Julie is GREAT!!!

It is so nice to have Julie home. She is the best daughter a parent could ask for! When I look at her I can't even remember my other daughters names. If I look at her too long, I don't even remember I have other daughters! Who needs them when there is the culmination of joy and wonder in one perfect incarnation of beauty? You know, I can't think of the last time I was so elated. Wait, yes I can! It was when Julie came home for Thanksgiving break! When she grows up and gets married and has a family of her own, I hope she lives right here In Redlands so that I can spoil her children, and none of my other grandchildren. Have I mentioned that Julie is the BEST!!!

Cheers!

CTF

The clown is gone. The CTF clown is gone and they have replaced it with a story book. Kellie is having fun with rehearsals. Carlie is working hard and realizing that being a leader is sometimes harder then it looks.

Dad has had his first tithing settlement appointments and all seem to be going well. I have a new calling. I am the 2nd counselor in the YW. I am happy to be put in and support the President. She hasn't been getting much of that. I will miss teaching my Sunday School class. Sister Whiting is taking over. She is so great and so smart. The youth will be blessed to have her as their teacher.

This weekend is the Redlands Christmas parade. This activity will be the last marching band gig for the year for Kellie. Always a bitter sweet time. You are happy to have some extra time and sad to not see your good friends all the time. I think she is trying out for jazz band. Of course she will rock the house!!!

Carlie gets to be in the parade for CTF. She will have her clowns in tip top shape and I am sure they will be fun. CTF is the following weekend. Same weekend as the creche. So the next couple of weeks will be slow and boring as usual. :-)

News Update. Stacy Rendler had another baby last month. Michele and I are doing lunch tomorrow. She is a great kid.

Today was 'put up the Christmas decorations' day. It is always fun to take down the old and put up the new. Yea for Christmas!!!! I, of course, decorated with Donny singing to me in the background. Did any of you want a copy??

The tredmill action continues. It is "30" week. I am doing okay, but I may have next week be 30 week too. Just to make "35" week a little easier. Have I said, thank heaven for my Ipod. It makes the time just fly by.

Yippeeeeee for December!!!!

Bunches of Blessings

Today is Thanksgiving. All of our girls are home. Holly, Shelley and Julie came home from BYU. Rick and Caleb, my 2 favorite sons-in-law, are home too. Happy Thanksgiving to Paul and I. (I will post the thanksgiving pictures tomorrow.)

Julie taught me how to add pictures to my blog. So I thought I would add some pictures that we took at BYU in 2005. I love these pictures. It was such a beautiful day in Provo.

When the girls are together it is just like heaven. They love eachother and love being silly with eachother. Kellie is working on her booty pose.

Our son-in-law Rick was standing near while we were taking these pictures and he was bustin' up. This was before Rick and Shelley were married. I am glad after this picture taking time he was still willing to marry Shelley.

Each of these girls are such an inspiration to be. They are such an individual force, but when they are together they are amazing. I feel so blessed to know them and I feel humbled that Heavenly Father has trusted them to Paul and I. Happy Thanksgiving and yea for bunches of blessings.

Daniel Doria

Let's just say Mexico City South, Mexico and Daniel go together. He called us about 5 minutes after he opened his call. He is so excited. He doesn't leave until Feb. I bet they are giving his shoulder a little more time to heal after his surgery before he reports. He will be a charmer in Mexico City.

A side note. Adriana Doria had her baby a few weeks ago. So that makes 2 for her. She and her husband look so cute as a little family.

Serene is engaged to Rhonda Jolley's brother. There is no date yet.

Melissa Humphries was due last Sunday. She had a baby boy Tuesday and was at church for the entire block today. I totally want that woman on my Pioneer Trek team. You go girl!!!!

Hooray!!! for lots of happy news.

Islands and Tredmills

Daddy got an Island gift card about 3 years ago. We finally used it. We went to see Kellie in a band compition in MoVal and then went to Riverside to Islands. It was fun, but most of the fun is because daddy is so cute and it was delightful to spend time with him.

So last week I started running on the tredmill. I walk for 45 minutes with Aunt Janie during seminary. Then I run for 20 minutes on the tredmill. I am going to add 5 minutes each week until I hit 45 minutes. After that I will probably take to the streets and see how I do. I am having so much fun. The first couple of days I walked a little funny afterwards and wouldn't you know I had to work the floor those days too. Just remember, no pain, no gain. My final comment on this is....Yippee for ipods. It makes the running time fly.

I got released today from Sunday School. I don't have a new calling yet, but I will really miss the youth. It is a good thing I take most of them to school every seminary morning. The are all awesome.

So here's to Islands and Tredmills!

Scott Lee Walker

Today was Stake Conference. It is always great. Of course we heard some lawyer stories from President Haws. President Bascom just makes it sound so exciting to live the gospel. I did not know that he got his degree in world religions; He is teaching that now at Colton High School. Some of the ladies children at my work have taken his class and they have loved it.
Anyway, the man who teaches world religion at BYU is a convert. He was a Presbertarian preacher and wrote a book about the differences between his religion and the Mormon faith. While writing the book he was converted. He never finished that book, but gained a testimony from reading 'THE' book. The Book of Mormon is so great!!!! President Carlson is wonderful. He is such a great example of a what a Priesthood leader should be.

Speaking of priesthood in action...My cute brother was made a high priest today. He asked daddy to do the advancement. It was thrilling. Uncle Scott is such a good man. Daddy said he got shivers during the blessing. Very cool.

While we were there Daniel Doria was made an Elder. His call is coming this week, some time. Yes, I will let you all know. He is such a cutie. Another happy surprise is Scott Larson was made an Elder. He looks great.

There is no school tomorrow. Thank you to all the Veterans who have served our country so willingly. Kellie has a band compition. It was moved because of the fire days. I am excited to see Kellie do her thing. I will take pictures and maybe they'll show up on this blog.

RHS had it last game this weekend. It was fun seeing Kellie do the half time show. It was also great to see Micheal Lambert be a football star. Sadly, I missed seeing Carlie sing with Chambers.

Yea, for my cute brother!! Yea, for the truth, and what makes us really happy.

Sunday Treats

Papa & Sister Ochs spoke today in sacrament meeting. It is always great to see and hear them. The special music was Andrew Doria. I love his tenor voice. On top of all that excitement Russell, Sara and new baby Tyler came to hear the Ochs speak. They were also at the ward party last night. Do you want to know what baby Tyler looks like? Picture Papa Ochs...now you know. Same hair line and everything :-) Nancy Stubbs came to the trunk-or-treating. She said she didn't realized people got so fancy. So she will go really big next year. The car next to us had brains....but we had a skull with dancing flowers. (Thanks for sharing Julie) So yea!!!! for the Sunday treats...Papa Ochs, Baby Tyler, Andrew's song, family, my Sunday School class and on and on.

PS. Here's to feeling a little better too!

Service Rocks!!!

Today I got to serve 85 missionaries lunch. Afterwards they all sang as a thank you, Armies of Heleman. Then they quoted something by Joseph Smith. Picture me with a big goofy smile and tears running down my face. What a very awesome moment.

After being home an hour I got to go to a baptism and lead the music. Daddy got to do the baptizing.

The day has already been great. But oh yes, ther is more. Off to the ward party we go. To see all the cute little childrens. Who will have tears running down his face during the costume parade???

Throw in some house cleaning, Knotts scary farm for Kellie and friends and call it good.

Hip hip hooray for service day.

Bingo Wings

Some very fun costumers came into the store. We were having a great time visiting. They are from England. The gave me a new name for 'Relief Society Arms'. In England, at least in their neighborhood, they call them 'Bingo Wings', because the ladies that play bingo have the wiggly arms. From now on, I will refer to wiggly arms as Bingo Wings. It sounds way better if you say it with an English accent. Give it a try, it's fun.

We got invited to 2 parties tonight and went to neither. Very sad. I did take pumpkin cookies and gave hugs along with my 'sorry we can't come'. Jackie Hill showed me some really cool salad tongs that looked like skeleton hands. Her good buddy Sarah Hull gave them to her. So I am certain the Hill party is great and spooky!!

You can still taste smoke in the air. You couldn't really see any blue sky today. The sun rises and sun sets are kind of spooky and cool. With all the smoke it makes the sun super red with lines through it. I should try and take a picture with our new digital camera.

Yes, you heard right. We got a new camera. I will learn how to use it and hopefully start putting pictures on my blog. Any pictures of mine will pale in comparison to Sarah's. Aren't hers just too wonderful. I tear up with almost each picture. They are just too yummy.

In about 2 weeks you will be able to start talking about Harry Potter 6 and 7. Yes, I know I am a freak. Yes, I know the rest of the world finished 7 the day after it came out. With that said, I have started and it won't be long...give me about 2 weeks.

School's out for summer.......

Oh wait, that is the wrong song. School is actually out for 2 days. We are on official fire days. The church parking lot is all new and black. It reminds me of when you drive on fresh snow and yours are the only tracks. Well instead of snow is was ash. So kind of a cool sight during this very bad situation. Oh by the way, Carlie and Kellie are NOT sad school is out. Although Kellie did not get to have her concert tonight. So sad.

On my way home from work tonight I counted 10 planes in the sky. I got a bit of a sense of what war time would be like. It is very interesting to see these big planes and helicopters do a water drop and turn around to get more water. one of the models of planes can do a fill in 30 seconds. Amazing! They get the water from the nearest, safest water spot available. Some helicopters are getting their water from golf course ponds.

With the new found freedom Kellie is staying with some friends tonight. Carlie and dad are having fun at dad's school doing stuff. Who knows what fun tomorrow will bring. As long as none of us breath in too deeply.

Girls, could one of you send this site to Sarah? She was my inspiration (plus you girls of course) for doing a blog. Thanks, you guys rock!

Be safe, count your blessings and say lots of prayers for the almost million people who have been evacuated from their homes.

Fires are HOT!!

Just in case you haven't heard... Southern California is on fire. Redlands is not on fire but all around us is. It is not snowing snowflakes here, it is snowing burnt flakes. (I'm not sure what else to call them.) It isn't so bad that they have closed our schools like they did a few years ago when San Bernardino was on fire. I have a feeling we could get to that point. Our tempatures for the next 2 days is going to be between 90' to 100'. Add some Santa Ana winds and you have an amazing blaze that will cover a bunch of ground quickly. Luckily only 1 person has died, but many homes have been lost. I pray for all of the people who have been evacuated or have lost their homes.

Thank you girls for sending me those great photos. I think it will make my Pinecone Press homework spectacular. Even dad let me take a picture of him.

Kellie's marching band got 1st place in their competition last Saturday. She is loving the band thing and all the people. Carlie is having a great time in Chambers and can't wait to go to Chicago.

Love to all!

The Flapper survived Bus Surfin'

First off, welcome Jen to my blog. I just hope it doesn't lead to concerns like...How could Rick be related to this wacky lady?

I went as a Flapper on Saturday for the scrapbooking bus tour. I had the long beads, the feathers, some really hot, red, shiney lips, some shimy and shack to go along with the fringe, fancy stockings and cool (comfortable) shoes. I am super relieved that it came together well. The costume must have worked out okay, because when I was standing near the lunch place some guys whistled. How funny is that!!!

We had 48 ladies and 2 gentlemen. Every one was so fun and kind. They wanted to take pictures with me and the other hostess Shelly. (It is funny because Shelly only has daughters and one of the names is Carly) So it is funny thinking that I am in other people's scrapbook. The tour was from 8:30 AM to 6PM. It was fun shuffling up and down the bus isle to hand out prizes, play games, smooze and other fun stuff like that. I came home just a little tired. I guess I looked a bit tired the next day to teach my Sunday School class. The youth must not be used to being calm. It was so great being around such wonderful, happy people all day.

I am extra glad, today inparticular, that my family is still alive. Holly was hit from behind while driving near BYU today. She is well and the car faired well too. Shelley is alive too. When a gravel truck hits you, it's a pretty big deal. Paul was in an accident with Kellie and Julie in the van over the summer. So yea!!!! for having my family alive. I think we have had our fun with accidents lately. Funny thing is, these are the only accidents pretty much our whole marriage. So a reminder to all; buckle up and say your prayers every day. What a healthy combination.

Brent Walker's homecoming was yesterday. I think he got taller. He definitly is more outgoing. He is coming over to make Navajo tacos with us. Very exciting. He can't wait to go to BYU Idaho in April. He also wants to see all of his Chatfield cousins ASAP. So with your Thanksgiving comes a tall dose of Brent. Super fun. His talk was great.

Happy Monday

Out of the mouth of babes...

Kellie just called me a dork. Aw, the loving words of my youngest. She thinks when I tell her friends on the AIM, "you're cool like that, check ya later," that I am a dork. So all of you loving darlings, bring it on. What else am I called? By the way, Kellie is such a babe!

So it is homework time at our house. I am trying to help Carlie with her Anatomy. It is much like when I would quiz Holly on her French. I would totally slaughter the words, but Holly would still be able to spell it and tell me what it means. The bones in your head have such crazy names. And did you know that Biology and multicellular organization is actually very cool. So this science stuff rocks. If I don't end up being a doctor I think I could totally handle being on Grey's Anatomy!!! (Kellie doesn't get it...so if I can't be a doctor, I could totally play one since I know all these cool words and stuff.)

It has been so beautiful here today. It is so clear, the sky is so blue and you feel like you could reach out and touch the mountains. I love days like today. Because it was so beautiful I spent some time out in our garden. I picked some zucchini for dinner (sorry Julie, it was yummy) The pumpkin is starting to turn orange. The raspberries are enjoying the cooler weather and the tomatoes are starting to blossom again. So yea! for the little garden. I am going to plant some winter squash and radishes this week. Might as well keep something yummy growing in there all year.

FHE tonight will include brownies, reading the Book of Mormon, discussing General Conf. and if all the homework gets done, watching Heros.

Check ya later, cuz your cool like that...lovingly from the big dork.

A new lawn experience

Are you stuffed?

What a feast this weekend brought with General Conference. It is hard to say which of the talks was my favorite. Each of the talks were filled with the spirit of truth and beautiful testimony of our Savior. Through the weekend I was filled with such happiness knowing that all of my girls were hearing and being fed with the same spiritual feast.

Carlie and Kellie came into the living room and just hung out while conference was on. They made comments and asked questions. It has been a great weekend.

Something super great happened Saturday. I asked the girls who wanted to mow and who wanted to edge the lawn in between the conf. sessions. Carlie said she would do the edging and Kellie offered to mow. We got out there and before you know it the job was done. It was a beautiful day and it felt good to be outside. Kellie mowed the lawn like a pro. Carlie was doing a great job with the edging and then the blade fell off. I got the tools out, put the blade back on, and Carlie finished it up. I know this isn't as fun as the 'grass in the hair' story, but in so many ways it is a much better story.

So what should I be for Halloween? At work I am doing the bus tour again this Saturday. Any ideas are welcome. Just remember...I will be going up and down the isle of a bus.

Dad's new calling is hitting me in a different place recently. All the Bishop's wives interview with the Stake President once a year. I go for my interview this Wednesday. I am looking forward to meeting with President Carlson to talk about this feeling. On a lighter note, I got some advice from President Haws..."Sister Chatfield, remember you are not the one doing the interviewing." President Haws is a great man with a great testimony, and one who cracks me up...often.

Kellie and I went on a little walk tonight and we were looking at the stars. What an amazing world we are part of. I feel like my blessings are like the stars, too many to count.

Strong emotional muscles-------

It is so true that I just wrote a great message. But it got swllowed into cybre space. I will try again tomorrow. My eyes just won't stay open anymore.

Hugs and Kisses

Strong emotional muscles-------

With all the great things that happen to us a few yucky things happen. We are reminded that these things are good for us and they make us stronger. So here is to stronger emotional muscles!

Let's focus on the great things in life;

*Band World - I went to my first band boosters meeting. It was pretty fun. I also participated in my first band recycle drive. I took a couple of routes. One house was up on the hill. The house has a really long driveway. I got out of the car and started looking for a stack of newspapers. Didn't find one and then an older gentleman came out of the house. What a delightful treat. He greeted me like a gentleman. He told me he served in the war for 40 years. He told me he was 83. I admired his view from his backyard. He got a big smile and said he loved it too. Then he asked if I could call him and remind him I was coming because he can't remember things. He showed me his phone and said the number should be on "that" thing. We talked about a bunch of other stuff. Then his wife came out. She told me he had damensia (sp). She followed with, "he's a good man." It was such a sweet moment. I didn't know picking up papers could bring such joy to me.

Choir World - I went to the choir booster meeting. It wasn't as fun, but I got to see Holly in a picture on the wall. That was fun. I also saw pictures of "he who cannot be named" :-) I am excited that Carlie gets to go to Chicago in the spring. It is fun to hear Carlie be excited about this new part of her world. She is making new friends and learning new songs to sing.

Work World - I have been chosen to host the Halloween bus tour next month. What should I be for Halloween. I suggested to the other gal who is hosting with me that we be can-can girls. That didn't work. Do you all have any suggestions. She and I should be themed. Just remember, going as a scrapbooker is out, that is what all the other people will be wearing. By the way, if I am going to work this job is perfect. Great hours, great people, great discounts, great desk....there are lots of greats about it.

Weather update - It was absolutley stunning today. The high was in the low 70's. The clouds were big and puffy. You could see the pine trees on the mountains. One could not have dialed up a more perfect day. Today was so much different then a couple of weeks ago...triple digit weather is not all that stunning.

New Calling - My bishop gave the okay for me to get a new calling. I am the music specialist for the creche' this year. What does that mean. I'll fill you in...9 hours of special music. I t will be fun to work with some of the stake people again. So I have a week...ready, set, go!

Daddy has been bishop now for 4 weeks. He is doing a great job, please keep him in your prayers.

Blessings - This one is easy. Paul, Holly, Shelley, Julie, Carlie, Kellie, Rick and Caleb. These blessings are the real riches.

So a warm hello to all and a Happy "hello to all the beautifully colored leaves time!!"

Company Meeting

It seems that as long as Kellie can remember she as wanted to go to the RHS Drama Co. meeting. Tonight she finally got to go. Yes it was thrilling, but waking up at 5AM for seminary makes the lingering part of the gathering not so inticing.

Carlie is exciting for auditions to start for CTF. She is also looking forward to her Chamber Singers retreat this weekend. I believe by Christmas she will longingly look back at the beautiful times when she used to be bored. What is better...being bored or exhausted? I personally think they both serve a great purpose.

Have you seen the cute new Disney stuff from EK? I checked in a bunch of embellishments and papers today. Talk about work being fun...I had a blast today.

Bravo to all of my student children. You work so hard, not always enjoying the work, yet doing it. You are all such great examples to me. I admire you and pray for your success everyday.

What does tomorrow hold? RHS Open House. Dad isn't able to go, so I will do my best to hit the really important classes. I get so goofy and shy during this night.

Final thought; Daddy is getting a Boy Scout shirt and going on the campouts with the YM.
That is so very cool.

Adios

White Puffy Clouds

So how was my drive back to Redlands? It was full of white puffy clouds, great music and wonderful thoughts of my children. (The boys and the girls.) 9 hours is a bunch of time when your by yourself to think.

Here is some of the stuff I was thinkin' ;
How excited I was to see my very cute husband.
Why is it sometimes when you are trying to be helpful, it comes across as being pushy? And...how do you find that tiny line that divides the two?
I love white puffy clouds. I believe they are a gift from Heavenly Father.
Why are daddy and I so blessed to have such amazing, talented, smart, beautiful........daughters?
I love the temple. I'm glad I got to go with Shelley and Rick. And that Julie got to do baptisms.
How great the music is that my children provided. Thanks Julie for introducing me to Amos.
How great my sons-in-law are and how perfect they are for their wives.
I need to play more racquetball so I can give Phil a better game in April, in cooler weather.
That it is great and strange at the same time that I have 3 adult daughters and how proud I am that they are living responsible adult lives.
Oops...watch the speedometer, 90 is not a good speed.
How much I love my husband.
I love great big rain drops and I love driving in the rain.
I loved that I got to spend time in Utah, but I love coming home.

So it may be a little goofy, but I spent the whole trip feeling very grateful and full of love, and trying not to drive too fast.

PS: I have enjoyed the addition to my blog. Keep it up, humor helps us all stay young and I love to laugh.

Julie Out, Caleb In!

Due to some rather unfortunate events surrounding a very terrible self-tanning accident, Julie has fallen out of my favor and my son-in-law Caleb has taken her place as the most miraculous child ever.

I don't know if Julie will ever be able to recover from this horrific lapse of judgment in her life, but perhaps, I have always been known as a forgiving person. ;)

Julie is the Coolest

Julie is the best child I have, way better than Holly and Shelley combined!!! I should just get her the ponies she deserves. Once, I heard a story about Julie saving a baby from a burning building. And you know what... I believe her. Pretty much, she is way more awesome than you. Done. Cheers!

Laughing

Hello...sometimes laughing just happens. Even if you don't want to. Unfortunately, I laughed at the wrong time and it almost caused Shelley to lose her life. One of the girls was asked to do something and got really upset. It shouldn't have been funny, but...


Kellie gave a great talk today about honoring your father and mother. She looked so beautiful. She also had the cute shirt that Judith gave her for her b-day. Today was the first day people saw Kellie with her new braces. So in the words of Jennifer, "she is such a babe!"


Julie and Kirk sang in church today. It sounded so beautiful. Which is great, especially becuase Julie's throat was so yucky last week. Kirk looked so fancy and his parents were supportive and came to hear the pretty music. That is really great especially since Kirk's mom thinks Julie has cooties.

Having all the girls home is just like heaven, so today was very heavenly.

Here's to long lashes and smiles....ZOTZ

Boom Shadow

I'm so excited Boom Shadow entered me into the exciting world of blogging! Tomorrow's the first day of school. We're going to go the the glass house in Redlands. Happy Tuesday. That's all. hahahahahahahaha.

I'm posting

This is the first post I am writing.