Who's that kid with the oreo cookie?

Doesn't this look like a happy 8 month baby!
Could you resist giving a baby with such beautiful blue eyes an oreo cookie?

She actually managed to eat all the creamy middle first without separating the cookie!

Who's that kid with the oreo cookie? Licking out the creamy middle like u do when u r little?

I couldn't resist giving Emma the opportunity to indulge in an oreo cookie. As you can see, she absolutely loved it! And I didn't even mind cleaning her up afterwards! Ahhh, the rewards of being a grandma!

Sweet little treats

I know im a day late and a dollar short in posting these pictures but I wanted to share them anyway. These were taken at Sutherland Farms during Octoberfest. It was a nice day with family. Well, minus a few.

Lions and Tigers and Bears....oh my!

On September 26 our family(minus Travis-he had to work) went to Albuquerque to spend some time in the temple and then to the zoo. Our time in the temple was very much needed. My spirit was in need of time apart from the rest of the world, to enjoy the peace and comfort one can feel in the temple. I long for the day when all of my family can attend together!

After the temple we ate lunch and then headed over to the Rio Grande Zoo. It was a very nice day, the weather was enjoyable and all went well. Of all the animals on display, I believe that Brady's all time favorite was the duck and fish pond. He didn't want to leave! We couldn't convince him to ride a camel, he was quite content just looking at it. Here are a few photos we took at the zoo.

Take the tractor another round, and another round!

KUBOTA - What does that refer to? My Father In Laws new toy. Wait, maybe it is a piece of equipment to him and a toy to me? When Greg left for his hunt I had him show me once again how to properly operate the tractor. Pretty expensive so I didn't want to have to explain to his parents if I broke it while they were in Las Vegas.

I plowed for awhile the night he left and had to stop for a couple of days while it rained. On Friday morning I was on it again at 7:30 am and loved every minute of it. You talk about therapy! I think I may have irritated my neighbors for making so much noise that early but to me they were burning daylight. They didn't say anything, thank goodness. After going round and round with the tractor, I found myself singing the verse to a new country song that goes something like this, " take the tractor another round and another round, and another round." I don't know what the title is, but I remember that part because it was stuck in my head for 2 days afterwards.

I got to be pretty good at maneuvering the tractor. I was quite impressed with my new found talent of operating heavy equipment (hey, it is heavier than a rototiller!) I began moving dirt, leveling the ground that didn't need leveling (ha ha!) it was AWESOME! And I owe it all to Greg's dad for being so generous and sharing! THANK YOU GREG! Both Gregs actually.

Anyone need their fields plowed? Anybody have any grass seed they would like to share? How bout water rights? Just checking!

6 X 6 and pretty thrilled!

Greg and Brady proudly holding the Elk horns

Greg showing Brady how to "properly" hold the Elk horns.

Jason and Greg, full of testosterone, facial hair, and the smell of elk!

Jason and Greg with the elk and his hide.

Greg's Bow hunt for elk was this past week. He left for Cebolla Tuesday evening and he was pretty pumped up for his hunt. Jason couldn't go until Friday so Greg went and paved the way. He was being teased quite a bit during his hunt, seeing severl elk, both bulls and cows, and getting frustrated that he was missing some pretty easy shots with the bow. He said he missed one that was bigger than the one above, So, Jason arrived on Friday and he and Greg went out again. Since I can't tell the story the way they do I will just say that they were pretty fired up when they heard the bull grunting as he was coming towards them, showing off for the cows. Jason put the rangefinder on him (i hope that's what u call it) and whispered, 35 yards. Greg pulled back and successfully hit his target. The bull ran about 50 yards and then dropped. They were both pretty excited. Jason has a hunt in October. Same place. The days will go slowly by i'm sure. Greg will be forever grateful to his Uncle Ernie, Uncle Luis, his cousin Luis Jr., and Jason for all helping to get the elk in the truck. And he will definitely be forever grateful to his Aunt Lenora for making him dinner each evening! A million thanks to them for making his hunt so much more comfortable! And for letting him call and tell me he was safe! I am pretty happy for him and most especially happy that he doesn't want to mount it in the living room!

Greg has the better pics on his cell phone so when I can figure out how to get them on my blog I will repost.

3 Sweet Grandchildren to love

You can have your wealth and riches....all the things so many seek, Position, power, fine success, The fame you long to keep. You can earn so much you wish for, Reach a status high above, But none of these can equal...Having 3 Sweet Grandchildren to love.

'Tis the greatest gift from Heaven, Brady hugs that hold you tight, and a kiss so soft and gentle when you tuck them in at night. A million precious smiles, and each story often read, Six eyes so bright and smiling, and 3 darling blonde heads.

One can never match the goodness of 3 trusting little faces, or a heart so full of laughter spreading sunshine in every place. 3 Sweet Grandchildren to hold and cuddle, 'tis a gift from God above, and now my world is so much brighter now that I have 3 Sweet Grandchildren to love.

(author unknown, poem changed to fit my sweet grandchildren)

Brady, Emma, and Connor

Brady, Emma and Connor. My 3 sweethearts!

Grandma Maggie

On Sunday afternoon (September 20th), we were in church, partaking of the sacrament, when Ashli quietly came and sat by us. She let us know that Greg's Grandma Maggie passed away. She had a stroke about a month ago and just didn't get better. She was only 82, and the mother of 17 children. She lived in Cebolla NM. She had 40 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. (Brady, Emma, and Connor)

The last time we saw her alive and well was for Chama Days weekend. A short visit, but a good visit. We then saw her at St. Vincent's Hospital in Santa Fe on the 2nd of September. It was tough to see her suffer the way she was. She was very tired. I know how hard it is to lose a family member. I still mourn the loss of my Father(4 1/2 yrs) and my Grandmother(1 1/2 yrs); but, I am so thankful that she no longer has to suffer and live in this drama filled world. I pray that she is happy and at peace and that we will all remember that it is more important to love our family members, to serve them, and to be forgiving. That is the hard part, but it is so important. I pray that all the material possessions (that moth and rust doth corrupt) in this world will never take the place of family!

The picture posted was taken in December at her granddaughter Katrina's wedding. The First picture is a 5 generation picture of Greg's Grandmother, Mother, Him, Afton, and Brady. The next picture is of his Grandmother, Mother and his 6 of his mother's siblings.

Remember This

The other night I was missing my Dad and Grandma Syl very much. I stopped what I was doing and pulled out an old suitcase that once belonged to my Grandpa Martinez (Grandma Syl's Dad). Grandma gave me this box of goodies a few years ago when she lived in Santa Fe. I still love the "old smell" of the cardboard box. The contents in the box were a bunch of old newspapers, papers and mementos that my Grandma saved. (She saved everything - I think that is where i got it from) Anyway, in the box was a thought by F. Collis Wildman. As I read it, again, for the millionth time, I just felt the need to blog it.....I think we all could use this in our lives, and if the word "Damn" offends you, sorry, it is part of the thought. Enjoy!!!

Remember This

Be good, but not too good - a little naughty, but not too naughty. Say a prayer if you feel that way, say Damn if it gives you consolation. Be kind to the world always, if possible - yet if you must be unkind, smash right and left, get it over and forget it.
Smile, always smile, have a smile ready even though sometimes it hurts. Grab all the happiness you can - wherever and whenever you can - don't let even a wee bit slip past you. Live, above all things live, don't simply exist.
If you are blessed enough to know what real love is - love with all your heart, soul and body. Live your life so that at any hour you will be able to shake hands with yourself and try to accomplish at least one thing worth while each day. Then when your nights come you will be able to pull up the covers and say to yourself - "I have done my best". F. Collis Wildman copr. 1926

A trip to the playground

After having her bottle, we took her to the playground/playroom at the hospital. Very nice setup I must say....she enjoyed the much needed fresh air and also enjoyed the windsocks and other garden items. And thank heavens for the play areas, they were a lifesaver for keeping Brady entertained....which I might add, he did quite well hanging out at the hospital. He loves helping water the garden, grass, etc. around the house, so when he saw the hose that was the first thing he went to, even with all the wonderful toys in the play area.

Ahhhh, the key to happiness and comfort!

Emma was a very happy baby when she got to have a bottle. She didn't have any difficulties feeding from the bottle. She went right to sleep after having 3. She was starving!

Dr. Cuadros initially said that Emma would have to go 7 to 10 days without her bottle after the surgery. When she got out of surgery, she was fed through a zip and feed bottle which was basically a large bottle syringe. Then, as you can see, it was easier to use the medicine dropper, but this did not bring her any satisfaction or comfort. Since Dr. Cuadros told Afton during his rounds that he would send her home with a bottle, Afton asked the nurse why she couldn't just have one now.....so Sweet Nurse Amy went and got her a pack of enfamil bottles. Ahhh, the key to happiness and comfort for our sweetheart.

Does this look very comfortable?

Emma loves to sleep on her side, especially her left side. As soon as she is placed in her crib she immediately turns to her side. She is pretty quick. This is a very brief moment of her trying to get comfortable enough to sleep. Only lasted about 10 mins max!

Arm Restraints - grrrrrr!

Emma needed to be placed in arm restraints so she wouldn't touch her lip. It was so hard to see her in the restraints. As you can tell, she was very uncomfortable and stiff! We were able to take them off of her when we were watching her closely and she did quite well not to put her fingers towards her mouth, but did she ever rub her eyes!

August 26th - A Very uncomfortable day

Dr. Cuadros was quite pleased with the outcome of the surgery and said Emma did very well. She did however have a hard time with the pain meds as her body was metabolizing the medications faster than they could be of help to her. He said they had to keep increasing the meds during surgery. When she woke up she was quite "agitated" (the term the nurses used) It didn't seem as though the meds were helping at all. She cried continuously from about 10:00am to 5:00 pm when she finally fell asleep. Prior to that, she would only sleep for about 10 mins at a time and would wake up screaming and appeared pretty traumatized by the whole ordeal! As you can tell by the looks of the arm restraints, she was not very comfortable. Poor little sweetheart was very miserable. She stayed asleep from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm, the nurse came in and gave her some more pain meds and she woke up enough to receive them and stayed asleep til after 8:00pm. Afton said Emma slept good throughout the night. It was a very long day for her, and very hard to watch her go through all the pain and discomfort and not be able to help her feel better!

Getting Ready for Surgery

I have so much to blog about. This is like trying to catch up in your journal writing ! Does it happen? Well, my journal is going to be out of sequence for a bit so I can update on Emma. We leave for Albuquerque today for pre-op instructions for her surgery tomorrow.

We have to be at Presbyterian Hospital at 6:00am. At 7:30am Afton will have to entrust Precious Lil Miss Priss to the nurses and Dr. Quadros (Her Wonderful Plastic Surgeon) and Dr. Horne (Her Wonderful ENT Specialist). Dr. Horne will place tubes in her ears to drain the fluid she has built up, and Dr. Quadros will repair the cleft in her lip. This is about to make me cry just blogging about it. Everyday when I see Emma, I just start missing her sweet little lip. Sounds crazy huh? It's just that it is "her" sweet little lip - if you know what I mean.

I will try to update through emails and keep everybody posted. PLEASE keep them all in your prayers (from the Dr's to her and her parents, ok, I could probably use a prayer also).

She will have to be in hand restraints for 7-10 days following the surgery, and no bottle or pacifier for the same time. She is scheduled to stay overnight for observation and if all goes well she will get to go home on Thursday. We will return to Albuquerque September 2 to have her stitches removed.

Thanks to everybody for being so loving and supportive! And thanks especially for the prayers!

Turn and burn!

We spent the first weekend in August in Chama for the big celebration of Chama Days. This is something we always looked forward to when we were growing up there. My Grandfather was a rancher with lots of horses and other livestock. We always had the opportunity to ride in the parade horseback. There is one Chama Days in particular that I remember the most at that was in 1976. Whoa, that seems like a LONG time ago, but I remember it quite well. This was a Bicentennial year so it was extra cool riding in the parade. I can still see myself waiting at the beginning of the parade, by the middle school, with my Mom. I have always been so proud of her and all of her accomplishments and how she could outride anybody. I remember thinking, while waiting for the parade to start, if I would ever have the opportunity to ride in a Chama Days parade with my daughters, (ok, I was thinking way ahead) but I really did wonder if everything just stayed the same and that would be my opportunity also. Guess I didn't fully understand the concept of time and change when I was 9.

So back to the present - My Mom was scheduled to barrel race on Saturday. Of course we were going to go to be her Fan Club. She is back again running barrels since her accident in September of 2008. She is one tough Cookie let me tell you! She and my sister Shawna and my Aunts Lisa and Beva are part of a drill team in Snowflake AZ. They perform prior to rodeos. They practice long and hard and do a really awesome job in their performances. Well, one day as they were practicing for an upcoming event, Somehow my Mom and another member collided horseback. If i remember right, my mom's horse was kicked (it gets pretty close for comfort in a part of their routine) anyway, she kinda bucked or jumped (boy I am killing this story) causing my mom to fly forward, with her right leg still in the stirrup, then yanked back and crashing to the ground (Mom, if you are reading this post, please comment and correct this k) anyway, long story short, she shattered her femur in 4 places. She was airlifted to Flagstaff, had surgery, a rod was placed in her leg, HORRENDOUS black and purple brusing on her whole right leg. Very scary. Took time off from work and play to recover, back barrel racing and kicking butt in the spring - early summer?

So, they head for the first barrel and it was a little tough ground, so not a perfect turn, costing her a few seconds. Anyway, she was bummed, but we were all still proud of her. Greg told her he thought she came in fourth, so she was really bummed. She called a few days later and said she took second overall. Way to go Mom!

I have to comment about one more thing before posting this - Ashli works for Graff Orthodontics in Farmington. They all kid with one another about all sorts of things. Well as she was preparing to go to Chama for the weekend, they gave her a hard time about "Chama Days". Who has a Chama Days? What is a Chama Days? People really have a Chama Days? So Ashli told them that she was going to watch her Nena Barrel Race. They asked her what her Nena was. She said, "My Grandma." So they really got a kick out of this, i'm guessing they thought her Grandma was 89 or so and probably visualized her going around the barrels with her knitting needles. Well, Ashli told them how young her Nena is and how she barrel races all over. So, for all interested, here is "My Mom" my "other" sisters Mom, and my girls Nena Turning and Burning in Chama! As my sister Jennifer said in her Blog, "MY MOM ROCKS".

This weekend

Connor's first 24 hours

Here are just a couple of pics of Connor's 1st 24 hours.

Cuter than a Cabbage Patch Baby

Wearing his first outfit for his first official photo shoot at the hospital!!

And Baby Makes 3

Our 3rd grandchild was born lastnight at 6:40pm. Terica's water broke around 3:00 am. They got to the hospital at 5:00am. She had one of the hardest labor and deliveries one could imagine. I am so thankful that she wanted Greg and I in with her and Travis. I may just be "the mom" to some, but I am so thankful and blessed that she wanted us in there and that I could be by her side. She worked very hard in trying to help the baby get here. Her contractions were intense, even considering she had an epidural with an extra dosage later. She pushed for a good hour, maybe a little more and finally with the extreme talent and knowledge of Dr. Chang and his awesome nurse Louise, the suction cup was attempted, then had to turn the baby since he was facing up, then used the suction cup again; more pushing (enough to created purple spots on terica's face) then last resort, THE DREADED FORCEPS!. Holy Cow those are HUGE and scary looking! Dr. Chang told Ter that if the forceps didn't do the trick he would have to resort to a C Section. Terica gave everything she had and FINALLY Connor Lee came into the world. Weighing a whopping 8lbs 10 oz, 21 inches long. He had the most beautiful pink skin I have ever seen and it was sooooooo soft, like velvet sort of! He is a little chubby bunny! Ter is doing well and when I asked her if she was ready to have another baby in 9 months or so she very loudly replied "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I can't say that I blame her.

Can you see on the right side of his cheek the marks from the forceps? poor little (big) guy! And how about all is hair, blonde of course!

More camping Pics

Emma playing with Kevin and enjoying every minute of it! Isn't she just a cutie?

Camping in La Plata Canyon

Once again, we spent the fourth of July camping in La Plata Canyon. For the last two years we have managed to get the same perfect campsite. We spend the weekend camping with Greg's family and just relax. It was alot colder this year but it was nice just the same. Jason was able to go with us this time, but Terica and Travis weren't able to. Emma and Brady adjusted to a routine of doing whatever and just enjoying. My back survived the weekend quite well. After a long hike, my lower back made me aware of the fact that I shouldn't hike in flip flops. Upon arriving back to the campsite, I had Greg help me attach the Tens unit (electrodes for my back) Since neither of us had put it together yet it was quite an experiment. Greg put part of the electrode on my right shoulder blade and slowly turned the machine up. HOLY CRAP! wrong thing to do! I have never jumped so fast in my life. I thought I was going to die. While moving so fast apparently I pulled the lower back electrode out of its connection, without realizing of course. So, Once again, Greg fires up the machine and again I about die. I couldn't figure out what the problem was and why I felt like I was being stabbed and shocked. DUH! Well, I finally turned the lower back electrodes off and rested with just the ones on the shoulder.

Being the really nice person that I am, I let Greg and his Sister Angela massage their sore muscles. Each had electrodes on their back and I slowly turned them up. Each time getting higher. Greg decided he was done and disconnected his side, which increased the stimulation to Angelas side, thus making her jump and cuss I might add! I almost cried from laughing so hard. Ahhhhh, misery loves company.

Greg spent part of his time practicing shooting his bow. He helped Kevin and Jason try it out. Greg had it set at 70lbs which made it a little tough for Kevin and Jason.. It was funny to watch them pull it back, but they all had a good time. I think Jason will be buying a bow soon.

Emma loved trying to Kiss Kevin. Each time he would lean in to her face, she would open her mouth wide. She looked like a baby bird anxiously awaiting her food.

Everybody but Greg Sr. and I played Phase Ten. Too many competitors in this family! Jason and Afton are still married if anybody needs an update. She let her loss get the best of her, as usual since she hates to lose, Jason won, and Afton made him suffer!

Ashli has a snake that is made out of wood and his quite real looking. She loves playing tricks on people with it. She gave the snake to Jason, who slowly slithered it over Angelas shoulder. She screamed bloody murder and we all had a good laugh on her account.

Tiff was running down a gravel road, trying to get away from Ashli, not sure why; fell and now has road rash down both arms. It will be a conversation piece for her Im quite sure.

The food was great, again. Lots to eat. Napped when it rained, that was wonderful. Terrible that I spent $1200 on a Latex Foam mattress hoping it would be the solution for my ever aching back, and only spent $23.00 on a blow up mattress and slept better on it! Go figure!

Enjoy the pics, we had a great time and maybe more family will be able to join us next year.

And here he is dancing with his Mommy!

Here is Brady "driving" the truck! He thinks he is hot stuff when the horn honks!

And now for Brady's current pics!

Here are a few of Bradys candid moments. We went camping this past weekend and he thoroughly enjoyed it. He loved sitting by the river throwing rocks in, one by one. One of his other favorites is to "drive" the truck. He loves trucks. When he would get fussy, we would ask him if he wanted to drive the truck and he would get excited and start walking towards it. He is getting so big and so are his temper tantrums! I got after him today and then felt like a mean Grandma! He is going to think I am a meanie! For dinner tonight we had Sloppy Joes, then Ice Cream cones. His face will show the mix.....doesn't it look like it was fun to clean? Couldn't resist putting the pic of Greg, Brady and Emma on this post. I hope you enjoy these pictures of our little cuties as much as we do. They are so fun and we are so blessed to be their grandparents!

My Little Sweethearts!

It has been so long since I have posted pictures of my little precious sweethearts. Time has flown by and they have changed so much. We are still awaiting the arrival of Terica and Travis's baby, any time now.

Here are some recent pics. Emma turned 3 months yesterday so I will start with her pics! I love her smile, it is so unique! As soon as you start talking to her she just grins from ear to ear! She is a very happy baby. Still trying her darndest to gain weight. She is very petite and oh so dainty! I think her knickname should be Miss Priss! Today when I was taking picture after picture, she patiently posed, yawned a few times, but kept right on smiling!

A better shade of yellow!

Okay, so last year when we painted the house it was a bit bright, to say the least. Lets see, I believe my girls put it this way....

Afton: Mom, please tell me that is just primer! (When I put the Pine Green on for the trim) She then said, "This looks like a Green Bay Packer Home"

Ashli and Terica - Our house looks like a "Happy Hippy House" with this shade of yellow.

Tiff - no comment

Greg - We could paint a happy face on one wall and just call it a happy home!

Okay, then I am sure there were those who didn't comment, but hated it nonetheless.

We left it on for a year, then, In January I purchased a newer shade of Yellow. With Sherries help (again) we came up with this color, which I must say, I REALLY LIKE! and this is final, not changing colors again.....this took forever...another lengthy project!