Oh my goodness I had strawberry rhubarb pie that was phenomenal!
After lunch we headed down the road to Hanagans Meadow. I am not sure if is a town or what but they had a lodge and a little shop and that was it. This is the meadow Across from it is the lodge.
We drove and drove and drove. This was before we got out of the pine covered areas.
We drove on what seemed forever switch back roads. I normally do not get car sick but these went on for I would guess about 44 miles and they were crazy. Looking over the edge of the road. The road was very narrow and no guard rail at all. Eeek! I was a little nervous.

We drove a lot futher and came to this This is in the town of Morenci. It has a popultion of 1,705. It is the largest copper mining operation in North America and one of the largest copper minds in the world. This picture isn't that impressive but this one

and this to me looks like a giant swimming pool This mine went on and on. I was in awe at the digging that has been going on since 1872. It reminded me a lot of the Grand Canyon. I don't have the desire to come through here again but this was fantastic to see.
These are the trucks they drive around on the roads down in the minds I didn't take the second picture it was from the web site here They are HUGE! And the back part I am not sure of the proper name but these you could put a huge swimming poll in them. WOW!! I was stunned.
As we were heading out there was a sign that said Watch for big horn sheep and guess what was across from the sign? You guessed it. Hubby took the picture for me. There is a ram in the center of the group with a collar on. They were cool!
Many hours later we returned home. I love trips but it is always good to get back home to the kiddos.
It is now summer time. Planning on doing some camping trips and fun things with the family. Hope you are all doing well and having a good holiday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Happy Memorial Day

I want to thank all of those men and women who have served and who are serving for our great country. It is a specail person who decides to join this rank of caring people to fight and defend our country. I love this country and I am so thankful that we have freedome to be who we want to be. For those who are serving at this time may God watch over and bless you and your families, keep you safe and bring you home safely. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Random Pictures

Talmage sneaking away with his Easter suit on. It has an orange tie and is so dashing on the little guy.
This picture is of the dinning/kitchen area at night after everyone went to bed. I love this part of the home.
This is more of the kitchen area. You know the heart of the home!
Talmage loves to share with Belle whether it be his food or hers.
Belle gladly accepts either.
This is what I made a little while ago.
What's in your cookie jar?
Coco did a French braid on E'lyses hair last night and this is how it looked this morning when she let it out and pulled it back. She is such a pretty girl.
WOAH Talmage and his big muscles!
Sunday after the family got home from church I made homemade vanilla ice-cream. It was so good! Kyle, Coco and Talmage came over and had some with us.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Summer Fun Ideas

Today as I was reading some blogs I came across a great read on the Family Home Evening blog. Even if you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints religion these ideas work for everyone. So I wanted to share the list with you and you can just go over on the link to read all the post if you like.
The list is this:

Make goals with your children and encourage them to help with chores.

Play Bag
Get a mesh bag and put these things in it: Sunscreen, sand box toys, side walk chalk, bubbles, balls of different sizes, catching games, etc.

Activities
Outdoors:
Pool
Park
Water Play Park/water park
Water games
Water fights (Sponges may take place of water balloons and spray bottles may take the place of water guns)
Slip-n-slide
Sprinklers
Amusement Parks
Ride Bikes/Scooters
Little red Wagon rides
Hay rides
Farm visits
Horse riding
Zoo visits
Camping-(roast marshmallows, make s'mores, roast hot dogs)
Boat rides
BBQ
Treasure hunts
Gardening
Obstacle course
Lawn bowling
Fort building
Camping in the backyard
Picnics
Paint with water on the sidewalk and watch it evaporate
Fishing
Carnivals
Festivals
Farmer's Market
Tag and chase games
Relays
Simon says
Red Light Green Light
Red Rover
Visit major landmarks
Make movies
Get family together
Parties

Indoors:
(At home)
Cooking/baking
Arts & Crafts
Camp indoors (pitch tent in a room)
Card/Board games
Educational stuff
Sight words
Alphabet
Coloring/workbooks
Letter writing
Book making
Story time
Reading
Hide and seek
Dance
Sing songs
Play restaurant for lunch/dinner (Make menus, set table etc.)
Indoor picnic
Dress up
Toys-blocks, dolls, cars trucks, etc.
(Let your child DIRECT THE PLAY- you don't always have to come up with the ideas.)
Make puppets
Do puppet shows
Puzzles
Get video camera out & MAKE MOVIES
Sleepovers
Parties

(Going places)
Library trips (Check Story times and events)
Kids gyms
Children's Museums
Pottery sculpting places for kids
Cooking classes/schools for kids
Home Depot classes
Michael's Arts and Crafts classes
Lakeshore learning Saturday craft making
Dollar movies/matinees
Theater-plays, cultural center events
Aquarium
Planetarium
Sporting goods store

I am aiming for the ideas that are frugal and fun.Also some of the ideas don't apply to the area we live but they might in yours. We might be doing home schooling with a few of our children this coming year so we might start that early. This is something that we still need to pray about and ask the Lord if this is what should be done.
I love the idea of the cooking classes but doing them in my kitchen. I love to cook and I know the little girls enjoy helping out so this is a go for us.Plus I will be doind OAMC (Once A Month Cooking) that they will be able to help out with. I also love to do crafts so this is a yes too. Summer starts for our girls at the end of this week and for Dallas at the end of next week. I want it to be a fun summer with a lot of laughter, fun, little expense and a great memory for us all. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Time For A Change

Stayed home from church today with my skin flaring up on my face and neck burning. Too much time to think but know it is time for a change. Information coming later.
Ready for a yummy dinner of roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, with dinner rolls and I am making homemade ice-cream.
Have a great Sunday evening. Check in tomorrow. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Happy Pink Saturday

 It is time for Pink Saturday! Check out all the lovely pinks that are shared at Beverley's blog How Sweet The Sound.
This first Pink is a flower that Faith cut off of hers for me. She knows how I appreciate the beauty of a flower. I think it is beautiful!

These are my shopping bags. They are insulated and so totally cute and so ME!

This was my Mothers Day gift from Coco, Kyle and Talmage, Dallas, E'lyse, Faith and Gabby. I just this this is the coolest bike in the world next to a Harley Davidson. (My next bike will be one!) I had the flier spread open the other week when they were on sale and had gone to Target to admire it but, never thought that my kiddos would get it for me. I love the bike and love my kiddos. It is great to go riding early in the morning before the sun is fully out.
These are my Pinks for this Pink Saturday! Have a great Pink Day! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Lovely Blog Award

Look what I got from Vivienne over at the V Spot gave me this award. It is the Lovely Blog Award. Thank you so much Vivienne thank you for this award, you are so sweet!
I think it is so pretty and I am flattered that she awarded me with it.
Vivienne has a wonderful and funny blog you need to go check it out. Vivienne wrote this so I borrowed it for mine:

Also, please keep in mind that when most people hear the word, "lovely" they think of things like Princess Diana, teacups and gentle, proper ladies... I will be using the word lovely (in this award sense) to apply to things that I like: smart-assery, funny stories, cool crafts, brilliant women who have their **** together, beautiful decor and nice people in general.

That said, please do visit some of my new favorites:

The Roost

Paper Cakes

Joyously Living

Prepared LDS

Cold Antler Farm

I am so thankful for all the great blogs that bring information, laughter, tears and cause me to ponder. You all are awesome people and deserve awards for sharing with us your lives and knowledge. This is such a wonderful way for us all to be neighbors and support each other. Great big hugs going out to each and everyone of you! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

FIRE

On Tuesday night Dallas had a fire burn for his Fire Science class at EVIT- East Valley Institute of Technology. High school students can earn college credits while gaining skills for a career. This is Dallas' first year. This is the tower that they practice running up and down in full gear, this is about 75 to 100 pounds on top of their body weight.
This is the group getting a pep talk from Mr. Shearer (the guy in the shorts). He is a retired fireman.
This is the first fire. They set a propane tank on fire and then work as a team to put it out.
This is Dallas moving line. I couldn't get any of him spraying the fire it got too dark and all you could see is the reflective stripes on their gear.
This is Dallas glad to be taking off gear. He was sweating like crazy it was 102 degrees outside and with all that gear on I don't know how hot is was.
This is after the demonstration was done. Dallas and two of his squad members.
Them again.
This is the squad. Dallas is at the far right standing and glowing. Hard to take pictures at night with no lights. he he
They did a good job. They also had a car that was set on fire that they took turns putting out.
I hope he sticks with this as a career. He get's straight A's and loves the class even though he has to take a bus over and back about an hour or so drive.
Alan and I have been working on budgeting most of yesterday. With kiddos coming home early we had to stop it got a little too noisy and the kiddos wanted my attention.
I have to give a big shout out to my daughter Coco. She is a young mommy and a thrifty one at that. About a month ago she decided to stop using her dishwasher and do dishes by hand, she is on the time saver program for SRP and follows it strictly. She is going to stop using her dryer and hang out her clothes. She has dropped her bill $20 so far. WAY TO GO COCO!!!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Extreme Makeover:Me Edition

It's time for Extreme Makeover: Me Edition
This week's question:

Show us your inspiration picture. Of yourself skinny, of yourself fat, of a celebrity that inspires you to keep going.

She is not a celebrity but, I have a good friend Melissa. She is not only a beauty on the outside but inside. She is a beautiful lady and mother of 4. She has been an inspiration to me since I have met her. She makes taking care of herself a top priority. She is even more beautiful than in high school. She has given me tips and ideas in the past and been an inspiration to me. She exercises even while pregnant. She also eats and cooks healthy.

This is Kathryn Sansone. She is a mother of 10! Yep you heard right. She was on Oprah a while back and pregnant with her #10 and didn't even look it. Look at those arms. She is a major inspiration to me. She is also an author and speaker. She also make a priority of taking care of her body with daily exercise and eating well.
I can't post the picture of me due to it is from my modeling days and it is in lingerie and my mother in love wouldn't appreciate it so I just took a picture of the upper part.

These were taken at my last photo shoot right before I retired.

At this time I thought I was fat HA! Only to be that fat size 4 again.
This has been a good week. I have rode my bike but I haven't done a "work out" or what I would call a work out. Life has been crazy busy around here.
This week I will:
Drink more water
Continue to eat healthy foods
Fit in some type of fitness daily
Work on loving myself for who I am right now
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

I WON!

Remember these beautiful hand tatted, 1930's lady's gloves from England from this post HERE? I was just sent an email from Jenni saying I had won them. WOO HOO!! I am so totally excited. Thank you so much Jenni and Mormon Mommy Writers
Just wanted to share. I am thinking I want to Pay it foreword but not sure what yet.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo