Percentage test, this is only a test....

Whew - I feel better after posting that last post. But I'm back now - back to somewhat normal (tee hee - most of you know I'm never normal) 75% of my children are out of the state today. (Matt and Bethany and the Pants are en-route, Ashley is in Georgia with Mike on base (and apparently their temorary workbench works nicely) and Ryan is awaiting transfers on his mission on Monday) (Mandy and Ryan will be having spare ribs and "Corn on the Bob" on Sunday with us!!) Del laughed because only having 4 children makes that an easy call for this old blond - but then he asked me - adding on our in-law children and your grandchild - now what is the percentage? After much consideration, I reminded him that knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that.....

I own 50% of everything he owns

He didn't ask me for any more numbers. Today I FINALLY got to go see Harry Pothead. I enjoyed the 3D IMAX version, while after having surgery 2 days ago - Del enjoyed the 3D Painkiller version. (Wait - do I own 50% of those pills?) We can't be left alone - WAIT - we aren't going to be alone! GUESS WHO'S COMING TO TOWN? You only get one big cute clue - there is definatly a 50% Hillary gene in him - thus the power tool. Never the less - it's time to get some serious slimy kisses and sticky hugs.

That makes me 100% happy.

Just my luck - he'll want to play with my Care Bears....

Care Bears must die....

Trying really hard to not be grumpy today. You know - how mom's always have to have that stupid happy disposition about them - scattering sunshine and bliss - always having the right answers and making the world a better place 24/7. Then this thing rang way too early today, after a long sleepless night of worry and stupidness. Previously on Sunday - taught a lesson that was totally off the wall stupid and I always relive all of the words that actually came out of my mouth. Long 10 1/2 hour day - of plastic smiles and politics. And to think it's only Monday. Kali M started a song on facebook and it's stuck in my head...... 'Just another Manic Monday - that's my fun day, my I don't want to run day" ..... have no idea if those are the real words or not - but I'm singing them in my head.... like on 27 Dresses when they are singing Benny and the Jets in the bar after wrecking the car.... THEN to top it off - and to finish off this excentric blog for the day - I really really really really hate Care Bears.... and all of their stupid names that I can't remember but I think I have a couple in the basement. Hopefully the mice found them. Have a great day. (Oh - I don't like Obama either - and tomatoes - I hate them too) (I like cupcakes though)

They walked and walked and walked...

On this day, I wanted to honor my Pioneer Heros.

Perched up on the sunny side of Salt Lake Cemetery are the sandstone headstones of the original pioneers that came into the valley from my mom's side of the family. I spend a lot of time in this place, and today was no exception as I wanted to honor them. On Christmas Eve I put beautiful candles in front of them - the light is eerie and it twinkles in the snow. I never want them to think they are alone. The tall red one with the bunting around it is Alexandar Hill - a decorated Scottish Naval Officer - thus the anchor on the west side of his headstone. Next to him, also bearing the Utah Pioneer Insignia, (on the left) is his wife Elizabeth Curry Hill, we lost her original headstone many years ago. To the right of Alexander is his son Archibald Hill (white headstone). Archibald was the not only the one of the first pioneers into the SL valley, but also the first Scottish Pioneer to enter the valley. The two in front are also children. The tallest black one is located behind and to the right, next to the tree. Archibald and his brother Alexander Bryce (buried in Wellsville, Utah) were part of the handcart company that returned to Nauvoo, IL. and brought back into the SL valley the remaining members of the 1st Presidency of the Mormon Church in their own personal handcarts. The brothers went on to settle in the Cache Valley and originally founded Mendon, Utah. They they returned to bring back their parents from Illinois. Alexander Hill is someone that I hope to meet someday - and to hear that Scottish brogue. On August 1st he would have been 230 years old! So with a few decorations, a lot of love, and total respect - I give you my 'Blessed, Honored Pioneers' on this, the 24th of July 2009. There's one for the story books Andy.

Things that make you go.... hummm....

Kinda makes you wonder which child I did drugs during pregnancy doesn't it? Gotta love our Mandy.... she gets the memo a tad late - but eventually she gets it. I love you Beep! and Lee Lee! (FYI - mom - I never took drugs during any pregnancy, but I am currently heavily medicated.... tee hee)

Gorsh yer Grandma's old...

I love that my daughter in law gives us updates on our grandson living far away. As I was looking at (and in total awe at this amazing and beautiful child)(and mom)(and dad) that I too, can relate to his growth, so I shall post MY almost 50 growth patterns along with a few of his. (uncensored)

1. Drinks from straws. Drinks from a cup (with help to hold it right) without coughing and sputtering as if he's inhaled the entire cup.
1a. I just drink a lot of coke, and I cough and sputter as I inhale the entire thing while holding it with both hands while driving a car.

2. Throws dice and squats down to look at them, then laughs.
2a. Not allowed to throw any dice in Vegas, can't squat anymore, but I still laugh.

3. Loves to watch himself in the mirror.
3a. Avoid all mirrors.

4. Shakes his head "no" when he is about to do something naughty (such as touching the stove controls or climbing into the dishwasher).
4a. Always shaking my head "no". Always doing something naughty. Never like touching the stove controls anymore, ok, so I still climb in the dishwasher now and then.

5. Enjoys cartoons on tv (for about 2 minutes).
5a. Work with a couple of cartoon characters.

6. Folds his arms independently when he sees others doing it, sees us coming to the table with food, or hears us say "Say prayers."
6a. Fold my arms reverently and still to this day during Sunday dinner prayers look up and see Mandy and Ashley pulling faces at each other and we all start cracking up - including whomever is saying the prayer... Obituary reads: Entire family dies laughing...

7. Uses his binkie only when in the crib. He knows that he must spit it out as soon as we get him out of the crib, and he taps on it with his hand as if to ask "Do I really have to this time?" As soon as we say "Binkie out" he turns his head away and snuggles into our shoulder in a futile attempt to hide himself and the binkie.
7a. I want a binkie.

8. Points to objects of interest nonstop.
8a. Points to objects of interest on my aging body and realize that they are not where they used to be.

9. Goes up and down stairs by walking when a handrail is available.
9a. Going to need a walker soon if I keep crashing on my bike. (Or I need a bike with a handrail...)(still waiting for a lickstand for my bike..)(yes, I said lickstand)

10. Successfully stayed through 4 hours of church and choir with minimal wiggling (but only once).
10a. You got me on this one AndyPants - If I don't have a package of M&M's in my scripture bag and a Pepsi on ice in a cooler in the car - I can't make it through any meetings. I wiggle all the time...

11. Had his first (temporary) tattoo.
11a. Lucky you, I had to take my second piercing out because of the 'Follow the Prophet' song.

12. Loves to push rolling suitcases around.
12a. ME TOO! As long as there is a plane ticket to ANYWHERE attached to it!

13. Has all teeth pretty much settled in except 2-year-molars.
13a. Had mine in braces just under 10 years ago - I'm waiting for my 50 year molars, I think they're called dentures!

14. Gets down from the high chair independently when it is on a lower level.
14a. I fall on the stool at the counter (independently)(usually because I've fallen asleep)

15. Has become a picky eater! Likes and dislikes vary from day to day. Some days he loves noodles and other days he spits them out; some days string cheese is all he wants, and other days he chews on it for a minute before spitting it out.
15a. I like all food - but I will spit out those cursed tomatoes any day - unless it's salsa, spaghetti sauce or ketchup...

16. Talks all day long. Sometimes I have no clue what he's saying, and he may not even know--he seems to like the sound of his (often very loud) voice. He has very realistic adult prosody, but just a few real words. Here are the words I can think of that he is consistent with:

1. all done (da da)
2. binkie (di di or da da)
3. boo
4. book (buh)
5. cheese (tees)
6. cuckoo (clear consonants now)
7. daddy (or sometimes dada)
8. food (hoo? hoo?)
9. go
10. hi/bye (ai! + wave)
11. hot
12. milk (muh)
13. mommy (or sometimes mama)
14. more (mo + sign)
15. no
16. shoe (sue)
17. woah
18. woof (oof; refers to any animal heard or seen in real life, in pictures, or on tv)

16a. Words I have mastered:
1. It was HOW MUCH?
2. It's due WHEN?
3. HOW many calories?
4. You're going to be HOW LATE?
5. Why is the RUM ALWAYS GONE? (and I don't even drink!)
6. "no, mommy, milk and woah" - got them down....
7. HUH?
8. Zup?
9. Rod Works?
10. I'll have a large Coke please...
11. I'm HOW OLD?
12. Love saying "Oh Daddy" but not in the same way...

I do need to add one that you cannot say yet - when I ride 100 miles with Ashley for a biking event I like to yell randomly, "Sheebalba (at the cows), Look it's Jaffar!, Are we there YET?, and the famous WHO'S IDEA WAS THIS ANYWAY?"

Andy - glad we're both growing up together - this is now official documentation that your Nanna Hillary is crazy - and old, and to that I say..... WOOF!

I love you little guy - keep up the great work!

200 DAYS! (But who's counting - I AM! der der der der)

Here's the crew - President Walker and Sister Walker in the middle. Wait - Oh My! Look at those two handsome men in the back... The 4th one over - YEEAAH! Elder Hillary, the 5th one over - YEEAAAH! Elder Carter.

For P-day they went to the zoo... if Mandy was there she would have done this too! They are in the Prairie Dog run - the Elder in the back is his Zone Leader. I love this picture because Ryan is happy, and that makes the momma happy.

Don't run out of blinker fluid! They also have a little white truck
they drive it most of the time actually.

Ok, if you're cute and yer momma loves ya - stand up.

Something about being all dressed in white... love these days...

This is the sweet lady that feeds the missionaries. She calls them all 'her babies'. She can cook up food for a dozen missionaries, on next to nothing - bless the women that take care of all of our babies... In Horizon City, the sweetest sister named Lucy feeds them and watches over them. (Thank you so much!)

Enchiladas from Heck... I'll keep it clean. Ryan said they were all crying after they ate these, the sweet sister said - 'Oh No Holy Cow I used the hot peppers! I'm so sorry my babies!' None of them complained - they were too busy crying...

Yep - that's our border patrol... and our border.... and yep - there's someone running for it....

Well, it's a milestone - and we're pretty darn proud of the kid. Ryan - currently Elder Hillary has been out 200 days as of today - July 18th. It's been a rough and rocky start with all of the challenges the Lord has allowed him to experience, surgery, reassignment, (total idiot 2nd companion) and the wonderful heat of Texas - I would certainly say that he's racked up some great stories for his grandkids someday! Haven't updated on Ryan for a bit so indulge me on showing some pictures... and chatting a bit - I mean - you actually clicked on MY blogsite - so you are now subject to some gag me with a spoon Momma loves her son talk. Ryan is currently serving in the Arizona Tucson Mission, his Mission President is President Walker from Taylorsville Utah. We have a lot of trust in his President, and believe him to be a kind and diligent servant of the Lord. The mission extends from Tucson, Arizona, through New Mexico and on into El Paso,Texas where Ryan has spent most of his time since he arrived with his reassignment. (We needed to keep him this side of the border because of his recent surgery on his lung) It is a total Spanish speaking mission which covers the many miles of the US and Mexico borders. His mission he was called to is one block to the south in Chihuahua Mexico - actually right outside his apartment window - where most of the missionaries in his original zone from the MTC have been relocated into Juarez because of violence and drug lords taking over small towns. Ryan has served in El Paso with Elder Fryhoff from Missouri, and Elder Idiot (you know - it's not even worth mentioning his name) from Massachusetts (where he should be sent back to because he needs to be taught how to actually be a missionary)(just use your imagination, times it by 10 - ya - some of you missionaries have had 'that kind of companion' right?) Currently he's serving in Horizon City, Texas and has been sent an amazing companion to serve with - Elder Carter from Logan, Utah. He's 6'5", Ryan is 6'2", Elder Carter is dark hair, Ryan is a blond - they look like giant salt and pepper shakers walking down the road in their pictures... Elder Carter is a gentle giant, and has renewed Ryan's hope of actually serving a mission. Something totally lacking in the 2nd companion. (Kinda verbal about that one aren't I - call me and we'll talk...) Ryan's letters as of late have been amazing, spiritual, mature, and determined to serve the Lord. He comments regularly about the kindness shown him by the people there - thank you everyone!! Right as it should be. Our family has truly been blessed because of his service. Do I sometimes go into his room and cry my eyes out? Aw come on, I'm not that bad.... I'm worse! I still set him a place at the table and catch myself and then fall apart! But - never have I EVER been more proud of him. He has stood up to the storms of life (and believe me it has been violent thunder and lightening storms it seems like) and has kept standing - his spirit is humble, and meek, yet he stands with a strong testimony of the truth of what he is doing. He loves the people, and the place he is serving. It's a beautiful thing when you see your son SACRIFICE all to do that which he is asked to do. No hesitation - or backing out. Ryan commented in a letter last week, "Elder Packard said to the missionaries in the MTC, If you don't find it serving a mission - you'll NEVER find it" Ryan - you get it. Your brother Matt got it, and so did your brother's-in-law, Mike and Ryan. You make us all proud - but mostly you have not failed your Heavenly Father, or your Savior, who gave it all for all of us. (See I can kinda be spiritual) Never the less - the next 200 will be fun to watch, and learn and continue to pray for. All our love comin' Texas way Ryan! Let's send you all out with a spiritual note.... (no this isn't Ryan but you can hear him chattering in the background as he video's this... Congrats Ryan - whew hew 200! (I sent him 200 Tootsie Pop Pops...)(where can I find 300 of something?)(ah - 300 BYU cute girl addresses, send em my way!)

Job Listings: HA HA HA HA HA ya right....

I've been trying very hard to somehow appreciate my job - because let's face it - it's not like there's a whole bunch of them out there right? It is a daily chore of numbers, pressure, statistics and politics - and I only work retail! So I remember the last time I tried to tell them about that bear in the forest (you know the one..) - and I finally found just the right illustration to define what they said to me.... enjoy.... it's almost Friday and I'm going to see the Pothead Boovie tomorrow night... please pass the (giant sized buttered)tub of popcorn...

Eric Honor's Dad

My brother Eric did a wonderful write up about our dad. I appreciated Eric's sweet words about him and for all of the hard work he puts into taking care of mom and dad. The four of us have seen many things in our lives - mostly we've seen that love will get you through anything. I love you mom and dad and Eric - Happy Birthday Daddy! (I didn't know if my kids knew some of this stuff so here's one for the scrapbooks - and to share with his great-great-great grandkids someday ok?)

Fred Bowen’s 80^th

Freddie has turned 80 years old!!! Congratulations!!! Frederick David Bowen was born in Logan, Utah on July 10^th, 1929 to his parents William Clair and Elsie Hunter Bowen. He was the second child of six.

His early life was spent in River Heights where he talked of many fond memories. He mentioned often about how he would go down to the hollow and catch frogs and enjoy a great plate of frog legs for dinner. Later the family moved to Mendon where they ran a farm and acreage. It was there that he was taught the lifelong skill of hard work… Fred’s trademark.

He graduated from South Cache High School in 1947 and on June 28, 1948 he married his high school sweetheart, June Murray Hill from Wellsville in the Logan LDS Temple. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2008.

Fred became a U. S. Marine while he and June were working on a ranch in White Hall, Montana and from 1948 – 1952 he lived in Oceanside, California (Camp Pendleton) and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He served as a supply clerk and earned the rank of Lance Corporal, while learning the value of discipline and serving. After the Marine Corp, Fred and June settled in Mendon, Utah where they started their family and lived their vocations and dreams.

During the next several decades, Fred was involved in ranching at Spring Creek Ranch, road construction for Jack B. Parson, and he retired from the USDA Poisonous Plant Research as a small animal technician. He cherishes the friendships and working partnerships with those he was involved with there and thoroughly enjoyed working with animals and plant collection trips.

During his working years and after retirement, Fred enjoyed many things… raising animals (sheep, rabbits, turkeys, and even those damned homing pigeons that he took to Denver, Colorado and never saw them again… they sure didn’t return!), gardening, where he always had the perfect garden, yard, and crops. He has the green thumb and many people were quick to seek and follow his advice. He also enjoyed the outdoors and loved camping, hunting, and snowmobiling and doing things with the “gang”.

Together, Freddie and Junie had two children: son, Eric David Bowen of Mendon, and daughter, Nicole Bowen Hillary of Sandy. Through marriage, they also proudly picked up a couple of bonuses in a daughter-in-law, Terri Bowen, and a son-in-law, Del Hillary.

He is very proud of his children but even more proud of her nine grandchildren: Elizabeth “Betsy” (David) Bradshaw, Brandon, Heidi, Katie, and Erin Bowen and Matthew (Bethany), Ashley (Mike) Doxstader, Mandy (Ryan) Merriman, and Ryan Hillary on the Hillary side. Fred is also a great grandfather of his “almost” three great-grandchildren … Charlie Bradshaw, Andrew Hillary and whatever his or her name is in November.

Early memories of the grandchildren were Grampa’s continual threat to “thump ‘em” if they didn’t toe the line… They never really knew what it meant but they respected him, although they never got “thumped” through all the years.

Things turned south for Fred in May 2000, when he contracted Transverse Myelitis that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Life has been quite a bit different at the Bowen home since then. He was cared for at home by his loyal wife for the first five years after which it became necessary to move him into the Sunshine Terrace, where he continues to be a resident there. June, his wife, is an inspiration to all of us as she frequents him with visits, dances and weekly church service.

Due to Fred’s condition, there will not be a formal party for friends and neighbors although there was a small family party held in his honor on his birthday.

Fred can have visitors if they want wish him a happy birthday, although his communication skills are somewhat diminished. Please check with the nurses first.

Happy 80^th birthday, Dad / Grampa / Great Grampa! You are our inspiration and strength! We all love you!

WELCOME CARTERS!

Look at you - you found our blog! It was wonderful to speak to you today - I hope you know that from now on - your son will become half Hillary - and at 6'5" you could give me at least half and you could still have a full grown human child! Thanks for taking my call I believe I just needed to hear your voice - thanks for letting me ramble, it comforted my soul (you may check off 'good deed of the day for someone' ok?) Please visit our blogs often - (my cute family is listed at the side) - but please also excuse us for our 'human antics' we are borderline crazy (well except Mandy - she's right over the edge) (Oh and Ashley - she's defining a new edge) (And Matt - he's hacking into the edge) (Elder Hillary is on borderline crazy sabbatical leave) (basically, I'm the only one that's on this side of the borderline of crazy and yet after visiting with my 80 year old parents, I think I might just jump OVER the line) (Why do I keep writing like this?). By the way - I am Bob - my kids call me that - please don't let that scare you away. Today - I just wanted to say out loud - Elder Hillary is exactly where he should be - with exactly who he should be serving with, and that makes the momma happy. .... and we love your's too... Everyone add extra prayers for Elder Carter!! Thanks for raising an amazing son to serve the Lord!!!!

Missing Part 2

Has anyone seen Michaels body?
Um... it's missing
Ohhhh Linnnnnndsayyyyy
we've got an empty
casket - and you won't even
have to steal it!

Missing

The person that usually posts here - inventory at work week - argh. Soon to return and boggle your blogging mind - ok - those are pretty high and lofty goals. Since I only have a few minutes before they drag me down to H E double toothpicks I will leave my thoughts - randomly - and in no particular order...

Michael Jackson - was buried without his brain. He lived the last part of his life without it too.

Lindsay Lohan - you're next please.

It's hot.

I miss my Missionary Man - he's growing hair on his chest with every adventure. Lately, there's been a few. But don't worry - the lightening is searing it off at every chance it can.

I'm declaring a public ban on Fast and Testimony Meetings - it's not a public forum to assassinate your child in public or justify why you don't do something - pleazzze people - yikes.

It's hot.

I have not even downloaded my pictures from the 4th of July - and my kids have already posted their pictures from the 24th of July and it's only the 7th of July.

My dad will be 80 on the 10th - that's a heck of a long time to live - I love that the only words he can say are swear words and we have to give him gum to keep him quiet. I love my dad.

I love my grandson.

I love my kids.

I love my in law kids.

I love my new workbench - so does dad.

My kids have been banned from using the workbench.

Mandy's short hair is cute.

Bethany's eyelashes are 'big' - I say they are long, but little kids call them big.

Mike is now hairless ):

Matt laughs like Uncle Stan hee hee hee hee

Karin and Keith ROCK and I love em.

Ryan M is a Brats Man with hot mustard - and he loves that Manda girl

Ashley's blog pictures are amazing - you are hotata.com

I need chips and salsa

I'm bad, I'm bad, cha know it....
I'm looking at the man in the mirror (even though I'm a girl)
Billy Jean is not my lover
It's going to be a Thriller night....

I hate whacking apple tree branches because the neighbors dogs eat them and throw up - I could throw pictures of Lindsay Lohan over the fence - that's something to make you throw up!

I love dead mice laying next to the slightly nibbled cheese, and a bloody trap, fatigue, fatigue, fatigue.......

I need to get on the Harley and eat some bugs

I like traffic lights, only when they're green

Schloppy Joes for dinner tomorrow

I hate when I really don't have a good blog to post and I have to use a substitution - it's like not having real butter on popcorn, or something like that, shiny bright lights, oh look a kitty.

Harry Pothead 17th

Scheorry... cya

Blog picture - to be inserted here - wait, I don't have one. Wait I do....

Yep - you're next