Hodgson Family

2010-05-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

I had one of those days where everything just seem to go wrong.

I invited myself to go to Wenatchee to get some fruit trees with our neighbor Eric Rocker. We decided to leave at 7:00 A.M. in the morning on Wednesday. Melissa said we could use her box trailer, so the trees would not get wind burned. We got to Melissa's a little after 7:00. Only to have to go get the trailer wired. We went to a place here in Benton City to get the wiring taken care of. But they did not open until 9:30. So I called Ty at Les Schwab, he said he was sure he could help us. When we got there Ty said I should have told you that the guy who knows how to do wiring won't be here until 9:00. I said that is okay we will just go to B&B Trailers in Richland. I went to get in the truck when I noticed that we had a flat tire on the trailer. I ask Ty to please put air in our tires, which he gladly did. As he was finishing the last tire he asked "do you have a spare tire?" To which I replied I doubt it, but i'll look, of course there wasn't one. Ty said hang on, let me see if I can put one together for you. Which he did and put it in the back of the truck.

We took off for Richland with no lights. Made it to B&B trailers, where we were informed if we got caught with broken marker lights, we would be fined for each light that was not working. Yes, there was a lot of light issues, including the turning, stopping lights and no license plate light. They told us it would be a 6 hour job to repair the electrical system. We left the trailer there and can home, changed out trucks and headed for Wenatchee. As it turned out we did not need the box trailer as the trees were bare root stock and were not in containers. We would have looked really silly to have shown up in the huge trailer to pick up two small boxes

We had planned to be home by noon, it turned out to be 7:00. Just in time to get Mikaela to mutual and me to the library.
what an exhausting day. But I did get 2 almond trees. I planted them tonight, not where I wanted to plant them, but at least they are in the ground.

Better Choices

2010-04-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well for as many comments that I get on this blog, it is about to become extinct.
Seem to have lots of other things to keep me busy. Like right now I could be working on Genealogy, I could be working on the Cemetery burial log. I could be working on my young women's medallion, I could be reading my scriptures, I could take a nap.

new web address

2010-01-25T16:15:00.001-08:00

I have changed the web address on my blog it is now http://thecrazyadventuresofbrad.blogspot.com hope to see you all there remeber I like comments Brad

Mikaela Can Do IT, YES!

2010-01-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

Well Mikaela has been on meds. now for about two months, for her mutated genes. I do not know if the meds. are the reason for the following, however I certainly hope they are and that our future is going to shine.

Saturday Dad informed me we were down to 4 bales of hay. So I went in search of hay and found some in Badger Canyon @ Uttley's. So Dad went to hook up the truck and get ready to go get the hay. Mikaela and I had been in the office working on math. As soon as Dad went out the door to get ready, Mikaela wanted to go as well. My response was, "are you kidding, you have two pages of assessments to do." Mikaela asked "if I get it done then may I go?" "if you get it done." Now I have a pretty good idea that she is not going to get it done. After all the day before we spent 4 hours on two pages of math and then the assessment that consisted of about 4 questions. I wanted to beat my head on the wall before we finished that lesson. And this assessment was the unit assessment. It covered 13 lessons, some of those lessons we had to review as we did them in the spring of last year. So I was expecting her to struggle a little bit. So Miss Mikaela sat down and in less than 15 minutes (before her Dad was even done hooking up the truck) she said "I am done." Want to guess how many she had wrong? I didn't tell her how well she had to do on the test, I just said that she had to get the assessment done, and done it was. I was just finishing up grading that last unit, when she said she was done. She only missed one on that lesson. So I checked her unit assessment. How well do you think she did? I was in shock when I found she had only missed 1 on it. WOW!!!!!!!

I am really hoping that her meds. are working and this is the beginning of a very bright future. Yes, I realize we will most likely still have struggles. But won't it be nice if it comes a little easier than it did for the rest of her siblings.

Last Stage of Christmas

2010-01-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Well UPS is full of mess ups. After promises of returned phone calls that never came. After being called a liar by the head UPS man in Kennewick. After a promise to put out a call tag for Kathlen's family Christmas package and forward it on to Ann Arbor and a follow up call to give me the tracking number (which never happened). To top off UPS's flub ups it appears that they never put out a call tag for the package. At least no one ever heard from them about picking up the package. Kathlen's In laws had to deliver the package themselves. The package finally arrived this last week. Can you guess who I am never shipping with again. Alright enough complaining. However I plan on a annual "DON'T SHIP UPS"!!!

Divorce

2010-01-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

To all who read my families blog do not alarmed there is no divorce occurring in the family I am simply announcing my separation from this blog I will now be posting on my own blog site and if you wish to read that then here is the site the amzingcrazy adventures of Brad: My life
thanks to all.

Christmas in Stages

2009-12-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

Look at those EYES arn't they Beautiful!!! Great Grandpa Star is still shining through. This makes 4 generations of blue eyes defying all the brown eyed or hazel eyed parents.

Garrett's Dr. Seuss hat from High school days. It looks better on Starlynn don't you think?

Starlynn gets lots of help opening her presents. Okay so the present came from Auntie Nea Nea

What is that?

Oh, you have got to be kidding. This can only spell trouble.

Look at the devil jumping up and down with excitement in his eyes. You know that means trouble for someone. Probably me. I am so not pleased. In case you are wondering, it is a power remote control with 4 control boxes. I can only imagine all the things he will come up with to use those for. But it won't be long before he displays his imagination gone wild.

Can guess where Heather laid the rug. Thanks Garrett and Leslie.

Grandma's Warm bear buddy. He has a magical back. It opens only to reveal a heat pack. It is cool , I mean warm. Thank you Leslie, Garrett and Starlynn.

Hey, whats with all the thumb sucking? I thought that you got over that when you were 16?

Starlynn with one of her many books.

Christmas was great. We did it in stages. We had Christmas day with Grandma and opened a couple of gifts. Then went to the church for a potluck with some of the members who did not have much family with them. Garrett and Leslie and Starlynn came Saturday. Bob worked so we waited until Sunday to open the rest of the gifts. Kathlen and Jon could not be with us this year. But we still mailed gifts. The package from Kathlen did not get here until the Monday after Christmas, Bob worked so we waited until Tuesday to open it. Kathlen and Jon still have not received our gift and do not know when they will get it, as UPS promised it by Wednesday (today) but it won't arrive until the 4th of January, after they have left Sturgis and gone home to Ann Arbor. I am not very happy with UPS.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Sad Day :-*(**

2009-11-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Dad starts back to work. After 3 months of having him home, it will be sad to send him back to work. It makes us look forward to retirement.

Dad will be in the 200 area for the next 3 months, at least. That means further to drive to and from work. Which translate into leaving for work earlier and getting home later. Bummer!

Physical therapist thinks that Dad will have full range of motion by the end of December. Then he will begin strengthening exercises.

By the end of next year we are looking at fixing his other shoulder.

Mean while I am looking at getting my other knee done before the end of December. Hopefully by this time next year one of us will be in working order.

Brad says he will be home by Tuesday or Wednesday next week. Dad is REALLY looking forward to his coming. He keeps saying MY Brad is coming home. If Brad only knew what his Dad is thinking, he just might change his plans. If you think about the workaholic Dad is and how he has not been able to do all that he wants to get done. Then think about Brad, young, strong etc. you get the drift. Lets hope Brad does not read this, Dad's afraid I will scare him off.

Growing Old is Not for Whimps!

2009-11-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

Yea! I got my stitches out of my knee today. Dr. Hazel said there was a LOT of scare tissue in my knee. And when the swelling goes down I should have better range of motion.
I look forward to a more useful knee.

I am starting to think I will get the other knee done before the end of the year. I asked the Dr. about the possibility of the same problem with scare tissue in my other knee. He informed me that they are doing studies on preventing scare tissue from forming. He explained that they collect the platelets from a patients blood and using a double syringe they will shoot the platelets and a protein into the knee. So far the studies are proving successful. He told me that I will be apart of that study, when I do my other knee.

Dad's shoulder is doing well. Dr. says that he is on track with his range of motion. We are still looking at December before he can do any strengthening exercises. Dad should be returning to work the 20th of this month, on light duty. Which means he will be traveling to the 200 area for work until February. I think Dad will be glad to be back to work, so he can rest.

Winter in finally setting in, it frosted this morning. They are calling for snow tonight. Burr!! THINK SPRING!!!!!!

Grandpa Bob's BIG BLUE Tractor.

2009-11-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Brett doesn't Grandpa look like he is having fun?

Grandpa Bob really likes playing on his tractor.

Sometimes on his tractor he digs BIG holes in the ground. When he makes big holes in the ground, he puts the dirt on top of the ground and makes Big piles of dirt. Sometimes he uses his tractor to move dirt from one place to some place else. He uses his tractor to help him build fences, rototiller the garden so we can plant seeds and grow food. Sometime he uses it to mow the lawn. Other times he uses his tractor to build roads and move the gravel to make the road smooth.

When he is done working on his tractor he washes it and make it shine. Then he puts it away in a building to keep it safe and dry.

When Grandpa Bob works on his tractor, he has so much fun that it looks like he is playing.

We love you! Grandma Ni and Grandpa Bob

This post is for Brett Robert Wierschke.

Brett has a love for tractors. So much so that when he is asked if he wants to call Grandma Ni, he says No. When asked if he wants to call Grandpa Bob, Brett says No. Then his Mother adds Grandpa Bob has a tractor. Then he responds, Yes!

Sorry, Brett Grandpa's tractor is ___________ what color?

Funny Dad!

2009-10-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

Dad was out of surgery around 7:30, and all went well. Dr. Hazel put 6 screws in Dad's shoulder. When Dad woke up they discovered that they had not gotten all the nerves put to sleep. So they had to go in and redo the sedation. The reason being that it would get Dad over the major hump of discomfort.

On the way home Dad was over come with emotion (due to the sedation that was still effecting him). Once at home Skyler showed up to help his Dad get out of the car. When Dad saw Skyler he was over come with emotion again and said "your such a good boy!" Skyler was taken back for a moment. I tried to cover for him with "Dad's just being silly." Skyler all of a sudden caught on and immediately hit Dad up for $80.00. That brought Dad back to reality, fast!

Okay, Dad has to be in a sling for 1 month. Hopefully he will be out of the sling just in time to go back to work (light duty), to keep us from going to long term disability.

Dad starts physical therapy next week. Originally Dad was not going to be able to move his arm, only the physical therapist was going to move Dad's arm. But after the surgery the Doctor told me that he is going to allow Dad move his own arm, but only with supervision of the PT. I guess that means that his arm is in better shape than we first thought it was.

Dad has to sleep in the recliner for the next 4 or 5 days and take pain pills if I can get him to take them. Depending on the pain level after the 4 or 5 days he may get to sleep in bed.

Goodnight!

Dad's Surgery

2009-10-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Dad goes in for surgery tomorrow. Dad was scheduled for the 30th, but was able to get it moved up to tomorrow. We had bad news today. We thought that he had until February off on short term disability. We found out that sick days off in the last year directly effects short term disability. Dad has to be back on the job by the first week of December. Doctor told us today that it will be 6 months before Dad will be back to full duty status. We are hoping to be able to get Dad back to work by the 21st of November on light duty. But that is only a hope. Mean while Mom is looking for a job. If everything does not go the way we hope, it may mean that we will go to between 50 to 65% of our regular pay scale. We were told that the percentage will be taxed at 25%, and they will bill us for our medical, dental etc. plus our 401K. Which means that I am very glad for food storage. oh, yes I forgot Dad has to have his arm in a sling for 1 month. Doctor has promised Dad that the sling will drive him crazy. I think, Dad not being able to move mountains at his will, will drive him crazy. Goodnight everyone!

skydiving

2009-10-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

Need I say more

My city boy gone farmer!

2009-09-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Okay here is my disclaimer, I didn't do it!!!!

Once upon a time there was this little girl named Heather. (Heather has always had an uncanny sense of finding new animals to call her own. )

Heather was listening to my friend talk to another friend about going and getting calves and raising them on goats milk. And Heather managed to get my two friends to let her in on the deal. So Melissa and Jen went and got 7 calves. 2 for Melissa, 2 for Jen, and 2 for Heather and one for ?????, they couldn't leave the last one by himself, so he came too. Now this means everyone shares the work as well as the spoils. Well Heather has odd hours that she has to work, and she can not always make it for the work. So guess who picks up the slack. Your wrong, it's Mikaela and I. But Dad's in the pictures?? Well I have to admit, Dad helps. But not by coercion, he actually volunteered. He doesn't much like it when the calves start sucking on him instead of a bottle. He gets a little frustrated.

Sorry the pictures are not very good, but it was my cell phone that I used to get the pic.
s

However it probably means there will be meat on the table in about 18 months.

Tonight I go in for a CAT scan of my back. Dr. wants to know what the spine is doing before he makes any recommendation on how to put me back together.

Dr. Steve Sawyer home from Hawaii, Yay!!!! I talked to him this last week. He was still adjusting to the time difference but was glad to be home,

Sad days just keep coming :-(

2009-09-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Sad days seem to be filling my life lately. Every time I turn around something else seems to have gone wrong.

Today is no exception! The vet called today to give us the results of Ozzie’s biopsy. You guessed it, it wasn’t good, Ozzie has lymphoma. I chickened out and did a 3 way call with the vet and Garrett, and I let the Vet tell Garrett. Now comes the hard decisions for Garrett.

Later in the day I sold Trigger (Treasures baby). With all the horse flesh in that pasture, she picked Trigger.

Then to add insult to injury the Bishop came by. You’ve probably guessed it again, the Bishop said he really appreciated the job I’ve done, but they were releasing me from Activity Girls.

Dad has been wanting, me out of Activity Girls for a while now. Guess he is getting his wish. My next calling won’t be near as much fun, I will really miss my girls.

Okay enough of my whine. Marion said no one would listen to me anyway.

Mikaela and I stopped by to visit Johnny last week. Johnny kept giving us Carol things, telling us if we did not take it, it was going to go to Goodwill. So we have some wonderful keepsakes to remind us of my wonderful friend. One of my treasures is a couple of pairs of tiger eye earrings, (tiger eyes go figure). How blessed my life will always be for having her been a part of it! In all her trials she NEVER complained. If any person deserved Sainthood in this mortal life, she did. She will always be one to whom I will always look up to and strive to be like.

A True Sister!

Thank you Carol, I Love You!!

A sad day, also one to rejoice in!

2009-08-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

Today we said goodbye to Carol. After everyone left the cemetery, we started our normal work of closing the grave. As I was shoveling dirt I started feeling sorry for myself. All of a sudden Mikaela spoke up and said "She's in Heaven!" She brought me back to reality. In deed Carol was not there but in Heaven. How grateful I am for the gospel! Someday I shall see my dear friend again, and she will be whole!

August 20, 2009 10:33 PM

A Great Weekend

2009-08-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were able to spend this last weekend with us, we really enjoyed it and thank you for coming for this very special event. For those of you who were not able to make it let me share some of the highlights of this very special weekend. Saturday the family arrived and grandma was able to make the drive, so for that we were truly grateful. Saturday we really did not do much other than get the family settled in and get dinner. Sunday was like mobilizing a military coordinating showers, cooking breakfast, and getting everyone ready for church. Before we left for church our families got together and Mom Cook offered a word of prayer before we left. You could definitely feel the spirit. For Starlynn's Blessing there was Dad, Brad, Ben, myself and one of the bishops counselors with skyler holding the mic, it was an amazing yet tender moment for myself. After Sacrament meeting we all came back home and prepared dinner and bar b Que and had a great enjoyable evening it was an evening that I will not soon forget.

Monday morning came and everybody started packing and getting ready to head for home but before they left we made a few stops along the way. Our first stop was at the Almond Rocha Factory in Tacoma, grandma lets just say she should have bought the company, not really but she did buy her almond Rocha. Our next destination was to Port Orchard where I saw the little boy in my father shine as he got to play on the trains and ride, it was great and a really neat experience to bond. Dad got to play engineer and the looks on his face were priceless, Skyler and brad took photos and videos like this amazing one above of mom and dad. Mikaela even got to play on these trains and she had a great time.

As the afternoon drew to an end we decided that we had better get going as we had one more event to do before we sent the family home. Now this was a first for grandma and the photos that I am about to show are shocking, yes it is true grandma is a rebel and here is your proof.
Yep this is grandma feeding the seagulls off of the back of a ferry and believe it or not its illegal. How does the saying go if you can not beat them join them. Anyway we took a ferry from bremerton in to Seattle and it was grandmas first time both riding a ferry and feeding the seagulls, I think its safe to say that grandma had a great time. When we arrived back home we were really tired but it was an amazing day and I would not trade it for the world. I was telling Leslie that we truly were blessed by having our family down and starlynns blessing and grandmas safe trip.
Well I believe that wraps it up for us, stay tuned as next weekend we go for a family vacation so their will be more photos and more to say as well as an update on starlynn on her blog @ Starlynngrace.blogspot.com or Garrettandleslie.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by.
-By Garrett

2009-08-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

This could be a very long post. But then tonight I most likely have the time.

Tonight I am sitting at KGH in ICU watching monitors make their squiggly lines, hearing the blood pressure cuff come on and then slowly go down, reading the results on that BP monitor, which is usually reading some ridicules’ numbers like 99/35 main line of 49. I sit wondering if my dear friend will come through the night, or if this will be our final moments together. The very thought of losing Carol brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart ache. Probably because I do not think she will be here to greet the dawn. Almost 28 years we have called each other Sister, 28 years we have shared our laughter and tears, we have always been there for each other. And now as I sit and watch her struggle with each breath, I pray for her relief, and fear the answer to that prayer. I thought I would be ready for this day, as I have watched her suffer for the last couple of years. And now at this moment I realize I am not ready to give her up. And then again I question what her quality of life will be like if she stays. She has lost her legs due to poor blood circulation, she has to have kidney dialysis, and she has a bad heart. And today she was without a pulse for 17 minutes before they got her heart started again. Could she have brain damage? For the last hour she has had her eyes open off and on, I call her name, but no response. I find hope of keeping her quickly fading away.

I can only compare this pain to when I lost Mom and Dad. I am so thankful for having had the privilege of Carol in my life.

It has truly been the cycle of life this year. We have added two new Grand Daughters, and one Great Niece and one Great Nephew. Garrett and Leslie had a beautiful little girl Starlynn Grace in May and Kathlen and Jon had a beautiful little girl Katherine Lucy in June. Then my niece Amy had twins in July, Thomas Sawyer & Kimberly Ann. We were able to see Starlynn the day she was born, but had to wait to see baby Kate until late June. While we were in Michigan we had all sorts of fun with little Brett. Sure do miss that little guy! Wish they lived closer so we could see them more often. It is really hard on Grandpa not to be able to see and play with his grandchildren. I helped in spelling camp again this year. I love to watch kids break through that wall of not being able to read and grow beyond what they thought they could not do. This year proved to have real challenges with some of our kids. But all in all even our lowest child still saw growth. We had one particular boy, who reminded me of my own son when he had to go to spelling camp. Who fought me tooth and nail the full 2o days we went to school. What a battle that proved to be. But the results were great!

After spelling camp we had a short break and then it was off to Idaho to Brad's graduation. Dad was so proud. I think he was beginning to think all these kids were worth it. Then it was home to get our lives put in order and get ready to babysit the Bevan-Church children.

First week of August was Activity girl’s day camp. We had a blast! We made puff pillows with fur (fake of course) on the back and then we stuffed the pillow. We made journals / progress books, bubble blowers, bath salts and we made hot rolls, wontons, rice krispy treat sticks and apple butter. We then had a dinner with our Mothers. We were supposed to have a sleep over at the Fullers but the forecast called for thunder showers, so I canceled, boy was I in trouble for that one.

I haven't had a chance to drive my horse yet this year. Hopefully that will happen soon now that the weather has cooled off.

Well it is 4:30 a.m. and Carol is still here. She is still not responding to stimulation, except when they put a tube through another tube down her lungs and suction her out. Then she gets all bent out of shape and they have to give her something to calm her. But she still does not recognize or respond to any one. Please keep her in your prayers that she will be blessed with what is right for her.

Goodnight or Good morning?

college graduate

2009-08-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

So the last three posts are from me I think some of my other family members should post something on here. So I recently graduated from BYU-Idaho. Its great after five years of spending my parents money going on many dates and still not finding MS right and pretending to pay attention in classes that seemed to drag on and on I now have a BS in sociology and have received many congratulations from family and friends and yet I am still unemployed. But with all of this I have started thinking what did I really learn while attending a institution of higher education and so far this is what I have come up with. First its only illegal or wrong if you get caught this goes for most every thing from driving backwards in round abouts (those crazy circle things that are replacing the 4 way intersections). to jumping/falling out of rafters in to pools of water. Second while the goo in glow sticks is not toxic if you get it in your eye it does burn. Third boys and girls will never understand eachother from the time we first realize there is such a thing as the opposite sex to the time we die the opposite sex will always be a mystery dont try to understand it you will just end up going crazy. Third just because someone is going to college does not mean they are smart I saw and did alot of stupid things while going to college and had alot of fun doing them and I plan on doing more stupid/ fun things in the future.

2009-07-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

roary and hayley

more crack

more crack

Yeah that looks nasty but its mostly the dye from the shoes

No kidding the name of this climb is pygmies got stoned there are not many hand holds its alot of foot work but its so much fun

Crack climbing oh yeah that was cool

Hayley and Jess

me again

My sexy rock climbing pose that red helmet really helps my sexy pose

okay yall stop looking at my butt oh oh sorry you were probably admiring the chalk bag

bad time to realize that I have a fear of heights

city of rocks in the morning we are camped right below that rock formation

at sunset

City of rocks

Rainbow after it poured at the city of rocks

Mtn Biking

So this is how I have been spending your money Dad thought you would like to see all the fun I am having!!!!!

U.S. Marshals

2009-06-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Just so all of you that read this blog know today I received a e-mail from the U.S. Marshal service telling me that I need to call and set up a interview time with them so that's my exciting news

I have a interview with the U.S. Marshals service on july 6th at 11 A.M. in Denver Colorado

Well I had my interview it did not go so well but thats life. Sorry dad looks like I really am going to live in a van down by the river

2009-06-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

Okay which color looks best????????

New Grand Daughter

2009-06-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes computers frustrate me. I had this blog all done and ready to publish and it just went away. So here I shall try again.

Isn't she cute!!!!!

7 lbs 1 oz , 18 1/2 long, Born @ 8:15 p.m. 11 June 2009. Kat says she has dark hair. About the same that Brett had when he was born.

When I asked what her name was Kathlen responded "I don't know yet". Isn't that a cute name.

So who is on first and What is on second, maybe I don't know yet will be in right field.

We are excited to see her. We don't fly out soon enough!!!

Thank You Uncle Bradley

2009-06-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

for my froggy outfit!!! I AM a little froggy!

Life keep evolving!

2009-06-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

I should be in bed, as tomorrow is the big day. The vet is coming and I have 5 horses that are going to go through a BIG change. I then have about 10 days to teach them who the boss is and how they should behave.

We are leaving on the 19th for Michigan and returning on the 29th. We will leave Mikaela at Camp Ensign on the way home from Seattle, so that she may attend Girls camp.

Well because we are buying Jim's place, I have decided to babysitting. I told Terri BC tonight that I was applying for the position of babysitter. The through her arms around me and told me I was hired. I start the week of the 29th. So for the next two months after that I am only going to be taking weekend trips. Don't worry Brad, We will still make graduation. When school starts again, I will only have the kids after school. The extra money will help to pay off our mortgage in about 5 years, maybe less. Fingers crossed!

Goodnight everyone!

Babies, Babies, Babies

2009-06-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Wow... this blog is going to have so much goin' on!! I'm loving reading posts from the family!! And then we have lots of pics and videos of Brett, and Starlynn and soon to be another one!! I for one am excited to be an Auntie again. :-) Wishing best of luck and a smooth delivery for Kat!

Go here to see some new pictures of Starlynn Grace:

http://starlynngrace.blogspot.com/

2009-05-31T18:07:00.001-07:00

So this is the entire reason I went to billings was for this hat. They only handed out 100 of these hats at the grand opening of cabelas. I almost bought a new gun but Heather would not buy my old one and I could not convince my parents that I absolutely needed a new one. I did get to turn in my application for the U.S marshals and now I am hoping that I get a e-mail telling me that they want to interview me.

This is the archway you pass under at the north end of yellowstone it looks super old and I was kind of scared that a brick might fall onto my truck but I got lucky and nothing bad happened but from this point on I acted like a stupid tourist with a camcorder in one hand a camera in the other.but the park was amazing.
I am not sure what this is I just thought it was cool I am sure it has something to do with the geothermal activity going on in the park. Wow thanks geology I never thought I would use the word geothermal in a real situation.Of course I took pictures of water I love water my only problem with this water is they wont let me jump into it something about not disturbing the scenery of the park shoot with my hot body all I would do is improve the beauty of the park.
This was a really cool picture so I like a dumb tourist had to fly off the side of the road jump out and start taking pictures. I hate stupid tourist they are so stupid sometimes but you have to admit its a good picture.This is roaring mountain. not sure but maybe they should rename it smoking mountain I dont remember hearing any roaring coming from the mountain.
this is the first buffolo that I saw and at first he would not move so I had to throw a few rocks to get him mad enough to move then later on I saw a sign in the park that says no molesting the wildlife or animals. two thought came to my mind first who would want to molest that second are they talking about me when they refer to the wildlife.
at first I thought this was old faithful but then it would not do anything it just sat there and drooled water like one of them fancey french toilets except well this one is broke.
These are paintpots or boiling mud no this is not like a day spa and dont let the children play in it this mud is like superheated but its really cool to watch. I will try to upload some videos of it you will find all the videos at the bottom of this slideshow.was not so upset that I could not jump from this waterfall looks like there are sharp rocks at the bottom but it was gorgeous.
This is a cool geothermal pool around old faithful and yes I did find old faithful.some more paintpots the videos are more impressive.The picture you have all been waiting for Old faithful or the redneck version of them fancy french toilets that spray you on the backside when you are done with the paperwork

me in front of one of the hot pools in the park and no the steam is coming from me because I am so dang hotI think I am hot enough that I should be one of the parks attractions I mean look at me. I was hiking up to a overlook of old faithful water spoutsee even the ice is melting around me. this is the west thumb of yellowstone lakethe west thumb with out me. its gorgeous
now for some videos

old faithful

well for some reason I cant get old faithfull to post sorry!!!!!!

More training!

2009-05-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to start going to bed a lot earlier, and start my day a lot earlier. Today I got started about 7 ish this morning. I finished with the horses about 1:30. It was pretty hot when I finished in the round pen. Then it was off to Rockers (Diaz's old house) to help get the pasture up and running. We are using there pasture again this year.

I did not start a new colt today instead I went back to working with Jet. I put 2 inner tubes on the hitching post and tied him to the tubes. So when he pulled back, it did not take him long to give in and stop pulling. It is amazing how fast he learned. When I took him off the hitching post, he lead like an old pro. In fact I took him for a walk and as Jim put it "I wasn't sure who was leading who. " I know the distance we walked was only down to the old Diaz pasture, but how far we walked is very different. Jet kept trying to race on without me. So we did a LOT of circles to slow him down. Then we came back and he learned to drink out of a hose. And I spent time teaching him that water on his body is not all that bad. After that Mikaela got in on the action and we worked with Sunday Surprise.

Tonight after it cools down we are off to the Cemetery to take dead flowers of the graves and prepare for mowing tomorrow. After, maybe before mowing we need to go get a ton of hay, and hopefully some straw bales. I am growing part of my garden in the straw bales. I want to get some more and plant strawberries in them. The idea of planting off the ground is really appealing to me.

I suppose there are those who may think that I am nuts, planting a garden in straw bales. Well here is my proof.

I am still planting in barrels. I will be planting mostly root crops and herbs in the barrels. In fact my radishes are already up. The herbs, I cheated and bought them. We are then putting some tomatoes and cucmbers in buckets (out the sides) and hanging them up. As you can see I planted cucumbers in my straw bales. They will grow up the trellis and then I am putting heavy duty magnets on the conex box to give the vines something to cling to. We will see how that goes.

I am so excited with summer finally arriving. This summer I am outside!!!!

Time in the round pen. Think I am going to be sore:-O

2009-05-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Today was a very busy day. I spent my day mainly in the round pen. After 4 hours of following Jazzy's colt, Jet. I was finally able to get a halter on him. But I wasn't just following him, while I was following him. I beat on the feed (metal), I banged on the round pen, I kicked cans toward jet. I shook the tree limbs, I beat on the building, I through ropes at him. All the time trying to get him used to strange noises. And by the time I was done, not much upset him.

Then later this afternoon Heather informed me that Jet had managed to get his halter off. So then I spent another 2 hours putting a different halter on him. This time it was much easier.

I went to town get buy food and pick up grain. While I was at the feed store I bought a different halter. As the first two did not fit very well. By the time I got home Jet had managed to slip out of the second halter. This time he was a pretty easy catch to change halters.

Somewhere in my day Mikaela and I did do school work.

Here are some pictures for Brett. They called during the second training session.

Tomorrow I get to work with a different colt. Wish me luck, as I only have this week and half next to get them all halter broke and leading. There is only 5 horses.

Brett these are horses and ducks on Grandma and Granpa's farm.

Our Wonderful Family!

2009-05-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note, before going to bed.

I just wanted to tell all my Family how much I love and appreciate you!

We have worked hard as a family in the Cemetery for years. And I have not expressed how much you have contributed to our success there. We have been sung praises by the community for 8 years. Yet, I have felt that we all benefited from working there and, did not feel a need to say Thank You.

Well, I am here to say Thank You! Without you, we would not be, we could not have done all that we have accomplished.

This year we were down to just 4 1/2 of us. Sky, with still a bum foot, helped where there was wheels. The job wasn't to bad. But then most of the major work was done when everyone was still living at home. Thank You, for being ours!

FYI- Our loan has been approved and we are buying Jim place. Hopefully, Heather is moving in to Jim's. So there is going to be a major painting, carpeting, etc. party going on over there. Any volunteers?

Our Love to all
Mom

Not as exciting as the baby news

2009-05-26T09:41:00.001-07:00

well my news is not as exciting as the news about garrett having a kid which I might add is kind of scary but exciting as well. So this last week I went to Montana for the opening of cabelas (mom and dad thought I went for a job) and got a cool hat that was free oh and I spent like sixty bucks on gun ammo (dont tell mom or dad) yeah that was fun while I was in billings I decided to drop in on the U.S marshals informations session (I think thats what they called it) I turned in an application along with my resume and a bunch of other paper work they fingerprinted me(I am pretty sure they want to see what kind of crime I have been involved in) then I left to go back to rexburg. On my way back home I went to yellowstone and drove around looking at the amazing sights and acting like a stupid tourist everytime I saw a animal (no joke I took pictures of everything even boiling mud) after spending five hours in yellowstone I decided it was time to put down the camera and head for home. I had only been home for fifteen minutes when I managed to convince my roommates that we really should go back to yellowstone. So on monday we all piled in to my truck and headed towards yellowstone on the way there I was pulled over for speeding. I guess 64 in a 45 and tailgating a sherrif is uh a bad idea!!!! Heres the good new she thought I was pretty hot so she let me off with a warning :) I will admit I was really freaking out because I had just turned in my application to the U.S marshals and here I am getting pulled over so thats been my memorial day weekend now I am babysitting a empty pool.

Starlynn, BEAUTIFUL!

2009-05-15T22:57:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the much awaited for pictures. It is one of those cases where a picture does indeed speak a thousand words. Just imagine at age 3, what this little gal will be able to do with her Dad.
Mikaela says, "she is Amazing!"

A Star is born!!!!!

2009-05-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

A Yea!!! She is here!

Starlynn Grace 6 lbs. 8 oz. 18 1/2" Long. Dark hair, blue eye.

Grandpa and Grandma are running for Seattle. Oh and Auntie Mikae!

Stay tuned for future details.

Love toAll!

Easter at the Hodgson's

2009-05-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

The boys playing Monopoly

Brad being retarded :)
Cher bird--negotiating real-estate for Heather (who won I think)

The longest game of Monopoly EVER!! I think it went from 5pm-9pm

Sabel hiding from everyone

Uncle Dale, Heather and her Future, and... Brad.

Garrett and Ozzy

Mom's BEAUTIFUL food. These cucumber things were SO good!

Jello Eggs! Gorgeous huh?!

Isn't mom amazing?

Boys...

Aunt Emily and ChaChi, Grandma Grace and Skyler sleeping in the background.

I don't know how mom escaped all the pics!! Sorry mom!

Here is a video of Brad playing with Garrett's iPhone "Shotgun"

Wouldn't Trade Him For The World!

2009-04-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ooch!!!!

2009-04-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, the big push is over and Mikaela made her deadline. So she gets to stay out of Public school. That is so long as she works hard.

Mean while life is not boring. Skyler decided to take on a pitch fork. Not just any pitch fork, but Grandpa Hodgson's pitch fork. Mikaela and Skyler went to do chores last Sunday morning (5 April). Dad had parked the tractor and 4 wheeler in front of the hay. So Skyler went over the top of the 4 wheeler. As he came back across the 4 wheeler with his arms full of hay, he jumped to the ground. At just the right moment Mikaela bumped Grandpa's Hodgson's pitch fork and it toppled to the ground, of course with the tines up, and in the exact spot for Skyler to land on it.

Fortunately, the tines missed all bones and all blood vessels.

BLESSED!!!!!!

Mikaela came screaming to the house, "Skyler's hurt! He has a pitch fork stuck in his foot.

Skyler was still standing when Heather got to him. She convinced Skyler that he should lay down, before he fell down. Then she called for the ambulance.

The first man on the scene, moved Skyler's legs so that I could move the tractor. So that we would be able to get closer to Sky. The same man decided to cut one of the tines before they got any pain killers in Sky. Skyler screamed like I have never heard before. I have reflected on that scream many times since.

Mikaela stayed up by the house, after Skyler's scream, She disappeared. I didn't even notice, until much later when Mikaela showed up at the hay shed, with her face all blotchy red. Then I realized that she was blaming herself for Skyler being hurt. She was not to be consoled by me, and broke down crying again. Finally Skyler told her that it was an accident and that it was not her fault.

Skyler laid in the hay shed for about an hour before the ambulance crew finally got him loaded on a gurney and headed for the ambulance.

However for the next several hours Skyler toted around, those tines in his foot.

Skyler laid in ER for about 5 hours. During that time, nurses came and went, in and out of Skyler's room. They would come in and take note of his foot, and before they left every one of those nurses managed to hit the tines in Skyler's foot. Poor Sky kept moving back up in the bed trying to stay away from people hitting his foot. I was in shook at the lack of care the nurses took around Skyler's foot.

Skyler was concerned about having his pants (he used them for CMS) cut off. When Dr. Stahali came in, Skyler kept talking about saving his boots and his pants. So before the Doctor left he gave me a scalpel, told me it was sharp and to be careful. The doctor decided not to cut the boot off, but to pull the tines out of his foot, and then take off Sky's boot. Which the Doctor did during surgery.

Skyler had to spend the night in the hospital. During which time he received antibiotics through the IV.

Dr. Stahali put a drain in each wound, they protruded from his foot about an inch. After 4 days Dr. Stahali took out the drains and packed the wounds with a gauze. And he expected me to change the packing in Sky's foot twice a day. The first time I got Cody to do it for me, then Sister Hirschi, then Dad. Finally Sky started trying to do it himself. This goes on until next Thursday 16 April.

As you can see the exit wounds on top of Skyler's foot, and the drains on the bottom.

The drain on the next picture looks longer than it really was.

As I think about what Skyler went through, as these tines pierced his body. I reflect on what happened to our Saviour Jesus Christ, when they hung him the cross.

The Agony!!!!

I am grateful for the blessing that come, even when we do not understand them and when they do not feel like blessings. I am convinced that all things work together for our good, even though I may not understand at this time. I am sure the time will come that I will understand.

As you can see Skyler is up and going, well kind of. He is enjoying being catered to.

Under the Gun!

2009-03-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well if I appear not to be interested with what everyone else is doing. It is only because I am under the gun with Mikaela. We have 6 days to finish her English lesson. So I am pushing hard, real hard!!!! I set her desk in front of me and I follow her through each assignment on the computer. I check her tests as she does them.

I find as she sets in front of me it is easier to keep her focused. She cannot have anything on her desk that she can fiddle with, the room needs to be quiet (No birds, No dogs, No talking people.) If the phone rings she tries to answer it. If it is for me and I spend any time talking, she is not working, and will often disappear, until I call her back.

We have worked most of the day today, with the exception of a couple of hours, when she got to play with Lili. Now this evening, Heather and Skyler have gone to work with CMS. Dad is at work, and we have the house to ourselves. You guessed it! We are going to work as long as I can keep her going.

After this week we will be ready for Spring break. But that does not happen until the last week of March. Unfortunately we are working through Spring break. We have miles to go before we sleep.

Maybe someday Mikaela, will take charge of her own education and controlling herself, just like her Siblings have. Oh, how I wait for that day.

This year appears to be turning out some what like 1989. That was a rough year! Dad started out the year by telling me he thought that he had had a heart attack at Christmas. Turns out to be acid reflux, Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We then took Dad to my dermatologist, only to find out he has skin cancer on his head. He goes in for surgery on the 18th to have the cancer removed. Dad messed up his shoulder in December. So Dad went to see my Orthopedic doctor, which meant Dad had to go get an MRI. Turns out that Dad has a bone in his shoulder that has a sharp edge on it. He received a cortisone shot to see if it would take down the inflammation and give him relief. He was told to give it two weeks before making any judgment. Dad is in the second week, and so far Dad is voting surgery. Which may mean he may have to go on short term disability. Ouch!!!! As if that isn't enough. He went in for his eye examine this last week to be told that one on his retinas is in the process of detaching. And that if he begins to see flashing lights that he needs to get in within 24 hours, so not to suffer permanent damage.

Now you guys can't go getting all excited about Dad and start calling home or I will be in trouble for filling you in. Don't worry about Dad, just keep him in your prayers, and he will be fine.

Okay, enough! We love all of you! Goodnight.

warm christmas memories

2009-02-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

I found a video I thought we would all like to see again

Family

2009-01-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone along with the year 2008. However neither has left unnoticed and both have left their mark on all of us.

We gained the neatest DAUGHTER in law in June! We are feeling EXTREMELY blessed. Garrett has really picked a wonderful bride. Not only is she pretty on the outside, but she is gorgeous on the inside.

Leslie and I went a rescue mission and brought home way to many mini horse in February. Most of which have had babies in the late fall. Which brings our total of horses to 14. Way to many! My goal is to go down to 4 or 5 in the spring. Although the babies have been fun most of them will be going. Dad has had enough. Treasure however will stay! She and Carmel (Mikaela's) horse are the only two guaranteed a home here.

Home came Kathlen, Jon and last, but really first baby Brett for Christmas. Brett certainly warmed his Grandpa's heart. Grandpa just could not get enough of his grandson. Of course Brett had everyone in the palm of his hand. Heather is still having Baby Boo withdrawals.

It was wonderful to have them home and sad to see them go. Especially knowing it will be at least another 6 months before we will see them again. Dad and Brad took them to the plane in Seattle and got stuck in Seattle a day longer than planned due heavy snow on the pass. When they made a run for home it did not look very promising. But home they did come without a problem.

Kathlen says that since their trip home Brett is talking up a storm. And is trying to talk in sentences.

Dad bought me a N scale train for Christmas. But we know who he really bought it for. Brett had a great time watching it going around and around.

I am moving forward with getting my back fixed and then my right knee. Maybe by 2010 the doctors will have put me back together again.

To all have a great YEAR!

2009-01-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

k so it a new year so im going try and at least write on my blog once a month.

Mom and Dad Spoil us All

2008-12-21T11:45:00.001-08:00

Since nobody has posted here in a while and it's driving me CRAZY, I decided to say a public THANK YOU to mom and dad for how amazing you are to all of us!! As I keep telling dad, one of these days I will have you guys over without working you to the bone. I know Garrett and I are pretty pathetic newly weds and need a lot of help, and your kindness, caring and contributions to our new life is appreciated more than I can form words to say. But, thank you. You are the epitome of great parents, and you give us all an example to live up to while we are raising your grandchildren.

New Background

2008-12-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

Since I am the only one who has admin rights, mom asked me to change up the blog. This is the background that she chose. Hope you all like the changes we have made.

2008-10-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

ok here it is what I did at ranger challenge

THANK YOU

2008-10-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! TO MOM, DAD, SKYLER and MIKAELA for all your help for Garrett and I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And to Heather for holding down the fort at home and taking care of all the animals so they could come. You all helped more than you know. I can't thank you enough! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

SUPER Dad!

2008-08-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

This has been a very long summer. Mikaela and I have been in school for most of it. First it was spelling camp, then it was catch up from what we did not finish by the end of the school year.

Poor Dad has been left to do most of the work around here by himself. Heather and Skyler have helped to some extent.

So far this year (besides the Cemetery), Dad has worked hard on the office. Sanding off all the rust and then painting the office a cream color (the can read it was Case White for those who are tractor buffs). We still have half the office to do. Dad cut off the tops of the poplars, still lots of work there to do. I want to take out all the poplars and replace them with lilac bushes. We put in a well, which meant digging ditches to get the water to the house. Does anyone remember digging the hole for the pool? Well there was about 20 feet of solid Basalt. So Dad and Brad (mainly) with the help of some others, spent 3 days chiseling away at the ROCK. I might mention that it was more like a jack hammer and then a bobcat with and rock breaker on it to get the job done. Finally they broke through all of it! Now it was what are we, going to do with all of this rock. As it ended up Brother Steinbach invited us to dump it on his place in a gully. Thank you Brother Steinbach! Then it was off to the Cemetery to get dirt to take the place of all that rock they took out. So Dad and I worked at hauling off the rock and then hauling in all the dirt. When most of that was done Dad was off hauling in several loads of gravel to put in our driveway. Then Brother Joe Norman stopped by and needed some help burying a dead animal. So Dad took the time to go help him. Some vacation! Today is Sunday so Dad gets to rest. But tomorrow it’s back to the grind stone. Brad is leaving and we still have to finish filling in the ditches, painting the office plus Dad wants to repaint the house (Case White), the shed needs to be painted and the trim on the house. We are tearing down Grandpa’s Dodd’s okie shack, and rebuilding it here and there are some shingles to replace on the house, the shed, the garage, and some hay to haul. We may not have enough summer. It’s too much for one man to do! For as old as Dad is he can still out work and complain less than anyone of his kids. By the way Jim is on our well also. Jim is planning on moving this fall and we hope to be buying his place. More work to do.

Everyday, I am more grateful for my dear Husband than I was yesterday. How blessed I am!

I am planning surgery this fall on my left knee. I was thinking the first of October would be when I would do it. Then I thought the middle of October after the weather gets a little colder and I can't go carting as much. Now I am thinking that the end of October I need to do grape juice. So now I am undecided as to when to do it. We go through a lot of grape juice, and we only have about 4 cases left from last year. That means we have gone through about 8 cases this last year. So whenever grapes are done I’ll do surgery.

I use to think that when I got older and did not have all the responsibilities of children I would have more time. I am finding that it is not so. I can’t hobble fast enough to get everything done. I do not know how your Dad does it. Maybe it’s just that I am moving slower.

I am impressed with how kind, caring, and giving your Dad is with each one of his children.

Regardless of how onrey you kids get. Dad is always looking out for you. Worrying and wondering how he can help you out. What he can do to make your life a little easier.

Mom

Activity Girls Day Camp

2008-08-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

It's over!!!! We worked hard and played hard and it was GREAT!

My girls learned to dance the Virginia Reel and then they performed it for their Mothers and then the girls taught it to their Mothers. Mikaela tried to get me to dance with her, like all the other Mothers were dancing with their Daughters. But my knees are to far gone to walk let alone dance.

We had pine wood derby races, we made pillows with the 6 Be's and the young Women value colors, we made tile pictures with the girls' face among the faces of other children standing around Christ. We made refrigerator magnets with canning lids and pictures of the girls. We made good deed wands. We learned to make raspberrie ice. We leaned about music and how to conduct it. Our list goes on and on. Now it is over and I have asked for a release. No surprise to the Primary President. She said that she has known for a month. That was before I knew it. I have really struggled with this decision. But with Dad's request that I give up my calling, I had to give it serious consideration. It made me feel really good when one of my Girls said that she was really, really going to miss me. I told Sister Thornton that I wanted to stay in until the end of September so that we could have our Parasol Tea.

Then it will be off to surgery for me in October. The Doctor told me that it will be a 3 month recovery time for each leg. So I am hoping to do the other leg in January. Then it will be time to think about my back, as my rupture has collapsed. The holidays will be interesting this year with me being laid up. It sounds like a homemade Christmas to me. Tuesday I go in for a cortisone shot in my other knee. I am hoping for the same energy rush I got with the last one. I made major dents in my messy house.

So while I wait for October my goal is to halter break my colt. Then I will be off to driving my horse as much as I can until October. Speaking of my colt his name ended up being Trigger. He has shedded his baby coat and he is now such a dark brown that he is almost black. He is really pretty.

Our (H2O) Well is finally completed. DAD, BRAD, Skyler, Heather spent the last week working their way through about 20 feet of solid basalt. Brad kept wanting to get explosives. But that was not allowed and they went through 2 jack hammers and a Bobcat with a rock breaker on the front of it. Three days later and several equipment break downs, they made it through. Now we have our own water and 65 lbs. of pressure at the pump and in the house. That 65 lbs. of pressure includes all of the water spickets in the yard turned on full blast. At last we will be able to do laundry and dishes and showers all at the same time. No more taking a week doing a days worth of laundry. An no more $75.00 a month water bills.

Good night to all!!!! And the beginning of a new ERA!

2008-06-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Garrett is married and it was great. We have the sweetest new Daughter (in-law). We are just plum Proud. Brad did the slide show for the wedding and then embellished it before he left.

WEEKS AND WEEKS LATER

Okay, I am not as good as I thought at computers. I have been fighting with this blog for what seems like forever. Heather finally helped me and got me started again.

Back Garrett and Leslie.

Yes we are very pleased with Garrett's choice of a wife. If I were to describe her it would be AWESOME!!!!! She is absolutely wonderful. She is kind, caring, giving, she worries about others. She treats Mikaela like a little princess. Skyler, Well when he is in his bad mood. Leslie just grabs him and makes him, let her love him anyway.

Leslie has great visions of the things she wants to accomplish in her life. It will be great fun to watch accomplish her greatest desires.

Okay, now about me. I have finally returned to the Doctor only to be told that I have bone on bone. It is time to do something about my knee's. That will happen (I think) in October or November and then again in January or February. When that is done then it will be on to fix my back. Where my ruptured disk is now collasped. I hope to be up and going strong by April.

Dad and I are starting to think that it is time to start to slow down and do some of the things that we want to do, and not have to do. So as soon as the truck is paid for, I think we will be done in the Cemetery. I am selling some of my horses, (I hope). And as animals go away they will not be replaced. Except maybe the pigs.

Maybe will move.

Jody and her husband have moved away and Jody's parents have moved back along with their son John and his significant other and kids. They sold their place back east and have come home to stay.

I am not sure what we are doing. I do know that some things are going to change.

Update Carol had her legs amputated. Although this did not change her life expectancy. She has severe calcification in the veins and arteries of her heart. They say she only has about 6 months of less. We have loaned Dad's van to them so that they came make the best of the time that she has left.

Hi Everybody!

2008-06-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

Well, its almost time to hear those wedding bells!

Garrett and I are really excited. Everything is coming together beautifully in the last couple days until the wedding. I'm getting all packed up for this weekend and then for our trip to Disneyland. I am almost just as excited for Disneyland as for the wedding!

Cher bird is tons of fun, although I am very allergic to her. My eyes are all bloodshot and itchy. But I just love her so much! She is cute as cute can be. You guys will love her so much, and she will you.

I started moving my stuff into the apartment today. And, I am getting a lot of my own kitchen stuff off the registry. Today I got towels and a toaster in the mail. So much fun! I am feeling all "growed-up!"

Well, I can't wait to see you all on Friday. Kat, John and Baby Brett... we will miss you.

Love,
Leslie

2008-06-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

Two post in one day WOW, miracles do happen.

We are down at Kathlen and Jon's having a great time with our Grandbaby. Brett turns 1 on the 4th. We are leaving tomorrow and so we are celebrating his birthday today.

Lindsey (Thompson) Hayter and Tristan (Higham) Hayter came by the first night we were here. They came to pick up plants that the Thompson's had sent down for them. When they saw Brett, they commented that he sure looks like the Hodgson side of the family. See if you agree.

Treasure and Baby

2008-06-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

For all who have not see Treasure and her Colt. This was taken just hours after he was born. He was kind of clumsy. Now he tears around the pen like it is a race track. He is a great deal of fun to watch and play with.

We put a large ball in his pen to play with. It is an absolute blast to watch him kick it around the pen. He tries to bite it, but just can't seem to get his teeth to sink into it. I like to see him try and stand on it. When he does the ball goes one way and him the other.

We still do not have a name for him. But it looks like it might end up being Ernie. However Skyler is still fighting for lighting.

2008-05-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday and I am in the Cemetery, as is common this time of the year. I have walked the grounds so many times the last couple of day, that my knees are complaining.

Everyone else (Family) is in church, so it is pretty quiet. So I will finish my horse story. To answer some ???. Ernie is the name of the Vet. that came to rescue me when the little guy was born and Treasure had not yet figured out what part of her Anatomy was for. Ernie Sudated Treasure so that the colt could nurse. When Treasure came out of the sudation she was okay with the colt nursing. And now it is like she never had a problem. Snookum Jo (I misspelled in the first entry) came from my childhood. A Baby was often referred to as "cute little Snookum". Mikaela wanted to call him Snick. I am not sure I want to reuse that name, so Snookum Jo is close but not to close. And lighting comes from the flash marking on his side. Skyker is calling him Lighting and Mikaela is calling him Ernie.

We are still waiting for Carmel to foal out. I wish she would just do it, she driving me nuts with this waiting game.

Treasure's colt is a great deal of fun to watch as he plays with his ball, that we through in the pen. He likes to kick it around the pen. Occasionally he tries to stand on it, one day he reared up and fell across it and it rolled him into the filbert tree. He is a hoot to watch. I will try to get a video and put it up for everyone to watch.

Mom

2008-05-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Okay Gang, All of you know that I stay busy. But this month has been above and beyond busy.

Dad is starting to complain about being over worked. He is mainly over worked, because he is married to me. So I have decided to sell the 2 stud's that I just bought. And I am trying to do more of my own work. I am also going to work on the books to see how soon we can quite the Cemetery. Or at least subcontract out the closings. I think that sitting around all winter is telling stories on us. So I believe that something needs to change.

Most of you know that Treasure had her foal last week. He is Cute, Cute, Cute. We have not named him yet. Here are some of the names that we have thought about. Ernie, Snookim Joe, Lighting,. Any suggestions?

It's 9:00 p.m. and I am dying on the vine. I'll tell you more later, if I remember how to get on.

Mom

lets hope for the best

2008-05-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so if i pass all of my finals this coming week, i should be home the beging of june. If i don't pass i will be here another month to two months so lets hope that i pass. I think im going to need all the luck i can get.

Heather R Hodgson

Brett Loves Bath Time

2008-05-13T08:10:00.001-07:00

Brett loves bath time so much that he splashes alot. I have proof on video and pictures. His hair is also getting to a point that when I am done drying it, he resembles Albert Einstein. Or Jon When he was still in school. So here is the picture, and I will up load a video of his splashing soon. Notice the Dark blue spot on Jon's shirt?

prom

2008-05-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

the prom was good. i had lots of fun, i had to much that some thing happened. they were good. Kate and are in the first me. and Jessica. and the last one is my date Mandee.

the formal

2008-05-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

the formal was great. Katie and i had lots of fun. we surprise our dates with a limo and yea. thats all i am going to say.

Happy Birthday NEANEA!!!

2008-05-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we finally celebrated nea's birthday!!! And we got a few pictures for your enjoyment.
Yes that is a Taper candle, I don't happen to have any "birthday candles" so that is what she got! At least she got a candle. That sucker was hard to get into a cupcake, the cupcake started to fall apart and so I held it together with frosting!! Smart thinking, if I do say so myself.

This was a perfect birthday present. 52 weeks of recipes!! No more beef stroganoff for heather. We told her that she has to make us one recipe a week for the rest of her time with us. Maybe we can get her a little more "domesticated" as her classmates call it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE NEANEA, WE LOVE YOU!!!!

I am Grateful for the Sabbath!

2008-04-27T07:18:00.001-07:00

I am so glad when Sabbath comes. Then we can RR (rest, reflect) from our busy life. Dad is wanting to slow down. I am trying to figure out how that will happen, and when.

Yesterday we were suppose to go help Grandma move. Mikaela had a meeting at the Hanson chapel in Kennewick. So I took her to Crandal's at 8:00 a.m. for a ride in. On the way home I decided to check on the Ponies at Diaz's. All of the horse were at one end of the pasture eating except Carmel (Mikaela's horse). I scanned the pasture and saw Carmel was laying out in the middle of the pasture, I could not see her breathing. I panicked as I feared the worst. Immediately I started to try and figure out how to tell Mikaela that Carmel was dead. I flew to the end of the pasture where the gate was, by the time I got out of the car, Carmel had gotten up and was heading toward the other horses. I felt a wave of relief. While I was there, I decided to go out in the pasture and check the horse. When I put my hands on Carmel's neck I realized that she was foundering. Which meant I had to get her moved off the pasture and into a dry paddock. I went home and put everyone into motion to move the horses. We brought the ponies home and moved the big horses to Diaz's. After a hour Leslie and Garrett were on the road, and we were on our way to Grandma's ( an hour late).

We got Grandma moved, and then we had to get Skyler home and ready for his formal dance at the Richland Stake center. Of course we had errands to do while we were in town. We finally got Sky home with just enough time to get ready for his date. Dad went to Pasco to pick up fencing for the horses and I went to get Mikaela at Glodo's. When I got home we took Skyler to Nieman's for his date. I must admit he cleans up pretty good.

Skyler spent lots of time putting this date together . Between Ben Nieman and Sky they put together a pretty cute date. Skyler's date for the evening Katie. Sky worked for Sister Glodo to earn money to make this date happen. He went to McDonald's to get a happy meal box for Skyler's dates corsage in. The boys went to goodwill to get shirts for their dates to wear during their meal, as they were having boneless ribs. Then they picked up their dates in Nieman's van (which had been decorated inside with garland and lights). They went to a park in Tri-Cities and was invited to go boat riding on the river while they waited for Bro. & Sis. Nieman to cook the ribs. Then to think that we get to do this again next week for prom at the High School. This time his date will Be Mandy Boyle.

Happy Birthday Heather! I guess a day late is better than not.

Love to all! Mom

2008-04-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today is a big day in Kat and Jon's life .Jon graduated from B.Y.U. today.We were not able to be there so we watched it on the internet.I wished I could of been there to share in the moment.I know that they are both happy that this part of Jon"s schooling is over and now it is time to move. To Michigan to start a new chapter in their lives . How fun that will be .
We are also counting down the days until Garrett& Leslie's wedding. What a wonderful young lady Leslie is ,I think that Garrett Has found the cream of the crop in Leslie.I think she will be good for him.
Heather is also getting ready to graduate from her Message thearpy school. That will happen at the end of May at which time we will go down and pack up all the kids and send them off in their many different direction.
Bradley is still at B.Y.U. Idaho he had life guard try outs today from the sound of it He had to rescue the try outs . Some of them weren't sure what to do. and kept ask him question about what to do next. he likes his life guard duties. He is also doing well in his studies. his grades for the last semister were better then he thought.

The Hodgson's at Snoqualmie Falls

2008-04-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Fall City

2008-04-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well ya'll... Garrett will finally be off your hands. He's moving to Fall City this weekend. :-D Oh... don't you worry though... we'll be back to visit a LOT. He'll be living in the apartment that is attached to the house, and then when we are married, I'll move in there too. He has no idea what he is getting himself into... life on the Cook Farm is insane... so, hopefully he can cope and I am hoping he will bring another element of "fun" to the family here. Not to mention we'll have another slave! Mwahahahahaha. He'll be mowing lawns, doing stalls, maintenance and all sorts of fun jobs to earn his keep.

I also hope to get Garrett to be a fully capable horseback rider by the end of the summer. He claims to love horses, and to love riding... so we'll see if he'll crack or not. :D

So, make him feel good, and make him feel like he'll be missed. ;-)

Love you all!
-Leslie

Brett's Weight Check!

2008-04-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

I took Brett to get a weight check, and today Brett weighs 20lbs 2 1/2oz. Which puts him in the 38th percentile!!! He is 28in. long, which puts him in the 33rd percentile. While we were there I decided to have the doctor check him out. For the last couple of days, Brett has been so cranky. Which as some of you might know is not like my baby! When we took him to the after hours clinic a week ago, the Physicians assistant said that Brett had a 30% ear infection. When Dr. Jensen checked his ear today, he told me that Brett had a full blown ear infection. For a full blown ear infection, my little boy isn't that cranky. Luckily we got some antibiotics for him so he should be feeling better soon. He is such a good little boy, Jon and I are so blessed. What we did to deserve him, I don't know.

the fat cow ran fast

2008-04-20T20:29:00.001-07:00

but the butcher ran faster

MY DAD IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Like I said my dad is amazing!!!!!! He is working so hard to learn this blog thing.

Trip to Fall City

2008-04-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we left for Leslie's home. When we neared the top of Snoqualmie the signs for road conditions were flashings. So we tuned in and the highway crews were doing avalanche control. So we got to set on the freeway for almost an hour. When they finally released traffic it took 10 minutes for us to get moving, and there was traffic a few miles behind us.

Upon arriving at Leslie's we visited for awhile and then it was off to Snoqualmie falls. We had to hike it, of course. A STEEP hike, both ways. At least it felt like it! My left knee feels like it is done for. My Ortho. doctor would of had a fit if she would have seen me. However the trip to the falls was beautiful.

14 DAYS and COUNTING!!

2008-04-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Can you tell that I am very excited about graduation!! When we first moved to Provo, I remember telling myself that we only had three years. That seemed like a very long time! Anytime something crazy happened I would tell my self, only two years left.......Now we are down to MONTHS!! I am so excited to be moving(I am not that excited to pack!) to a new place and to meet new people. Oh the places we'll go! Right now we are weighting our options for grad schools. We went to the temple yesterday seeking answers and we decided that we really need to get more information and weight our options. We might have an answer soon. Either way we will have plenty of adventures. If we go to Penn State we will be close to DC, New York, lots of US historical sites as well as church sites. If we go to Michigan we will be close to family and friends, the Upper peninsula of Michigan which I hear is just beautiful. There is also a community college close so I might be able to finish my schooling. We would also be closer to grandparents. Who knows, we are not basing our decisions off of any of that, so it should be intresting to see what we come up with!! Wish us Luck!

Brads early/late birthday gift

2008-04-06T20:57:00.001-07:00

hey look. It fits brad perfectly. I made that just for you brad.

Brett Walking

2008-04-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Funny Story

2008-04-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

Brett has become more curious everyday and so now all the doors in the house have to be shut after us. Jon and I were getting ready to go to the temple. Heather was still at school and when she going home she was going to watch boo, while we were gone. I watched Brett while Jon got ready. I started doing my hair and I closed the bathroom door behind me. I thought Jon was watching Brett, needless to say Brett crawled into our Bedroom and was just playing around. Well it got quiet, in fact too quite. So I went out to see what he and dad were up too, and there was my boo. Next to dads night stand, sitting in a pile of muscle rub. Brett had managed to twist the lid off and squeeze it all over himself and the floor. Luckily for us he didn't put any into his mouth, but I bet his hands felt funny. We gave him a quick bath as a precautionary measure. We are going to have to watch him close from now on. Jon thought that I was watching him, I guess we need to make sure the each of know who is watching him. What could have been a scary situation, luckily turned out to be just a bedroom that now smells like Bengay.

Home on the Farm

2008-04-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

~ CARMEL ~

In February 2008

Okay Gang, here is what is new................... We went from 5 horses to 13. Mikaela bought a mini and has named her Carmel. She is a real sweetheart. I wish my horses had Carmel's temperament.

However all the horses have had a huge attitude change since they have come to live with us. Even Carmel ran like a scared rabbit when we first tried to catch her to bring her home. Now she will run across 5 acres to see us. Mikaela is thrilled that her horse will run to see us and we still have to chase the others. Mikaela's little Carmel is only about 36" tall. She is not so little sideways though. She should deliver a little critter soon, or at least we hope. Any woman who gets as large as Carmel is would be begging for deliverance. So everyday we go down to Diaz's to check on her, but no baby yet.

Leslie actually owns 3 of the 8 new horses. So Brad you can breath. Plus I am getting rid of my old woman. Heather is planning on moving her horses. (Our pasture really needs a rest.) I have Treasure plus 3 of the new ones here at the house. We have three down @ Diaz's including the old Woman. I have one (believe it or not) @ Riedinger's. That leaves Tessie here on the farm. Skyler wants to keep her and learn to train her. So When we are done I hope to only horses in the round pen, and none in the pasture.

Okay, so my news isn't all new. However everyday we make a little more progress then the day before. Patches (Mikaela named her.) is learning that I want her head not her rear end. I think she will be really awesome once she calms down, and begins to trust a little more.

Love you all.