MURPHY'S LAW

Dave's Visit

2011-09-20T22:30:00.002-06:00

Dave (Joel's brother from California) came to town for a visit. His daughter Audrey had a new baby boy named Nox, who was born premature and he came to help with the grandkids. We meet at the Orem Park for a dinner and get together. We are always so glad to see him whenever!!!!!!

Jenny, Dave, Stacey, and Ashleigh

Jayda, Sailor, Phil

Halee, Phil ,Dave

JENNY AND THE DIRTY DASH

2011-09-20T22:03:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday our daughter Jenny and her neighborhood friends ran The Dirty Dash at Soldier Hollow. What an event to watch. Participants were dressed in all kind of crazy outfits for the occasion. What a great spectator sport for all to watch. Granddaughters Chloee and Olivia did the mud part just for fun. Here is some of the fun:

REMEMBERING 9/11

2011-09-20T21:33:00.000-06:00

This Sunday Natalie, Joel, Jayda and I went to the Sandy City Healing Fields to view the flags and the new statue. The magnitude of the thousands of flags representing the dead is overwhelming to say the very least. The Wimmers came up later and we got to see them touring the flags. Here are some pictures and memories of that day of remembrance.

What I have been doing.....................

2011-08-27T13:25:00.000-06:00

I know, I have not blogged for a long time. I WAS a phone agent for Provo Craft and their infomercial. That job was hell and it finally got to me and everyone on our team. The customers were terrible, mean and we were sworn at everyday and the the things that were said to us was unbelievable. Many times some of us were in tears, etc. PC got rid of their infomercials, so our team was dissolved. THANK GOODNESS. I was on the the verge of quitting, it was so unbearable. Things are looking up and I am on another team, APPLE computers. I process rebates for Back to School and other rebates that they offer. I sit at a desk and listen to music, eat and eat some more. LIfe is great. I can get up in the morning and can actually face the day and work.

If you ever thought that women that craft don't have potty mouths, you can think again. They do and they can be foul. I don't want to hear the word "infomercial" again.

Another Crazy day at work

2011-03-25T17:15:00.002-06:00

Ok, here is another strange phone call at work. This lady was calling about a product that was shipped to her that she wanted to return. Well, she can't do that because she has had the machine for over a year now. She has not been charged on her credit card but she has a negative report on her credit. The conversation went like this: I am (so and so) and I can a born again Christian and I have the Holy Ghost I am a minister and I am blessed there are families that have good people and there are families that have bad people and my family has good people and I pray to the Lord that none of my family would do something to someone else that has been done to me I called and ordered this machine and I told the ordering girl not to send the order through unless I called her back and I called back and found out that the ordering girl pushed my order through and now I have this problem but you see the machine was delivered when I was not home and I did not see it for months and then one day when I was outside with the neighbors we found this box in the bushes and that box had my name on it and it was the machine that I had told the ordering girl not to order and now I want to remind you that I am true and I do not lie and the water tank broke in my apartment and the water went everywhere and right now I am living with my wonderful sister who took me in and the other people in the building do not have anywhere to go and they are hurting and the fireman said that the water heater was too heavy for the floor and that it had too much water and he could see how this whole thing happened and also I have a broken foot right now and I want to be in my home but it is flooded and this ordering girl gave me her word that she would not turn this order in and now I am in this flood mess and I have had problems before because I was in the earthquake in Los Angeles in 1993 and that was terrifying and the Lord will straighten this out because I should not have to pay for something that I do not want and this should be a mercy bill because the ordering girl did not keep her word but the Lord will deal with her and the people in her company will take the heat for that one and I am one of a kind and I will not cover for her and I have two storage sheds and I need more for all the stuff that was damaged in the flood and I am insured with Allstate and that ordering people should know that I don't keep stuff that is not mine and this machine is not mine because I have not paid for it and the Lord deals in rhythm and he will deal with this problem ( I still have not said a word because I can't --she is still talking away and the phone call has been going on for 15 minutes now) and by the way: "Are you Christian?" and I said "Yes, I am a Mormon girl in Utah" and she said "Oh you are not a Christian though and you should know that and you don't celebrate Lent but I will see you when the Lord comes again and I will see you in the Rapture...................... I guess she was tired because she told me to have a blessed day and hung up. Just like that. Never did get her name. Never did figure out what she really was calling for.

LENT

2011-03-08T17:40:00.001-07:00

Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Lent begins on 9 March 2011 and ends on 23 April 2011, which is the day before Easter. Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Because Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, we skip over Sundays when we calculate the length of Lent. Therefore, in the Western Church, Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter.

Lent in 2011 will start on Wednesday, the 9th of March and will continue for 46 days until Saturday, the 23rd of April. It starts the day after Marti Gras.

I have a Mormon friend who observes Lent. She gives up something she really, really loves, or has a nasty craving for. Chocolate, sugar, swearing, whatever.

We were talking about observing Lent at work. I think I might observe it this year, and give up something that I really, really love, that is bad for me:

No cheating, no sneaking, just give it and be truthful about it. Tell me what you think.

GETTING SERIOUS PART 2

2011-03-03T16:47:00.001-07:00

Ya know, sometimes I really can't spell or pronounce people's name when they call in for customer support. For some reason, they think I should be able to spell their names right off the top of my head. Here are some examples of some of the names I should be able to spell and pronounce correctly:

Nyshonn
Juvonya
Jonetia
Lashon
Chaquita--like the banana??????????? Really.
Kiwana
Tamkea
Towanda

But this is the best one ever:

Minnie Tittsworth.

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentines Day to all

IS IT JUST ME? OR IS IT CRAZY OUT THERE?

2011-01-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that things aren’t as civil as they once were? Or that rudeness is no longer an exception but a lifestyle? Sure you have. All you need to do is set foot outside your door to see that bad manners are taking over everywhere. People are yakking on cell phones in restaurants, even at church. Folks in carpools wear enough cologne to make our eyes bleed. Complete strangers think it’s OK to rub a pregnant lady’s belly. Passengers abuse flight attendants, family outings to the ball park are ruined by rowdy drunks . . . a congressman heckled the President of the United States.

So goes the comments from Whoopi Goldberg's new book about manners. Joel gave me the book for Christmas, it looked like a great short read. She leaves nothing to the imagination. She tells it like it is.

Just because I attend the same meeting house as you, and we shop at the same stores, and hang with the same people does not mean that my opinions matches yours. Actually I am entitled to my own opinion, which is my opinion and no one elses. Don't assume that I think like you. I may not agree with you, but I think you have a right to your own opinion. There are some people who think that I do not deserve to have an opinion unless it is the opinion of the "majority". After reading this book, I now think I can have my own opinion whether someone likes it or not. Just because you worship the ground Glenn Beck walks on, don't try and make me love him too. It will not happen. And guess what? He is not the voice for the LDS Church.

PROVO TABERNACLE BURNS TO THE GROUND

2010-12-17T15:31:00.001-07:00

Joel drove me down to see what was going on with the Provo Tabernacle that was reported to be on fire. These are a few of the pictures that I took of this sad scene. What a sad, sad day for everyone. I grew up in Provo and this building is part of my life. I went to numerous Stake Conference meetings in this building, along with Seminary Graduation. Joel's dad Joseph sang with the Ralph Woodward Chorale, and every year at Christmas time the group sang "The Messiah" in the Tabernacle. People were taking pictures, standing there just staring, or openly sobbing. I sincerely hope this can be put back together again, but only time will tell. A fencing company is there getting ready to put up a fence.

Words cannot express how I feel right now.

Christmas Recipes to Share

2010-12-13T13:53:00.005-07:00

Oreo Truffles
Ingredients
1 18-oz. Pkg. Chocolate sandwich cookies with white filling, finely crushed
1 8-oz. Pkg. Cream cheese, softened
1 lb. White baking chocolate, melted
Directions
1. In large bowl combine crushed cookies and cream cheese. Beat with mixer on low speed until well blended. Form 1-inch balls by hand. Dip balls in white chocolate; place on baking sheet covered with waxed paper. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. To store, cover and refrigerate. Makes 50 truffles.

Pin Wheel Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup orange juice

Directions

In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, orange peel and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and chill for 4 hours or until firm.
Meanwhile, combine all filling ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth; set aside to cool.
On a floured surface, divide dough in half; roll each half into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread with filling. Carefully roll up into a tight jelly roll and wrap in waxed paper. Chill overnight.
Unwrap and cut into 1/4-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: about 8 dozen

Update

2010-10-31T23:55:00.002-06:00

My camera is broken, so there are no new pictures to post.
Need to save my money to get a new Canon camera.
My dog jake is now longer with us, we had to put him down on Labor Day weekend.
He was with us for 14 years.
It rained on the faux Halloween (saturday)
Joel brought home a homeless cat to take the place of jake.
The new cat's name is Simba, he looks like a little tiger.
Simba was hungry when we got him, and he has not stopped eating since.
Dancing the the Stars this season is a yawn......................
Ashleigh and Randy welcomed a new baby boy named Lincoln.
I have six grandkids now.
Grandson Parker shot his first deer--a four point buck.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

2010-07-04T21:36:00.002-06:00

I so love America. I am so glad we are free. I love to see the American flag, and I fly it whenever I can. I appreciate the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. My uncle Franklin Caras gave his life in Viet Nam. Joel's dad fought during WWII in the pacific. He never talked about it. Joel served his country during the Viet Nam war, as a medic. Joel's brother Phil took a bullet in the chest for our safety., He is a Orem City Police officer. My neighbor Dan is a fireman, who puts his life on the line whenever he fights a fire. My nephew Rory and his wife Katie are police officers as well. I pray for everyone's safety every day. My ancestors came to this wonderful country for their freedom. My great great grandfather Daly came from Ireland. HIs wife came from Ireland was well. My great great grandfather Victor Brandmeyer and his wife Genivieve came from France. My great great grandmother Mette Mortensen walked across the plains with the Willie Handcart Company. Her family wanted religious freedom. Where would we all be if someone before us had not risked their lives for our freedom????? Again I love America!!!!!!!

My Great Great Grandfather

2010-05-16T13:45:00.007-06:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynolds_v._United_States

My Great Great Grandfather was George Reynolds. I have been going through family pictures, and I found this one interesting. George was a polygamist with three wives, and these are this twelve sons. Note the little one in the front in a dress! Grandpa Reynolds was a General Authority under Brigham Young, and he was his personal secretary. He was the test case for the government charging him with the offense of practicing polygamy for religious reasons. It was known as Reynolds v. United States. Actually the Mormon Church asked him to be the one to charged in the case. The case was decided in favor of the government, and George was sent to federal prison in Omaha, Nebraska. Apparently he did not learn his lesson, as he took on another wife upon his release and return to Utah .

The Two Olivia's

2010-05-07T23:10:00.007-06:00

When daughter Jenny was pregnant with her third child, which she did not know what it was going to be, she said she wanted to name it a "ancestor" name. The name that came to mind, was OLIVIA if her baby was a girl. Anna Olevia Rasmussen was a extremely beautiful ancestor, that I had long admired her beauty. She was the daughter of Christian and Mette Rasmussen, my great, great grandparents. So when her little girl was born, she named her Olivia. Olivia was also born on the same day that Sadaam Hussein was found in that spider hole. Recently, on our trip to St. George for spring break, we stopped at the Parowan cemetary. We visited the Rasmussen graves, and when looking at Anna Olevia's grave, we noticed one thing: Both Olivia's were born on the same day, December 14th. It was meant to be that she was named Olivia!

Mother's Day

2010-05-07T19:58:00.014-06:00

Since this weekend is Mother's Day, I thought I would post my picture of my mom and dad when I was about three years old. My parents were Don and Shirley Daley Rasmussen, and they were divorced when I was about five years old. Both of them have passed away. I remember after they were divorced, my dad would always get a card for my brother and I too give to my mom on Mother's Day. I thought that was very thoughtful of him, since we were too young to get a card. I love you both and miss you on this special day.

That was then--this is now!

2010-04-17T19:06:00.006-06:00

Last weekend, our whole family went to St. George, Utah for the grandkids spring break. Some of us stayed in town, and others stayed at Green Valley resort. We had a great time swimming, biking and eating. The weather was wonderful. SO glad to see the sun again. Many years ago we were there when the girl's were younger. Their grandpa Joe Murphy took this picture with my old Minolta SR202 camera. The old picture was so good, decided to try and do it again!!!! This time dad Joel Murphy and others, took the picture!!!!

Olivia and Jayda

2010-02-28T15:42:00.003-07:00

There is never a dull moment when these two get together! They were playing around the other night with coats and hats, and they looked like the trenchcoat Mafia......

The Missionary--Mitch Murphy

2010-02-28T15:16:00.013-07:00

<
Joel , Phil, Brice and Steven

Mitch and Sharon
The never ending food
Missionary Mom Miriam, who put this all together
Natalie and others

Joel's brother Phil, and his wife Mariam had a open house after church on February 21st for the farewell for their missionary son Mitch Murphy. He was called to serve in the Monterrey, Mexico Mission. Mitch is such a special nephew and cousin to all. He is kind and thoughtful and has a great sense of humor. After church we went to his house for visiting and food. There was sooooo much food there and so many people, that one could hardly get around to get to the food, and one could hardly visit--there were so many well wishers. I brought homemade tamales, that my friend's mother made. I delivered them to the kitchen and could not get out, so I helped serve the mountains of food. I have never seen so much anywhere in my life---not even on a cruise!

President's Day Weekend, Valentines, and Joel's Birthday

2010-02-28T11:40:00.017-07:00

The Family had a great weekend get-a-way. All of us went to Midway, Utah and stayed overnight for the weekend to celebrate the holiday, Valentines, and Joel's birthday. The first night Ashleigh and Randy brought Pizza. The next morning for Valentine's the men (Eric and Randy) fixed a wonderful breakfast of red scrambled eggs and bacon. After breakfast the grand kids opened their valentine gifts. We gave them pajama's. Poor Chloee was sick with a fever and other not so fun things and spent most of her time in bed. We watched the Olympics, Michael Jackson's movie "This is It" and the kids went swimming at the Homestead. That night Jenny and Eric went to Park City for dinner. We stayed up late and watched ""The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Parker never made it off the couch. The next day we watched tv and the kids went ice skating in Heber. On Sunday night was had a birthday dinner for Joel, I made my famous spaghetti. The next day we got ready to leave. Before the weekend was over we had chocolate dipped strawberries to end the weekend. It was great and Joel turned 61.

Rush and Pat

2010-01-19T20:14:00.002-07:00

You know me and my politics, and my opinions........................but
Pat Robertson is a complete ass and
Rush Limbaugh is a bigot

http://www.nilesstar.com/2010/01/15/editorial-limbaugh-robertson-comments-inconceivable/

unbelievable

Pig out at the Asian Buffet

2010-01-18T22:53:00.002-07:00

Saturday night was Ray Wimmer's birthday. We all went out to dinner to celebrate. My twelve year old grandson Parker had a great time. Here are the rounds of food he ate:
1. plate of fries, chicken nuggets, pizza
2. plate of assorted Chinese food
3. bowl of chocolate ice cream
4. plate of won tons
5. plate of crab legs with drawn butter
6. plate of more won tons with sweet and sour sauce, covered.
7. full plate of assorted jello's
8. two more slices of pizza

I could hardly believe what I saw. He turns twelve this Thursday........ what a kid.

Chief Stanley Brown

2010-01-05T00:03:00.002-07:00

Today was the funeral for the former Provo City Fire Chief Stanely Brown. He was such a great part of my life. I have known his family since I was a teenager. His daughter Kate was one of my best friends. We were in the same LDS ward, and her mother Lois was our Mutual teacher. I spend a lot of time at their home hanging out, listening to records and calling boys. There was always a party at the Brown's home. It was the gathering place for Kate's friends, and also for her brother Ed.

Sadly, Kate was killed in a car accident in Provo Canyon in 1971. She was a passenger in a car driven by her boyfriend Pat. Life was never the same without her. Her parents took her death hard, and she was always in their hearts. I think of her often and I still miss her after all these years. When I hear a certain song from the 60's, it reminds me of our great times together. The "Chief" is with her now, along with his son Sam. Farewell for a while, but we will see you again................

Farewell to a "Chief"

2010-01-04T23:51:00.012-07:00

Vintage Christmas

2010-01-04T23:41:00.006-07:00

I just love old things. These are some of the old ornaments that I put on my tree this year. These are from my Grandparents, Jack and Lyla Daley's collection from the 1950's. It reminds me of my childhood. It is always sad when the tree has to come down.....

Temple Square and the lights

2010-01-04T23:27:00.006-07:00

I have a darling friend who I work with that has never been to Temple Square at Christmas time. Her name is Maritza. I have not known her very long, but I have really grown to love her dearly. Joel and I picked her up and took her to see the lights. Notice how short she is compared to us!!!!!!

Christmas Day

2010-01-04T23:15:00.006-07:00

We had our annual Christmas day dinner at Jenny and Eric's home. We had a traditional dinner and then exchange our gifts . The grand kids were so cute, and they were so excited! Eric's dad Ray and his wife Pat were there too, along with their cat "Cry Baby". We brought our dog Jake along for the Christmas excitement, and he had fun teasing the cat and the Wimmer beagle Max. It was the best Christmas ever! We all were so blessed!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T22:58:00.008-07:00

December came and went and I was asking myself why it went so fast. In a flash it was over! We had the Murphy Christmas party, thanks to the kindness of Natalie. She planned it, notified everyone and had it at her clubhouse where she lives. It was great to be together for the holidays, and Santa made a surprise visit as well. It was the first Christmas party without the family party planner: Gayle Cornaby, who died in February. We had some tender moments in her memory, and Phil and Mariam gave her family some snow globes with her pictures in it. The pot luck food was wonderful too.

hot dogs, football and the U

2009-11-08T15:23:00.009-07:00

Joel's friend from high school is now the President of the University of Utah. He is very kind to his high school friends, and we get invited to many things are the U. We were invited to the U game, and they played the University of New Mexico. Of course the U won, and it was an exciting game. The weather was mild, and comfortable. Before the game started, we had our choice of all kinds of food. We had Mexican food, drinks, cookies, and there was hot dogs available too. Grandson Parker ate more than the rest of us. He had at least three hot dogs, tons of cookies, lots of Mexican food, pop corn, ice cream, and more hot dogs. He had the best time. During half time, we were sitting next to Frank Layden. I started talking to him, and he was the best sport. He is so cute, and a true gentlemen. We had our pictures taken with him, and he asked us all our names and where we were from. He gave me his card and told me to send him a picture and he would authograph it and send it back. He said he only comes to Utah county two times a year, and that is to ferment his wine............... (get it: come to Utah county and you go way back in time......) Thanks to Mike Young for inviting us to the game and letting us spend some time in his presidential suite.

The Michael Jackson Tragedy

2009-11-08T14:57:00.007-07:00

Last week some friends and I went to see the new Michael Jackson Movie "This Is It". It was well worth the $ and the time. So much time and money went into this concert. The special effects were incredible! This movie will give you a different opinion of Michael. He was extremely polite to everyone involved, especially the singers and dancers The THRILLER segment was the best part of the movie.. It is just a shame that the concert was not able to go forward. Don't miss it!!!!!!

FALL UPDATE

2009-11-01T21:57:00.005-07:00

Sometimes when one works, it is impossible to get this blog updated. I can't do this at work, so it takes a little more effort on my part to post things. For the grand kids fall break, the family went camping at Kodachrome Basin, located in the Grand National Staircase, by Cedar Breaks. The weather was just beautiful,
and the fall leaves were at their best. The camp site has a great restrooms, clean and it has free unlimited hot (for time) showers. It was fun to just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Tradition

2009-11-01T19:22:00.021-07:00

Every October Jenny, Chloee, Wendy Grace and I go to Salt Lake City to see THRILLER. This has been our traditional for years now. This year, we went and Natalie met us there. Before the performance, we ate at The Red Iquana. Wendy and I had tried to get in there before, and the wait has always been a long one. We were early enough on that Saturday to get right in. The food was great, and the company was better. Before the performance starts, there are ghouls outside to scare you. Our cute little friend Alayna was one of the ghouls, and she is in the performance as well. We were not sure at first if it was her, but she grunted that it was, but it was hard to tell by her frightening appearance. We look forward to this day every year. It is great dancing and entertainment. Love you Wendy for getting us to go with you the first time!

My Dad

2009-10-04T22:27:00.005-06:00

Today is my dad's birthday. I really miss him. Today it kind of hurts to think about. You see, my parents got divorced when I was in kindergarten. I don't remember much about living with him. But I remember how much my parents fought when he came to visit my brother and I. When my parents got divorced, my brother and I went to live with my mother's parents, my grandparents. We had a great life with them, they gave us everything. We did not see my dad very often. I think it was just easier for him to stay away. I feel cheated that I did not get to live with him. When I got older, I tried to spend as much time with him as I could. I watched him suffer with his jaw cancer. It breaks my heart to think about it. Dad, you are at peace now, and we will see you again.

Getting Old

2009-10-04T20:18:00.002-06:00

I guess I have had a melt down. Sometime life gets overwhelming. The poor economy, lack of jobs, and everything in general have just gotten to me. I had to suspend my blog for a while , while I "recovered". I am still recovering, sort of. Hitting 60 is not fun, and it makes it really hard to find a job at that time of your life. I have always had a easy time finding a job in bookkeeping, since I know Quickbooks. But not this time, because I am in the job pool with hundreds of other, not just a few. And those "others" are a lot younger than me. My friend Elizabeth told me about a job where she works. I applied for it, and I got a job there, which was a big relief. I work at Modus Link in Orem, but I am employed through Select Staffing. I work for Apple, processing rebates for their Back to School promotions, and iPhone. It is a temporary job, and I don't know how long it will last. But for right now, it is OK. Joel is working for the Census Bureau, doing surveys for the Commerce Department. He interviews random people about how they spend their $$$$$$$$$. These surveys determine the CPI, and interest rates, etc. He is not crazy about the job, but it is a job. Car sales are really slow right now, so every little thing helps.....

Being A Pack Rat

2009-06-22T19:28:00.005-06:00

All my life I have had a hard time getting rid of things. Last week I finally threw away the feather pillow I have had since I was three years old. I wasn't using it, it was just taking up space on my bed with some other pillows. Years ago I left it at a motel in North Platte, Nebraska. On our trip back through I stopped and picked it up. It had been stored where there was lots of cigarette smoke, so it smelled terrible. When the covers wore out, I would make another one. The original mattress ticking was long gone. So I threw a part of me away last week. One thing I do have is my Great Grandma Effie Bird Crawley's vintage aprons that she made long ago. I probably have about ten or so. She made her meager little living out of selling these aprons. She was a widow for many years. When I found these aprons when I was cleaning out my grandparents Daley's home, I found them in a drawer, all starched and in tissue paper, ready to be sold, or given to someone.

Going Green

2009-06-19T23:42:00.006-06:00

I read this article every Sunday in the Salt Lake Tribune. It is by Mary Jane Buttars, who lives on a farm in Moscow, Idaho. She was born in Ogden, Utah, and is the most interesting person I have ever read about. She is a believer in organic and going green. I made this laundry soap:

2 cups powdered hand soap (Borax suggested)
1 cup washing soda (Arm and Hammer)
1 cup Borax (20 Mule Team Borax Natural Laundry booster

Mix all ingredients well and store in an airtight plastic container. Use 1/4 cup per load of laundry. I bought all of the ingredients at Macey grocery store. This will save you $$$$$$, and it gets your clothes REALLY clean.

Brown Bag Apple Pie

2009-06-19T17:13:00.004-06:00

I inherited (or took) Joel's mom's recipes when she died. She had some great recipes from her days at BYU (that would be during the fab fifties)and recipe collecting from all the LDS wards that have published cookbooks. Here is one of them that was clipped from a newspaper:

Brown Bag Apple Pie
Crust: 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 cup oil, 2 T. cold milk. Combine and mix until blended. Pat into the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate.
Filling:
4 cups slices apples, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 T. flour, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp.
Cinnamon. Combine dry ingredients and loss them lightly with the apples, Pour into the unbaked pie shell. Add topping (below).

Topping: 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup butter, room temperature, 1/2 cup sugar. Combine and mix with fingers until crumbly. Put the pie in a large brown paper grocery bag. Fold to seal, staple shut. Bake @ 350& for 1 1/2 hours.
Remove from oven and let cool in the bag.

I need to get with it!

2009-06-19T16:43:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted anything for so long. I don't know why, maybe because of all the many things that have been going on since the death of my dad. There was Memorial Day, which used to be called "Decoration Day". Our family decorated lots of graves at the Provo Cemetery. We even "geo-cached" at the Provo Cemetery. Jenny found a "micro" there and was really thrilled. Dad and Gayle's grave (at the Orem Cemetery) do not have markers yet, but they both had tons of flowers and remembrances. It has rained so much this past month, that we have not done a whole lot of things. I planted wildflowers from seeds, and they are doing well. I have a small garden with tomatoes and peppers. Dave came from Palm Springs for a weekend visit and we did the Brick Oven Pizza thing. My grandson Brady had a "jumping on the bed" accident and lost his four bottom teeth. Jenny was tending him and was right there folding clothes, and he hit his jaw on the bed frame when Jenny caught him. It was traumatic for everyone concerned, but he mended and things are great. I reminded his mother Ashleigh that she lost her four top front teeth to an accident on her bike, and she survived. I am thankful that things are back to normal now and thankful for our many blessings.

My dad's obituary

2009-04-23T22:49:00.003-06:00

Donald H. Rasmussen

1928 ~ 2009

St. George, UT - Donald H. Rasmussen was born October 4, 1928 in Springville, Utah. He was the son of Arnold H. and Deane Martain Rasmussen. He lived in the Provo/Orem area most of his life, graduating from Provo High School.

He was an Ironworker by trade working for Bechtel Corp., Consolidated Western Steel and most of the time for American Bridge at Geneva Steel. He attended night school at Utah Valley University, then Utah Technical College, where he learned blue print reading and other crafts. Later he taught the Ironworker Apprentice classes in Safety, Blue-Print Reading and Welding at Utah Technical College. At one time he was the youngest superintendent for American Bridge Co. in California where he worked on the L.A. Convention Center in the early 1970's.

He was previously married and had two children. He married Martha Brown Lamoreaux on June 20, 1958. He is survived by his wife, Martha and his children Sharon (Joel) Murphy of Pleasant Grove; Charlotte Lamoreaux (Richard) Evans of St. George; Alan (Margarett) Rasmussen of Provo; Dean (Alisa) Rasmussen of Kaysville; Don J. (Kara) Rasmussen of Spanish Fork; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was active in the LDS Church and held many positions, High Priests Group presidency in two wards, Ward Activities Committee, Young Men Presidency, Scout Master, Asst. Scout Master, Webelos, Merit Badge Counselor, Scout Committeeman and Home Teacher. He had a compassionate spot in his heart for the elderly neighbors and always for the underdog.

He and his wife, Martha, have lived in St. George for nearly 20 years. His home was always open and his greatest joy was when he was surrounded by his family, which was often.

In St. George a visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bloomington Hills LDS 4th Ward Chapel, 750 Ft Pierce, St. George, Utah. In Orem a visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Sundberg/Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State St., Orem, Utah followed by Graveside services at the Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State St., Provo, Utah. Arrangements under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary 435-673-4221.

DEATH AGAIN---CANCER I HATE YOU!

2009-04-19T12:26:00.002-06:00

My dad, Donald Rasmussen passed away yesterday in St. George, Utah from complications of radiation treatment for jaw cancer. He had lost a lot of weight and had a hard time eating since the treatments had burned his throat, etc. Joel and I brought the three granddaughters here to St. George for spring break. All they want to do was swim. It was kind of cold here, but they swam anyway. We went to visit dad on Friday and he was sleeping, and looked horrible. He looked like he was a death camp survivor. The next morning we went to check on him again, and when we turned the corner his home had tons of cars there. I knew that something horrible was going on. My brother Don had come down that morning so see dad and went he arrived he had already died. It was a shock, as he did not appear to be close to death. He was suffering, so it was a blessing that his life had come to an end. Maybe dad somehow choose to leave when most of the family had gathered there for spring break.......

There will be a visitation in St.George Thursday night, with a funeral on Saturday in Orem, Utah. Dad was born in Provo, Utah and spent most of his life there,until he retired to St. George 20 years ago. He worked many years at Geneva Steel.

Death again.

2009-03-18T16:32:00.008-06:00

My great Uncle Jack Mckell of Spanish Fork, Utah was laid to rest on March 21, 2009. It was a beautiful day and family and friends were in attendance. Aunt Carma Van Wagoner was there from Salt Lake City, my brother Alan Rasmussen, and Jack's children John and Elaine. After the services we stopped by to visit aunt Margaret in the assisted living center.
Alan, Carma and Sharon

Alan, John, Sharon, and John's wife Jeanette

Saying Goodbye.........

2009-03-18T16:23:00.004-06:00

There were tons of beautiful flowers and lots of visitors and lots of tears as we said goodbye to our loved one, Gayle. She will be missed by everyone.
We will see you again............

Gayle's 58th Birthday

2009-03-18T15:59:00.007-06:00

The day before Gayle's birthday, the therapy dogs from the hospital came for a comfort visit. The dogs belong to the Beagley's. They go to hospitals and care centers for comfort therapy for the sick. The dogs are huge! They are Newfoundlands, names Jet and Jaro. Gayle knew the owners and the dogs, as they came to the hospital to visit when Gayle had been at work. Gayle continued to work just a few weeks before she became really ill, and her last day at work the dogs had paid a visit to the patients there. Gayle really enjoyed the dog visit. The next day for her birthday she had a steady stream of visits from the neighbors, family, friends, and her co-workers at the hospital. She had a wonderful day. Things were getting harder to watch, as we all knew that her time was getting near. The next day, the family got together and planned out who was going to stay with Gayle through the night. Joel and I were the ones to stay on Friday, February 20th. We got up with her twice in the night, and the next morning she was gone around 8:10 a.m. What a sad day for us all.

February Updates/Cancer Sucks

2009-03-08T13:35:00.011-06:00

I have not posted forever. A lot of things went on in the month of February. First of all Joel turned 60, with a surprise birthday bash at Jenny's house. Pat Wimmer and Jenny and all of the girls in the family made cheese cakes, birthday cake, cookies and punch. We had a wonderful dinner cooked by all, with Pua making the breaded pork chops for the main dish. It was wonderful!!!! Later that evening Joel's family and friends came over for a surprise visit. Dave, his brother flew in from Palm Springs for the weekend. His visit was bittersweet. He came to visit his sister Gayle, as she was in her final weeks of life from colon cancer. Joel, Gayle and I were planning on our annual "President's Day" weekend visiting Dave and Glen at their home in Palm Springs. Gayle was too sick to go, and in fact was too sick to come to Joel's party. She went downhill very fast. She had cousins visit from north Utah on Thursday, and by that night she was paralized on her right side. The cancer had spread to her brain, and she was now in bed with hospice care. We were all just devastated with the news and her rapid decline.
Kaye, Craig and Toni Bryson, Joel, Sharon Gayle and Karen Mortensen

We had a great visit that day, and the cousins were very glad that they were able to talk with Gayle before she got worse.

Joel's birthday was great, and many friends and relatives came to visit him with birthday wishes. Here are some of the visitors:

THIS IS THE TRUTH

2009-01-06T19:06:00.004-07:00

ok---I am bordering on the edge of insanity. We have 18" of snow on our deck. It has snowed non-stop since yesterday, and it is still going (7:00 p.m.). The snow plow has not been around lately. Joel has plowed the driveway and walkways numerous times today. I just can't believe it.....

P.S. Mary turned 60 this year too

2008-12-30T22:50:00.010-07:00

Mary and I go back quite a while....like the early 1980's to be exact. We were great friends the first time we meet. In fact, she was the first person I meet when I moved to the house I am in now. Her daughter Lizzie delivered our newspaper, she lived down the street and we were in the same LDS ward. Our daughters were the same age and we had a lot of fun together. Her daughter Angie hatched the plan for a surprise party, and her out of state kids came for the celebration. It was good to see everyone together, since we had not seen them for many years. Mary I am not too far behind you------- soon I will be 60 too.....Mary and Joel--having a good laugh.

left to right: Mary, David, Bryan, Heather, Liz, and Angie.

My daughter Jenny and Heather

Mary and LaDell Burgon
Raymie Anderson and Jenny

Christmas Day

2008-12-30T20:15:00.004-07:00

Christmas day takes forever to get here, and it is over in an instant! We received tons of goodies from the neighbors and our friends. It was a wonderful day and it ended too soon!

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Christmas updates--parties, etc

2008-12-30T19:58:00.005-07:00

The Sunday before Christmas we had our annual Murphy family party at Ashleigh's home. As always, we had a great time. Here are some of the pictures of that night....

Stuffed French Toast

2008-12-24T20:12:00.003-07:00

Cut crusts off the bread of your choice, Place slices on the bottom of 13 X 9 buttered pan. Mix (2) 8 ounces cream cheese with 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla. Spread on top of the first layer of bread, followed by another layer of bread. In the blender mix: 9 eggs, 2 cups milk, 2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp. each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour over the bread, soak good and cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning mix: 1/2 cup butter, 2 T. corn syrup and 1 cup brown sugar. Microwave for 3 minutes and pour over french toast, spreading as you pour. Bake @ 375 for 50- 60 minutes.

TRAIN TRIP TO GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO--THANKSGIVING

2008-12-02T18:43:00.008-07:00

For Thanksgiving this year our whole family made a trip to Glenwood Springs, Colorado for the holiday. We left Wednesday morning, at 5:40 a.m. and arrived at Glenwood Springs around 1:30. We have made this trip before with some dear friends, and wanted to experience the train ride again. This time we had more family members--totalling 13 in all. It was a wonderful experience, as we could sleep, read, and eat. The grand kids had a fun time coloring and playing games, and they could get up and walk around. We had a buffet dinner at Hotel Colorado, the place where we stayed. We went swimming in the Glenwood hot springs pool twice on Thanksgiving. Jenny and Ashleigh went shopping at Target and got all the things they wanted for "Black Friday" shopping. The town is so small that there were not the crazy shoppers that we experience here!!!!!! No one beats the door down that early in the morning there!!! On Friday, we rented cars and went to Aspen, Colorado for the day. It was snowing there, but we had a great time anyway.Later that evening the hotel had a lighting ceremony and Christmas program. During the program Natalie got engaged to Pua. We are all excited for her. We boardethe train on Saturday at 1:30 and we were home by 9:30 that evening. It was the best trip ever, and we would like to do it again.

good vs evil?

2008-11-21T09:14:00.001-07:00

Veterans Day in Palm Springs

2008-11-20T22:17:00.003-07:00

This is the second year that we have been in Palm Springs for Veterans Day. There is a veterans park, where there is a flag put up for every life lost in Irag. I took a few pictures, and I found the flag for one who lived by Jenny in American Fork--Nathan Barnes.

Family meeting in Palm Springs

2008-11-20T22:10:00.002-07:00

While I was visiting in Palm Springs, Joel's cousin Randee came down from northern California to spend a few days with us. A bunch of us went to the Indian casino for lunch. Gayle's health is failing her, she appreciated Randee's visit very much, and we love to be with Randee.

Where have I been?.....cancer sucks

2008-11-20T21:52:00.007-07:00

I know, I have not updated my blog for a very long time. Well, you see, I have been gone, on the road, etc. Joel and I left here November 6, and I arrived home November 17th. We went with sister in law Gayle to Palm Spring for visit with Dave and Glenn. The weather was absolutely wonderful and we even went swimming. We went out to dinner and just lounged around. On the way back, I was dropped off in St. George , Utah. My dad was having his third surgery for cancer. He was in surgery for over 12 hours. He had a lump removed from his throat, a result of his cancer coming back. The doctors took skin off the inside of his left arm, and made a "flap" to cover the hole that was made on his throat. The thyroid gland was also removed. To make a long story short, I stayed there for a week, helping Martha get to the hospital, and ran errands, watched tv, read, crocheted, slept....

Dad was suppose to be in the hospital for 10 days to 2 weeks. He came home in six days. Here are some pictures of my poor dad.

Isn't Life Wonderful?

2008-11-06T08:35:00.001-07:00

George Bush is a "dead duck' President.......

2008-10-24T14:58:00.001-06:00

What would life be like if I didn't post my favorite political cartoons????????

Pig out at the Asian Buffet

2008-10-24T14:46:00.004-06:00

Eric--voting for McCain

Sharon--voting for OBAMA

Jenny-undecided

Olivia--doesn't care!

I just love a buffet, and what is better than an Asian buffet??????? Jenny and I decided to go to lunch, and she called Eric and he joined us. Later Jenny and I went thrift store shopping looking for good deals. I picked up some sterling silver jewelry, and Jenny got some 80's type skirts for Halloween.

Lake Powell Weekend

2008-10-24T14:33:00.004-06:00

On October 17th we went to Lake Powell to help Randy and Ashleigh with a triathlon that they were putting on. We were there to help with Brady, and other things. The weather was great, and it was a very nice weekend. Nat, Jayda, Brady and I spent Saturday at the pool. What a great time to go there--there weren't that many people there. It was a very relaxing weekend, and we left on Sunday and stayed in St. George with my dad, who we haven't seen in a while.

More pictures of Grandma Murphy

2008-10-03T21:22:00.001-06:00

Grandma Murphy was such a classy lady. She always had her hair and her nails done, and she dressed so up to date! She loved to wear animals prints, and a had a purse to match almost every outfit---along with the shoes!

She just loved her big glasses from the 80's, and had the prescription changed when she needed to, so she could always wear them.

What a gal!

LONETA MURPHY

2008-10-03T20:52:00.011-06:00

My mother in law, Loneta Murphy, passed away last night, Thursday, October 2, @ 9:25 p.m. I was there with her son Robert when she left us. She was such a trooper! She had heart disease for many years, and the past year had been really hard for her. She had to leave her winter residence of Palm Springs, California, and come home to Utah early, because of her ailing health. We will miss you terribly!!! I was really glad that I was there for her in the end.

Loneta and baby Jenny

Loneta and baby Parker

Loneta and baby Chloee

Loneta with Ashleigh and Mitch

Pumpkin Zucchini Bread

2008-09-12T11:42:00.005-06:00

Fall is such a great time of year for cooking and canning. I just love to bake different things. This recipe is one of my favorites.

Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
3 eggs slightly beaten

2 cups sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup butter

3 cups flour

1 T baking soda

1/2 tsp. each: baking powder, salt,

cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves

1 cup shredded zucchini

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped walnuts/ chocolate chips

***Combine eggs and sugar. Add pumpkin, butter and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients to pumpkin ingredients. Stir in zucchini and nuts/chocolate chips. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake @ 350 for 50 minutes. cool for 10 minutes

Thanksgiving Point/ CANCER SUCKS

2008-09-12T11:26:00.003-06:00

On the last Tuesday of August, Jenny and I took Gayle to Thanksgiving Point on Two Buck Tuesday. We rented a golf cart ($25.00 for 1 1/2 hours) so Gayle didn't have to walk. You see, Gayle is suffering from last stages of colon cancer. I just enjoyed watching Gayle with Brady, and enjoying the surroundings. It was just a great day for us all. Gayle has suffered from cancer for six years now, and things are slowing down, as the cancer has spread to her lungs. She never complains and just keeps on going. I am not so sure I would be that brave! We love you Gayle!

REMEMBERING 9/11

2008-09-11T16:00:00.004-06:00

Today is another anniversary of the terror of that terrible day. It has now been seven years, and nobody forgets where they were on that day. Joel and I were leaving the Young Herb Living Farm in Mona, Utah, where we had camped over night with a wagon train. When we got into the truck, we turned on KSL radio and heard about the first hit on New York. Then the news kept getting worse and worse...........What an unbelievable thing! I will never forget that day for the rest of my life.

Thanksgiving Point

2008-08-21T20:11:00.004-06:00

Jenny, Olivia, Brady and myself went to visit the Thanksgiving Point gardens August 19. First we joined Ashleigh for lunch at the deli. It was a hot day, and we only got around to seeing half of the gardens. We are going back next Tuesday to see the rest. Thanksgiving Point was offering a special admission price of $2.00 instead of the traditional price of $10.00 per person--WHICH IS TOO MUCH TO BEGIN WITH!!!!!!! We had a great time and the flowers were beautiful. .

Share the Bounty

2008-08-14T12:10:00.004-06:00

There is a little "hut" on this road in Lindon, and I pass by it every day. People put their left over vegetables, and fruit that is in abundance. Anyone can take the "abundance", as it is left there for everyone and anyone. Isn't that a great and giving idea? This is what I picked up this week.

ZUCCHINI BARS

4 eggs

1 2/3 C sugar

1 C oil

2 C grated zucchini

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

2 C flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Beat eggs, sugar, oil and zucchini until fluffy. Stir dry ingredients. Add to zucchini mixture. Bake on ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 pan 350 for 25- 30 minutes.

ICING

(1) 3 oz cream cheese

1/2 C butter

1 tsp vanilla

2 C powdered sugar

Blend together and frost.

You think I am bad

2008-07-29T03:13:00.003-06:00

You think my house is bad?
check this out:
http://www.randomthink.net/misc/ebay/

Willie Handcart Company Trek/photos

2008-07-08T14:53:00.011-06:00

Rocky Ridge

Here are some pictures of our ward trek that was July 1-3 at the Willie Handcart center in Wyoming. We walked 8 miles- four miles to Rocky Ridge. We had a lunch break there, and then walked back to Sage Creek Hollow.

After the trek was over, we moved our cars and camped at Rock Creek Hollow. The weather was great, so a few went in the creek for a swim before dinner.

After dinner, the group had a meeting at the ampitheater at the burial sight. Some told of the history and stories of the ones that died and were buried there. Afterward, we had a testimony meeting. The next morning I went over and took some pictures, and meditated for a while, as I was by myself.

Shannon

2008-06-20T11:02:00.002-06:00

Ken Abel took Mitchell and Megan to Wisconsin to visit Shannon's mom, Jeannie. He sent me pictures of their trip to Shannon's grave. She finally has a head stone, and is buried next to her brother, RJ. Seeing this made me cry, because I miss her so. Megan sure looks like her! I just can't believe she is gone. Everyone misses her, and that laugh! Until we meet again Shannon!LOVE YOU!

Flashback Friday

2008-06-06T19:20:00.004-06:00

Ten years ago we sported around in this vintage Dodge. We don't own it anymore, but I still own that dress-I never throw anything away! This is when we both looked at this picture, and I told told Joel: You look just like your dad, and he replied: You look just like your mom..........

Photo of the "Weak"

2008-06-02T19:59:00.003-06:00

Joel is in the front

Private First Class Joel Murphy

2008-06-02T19:51:00.004-06:00

Joel was in the US Army during the Viet Nam war

Flashback Friday

2008-05-30T09:53:00.004-06:00

These are some of my favorite pictures. Joel is a descendant of the Hinckley family, and our family was invited to attend a ceremony where the Hinckley family donated Cove Fort to the LDS church. Gordon B. Hinckley was in charge of the event, which included a short program and dutch oven lunch. We spent the whole day there, and had a great time taking pictures and touring the fort. Joel's great grandmother Nellie Hinckley was born at this fort, and she remembered sitting on Brigham Young's lap when he came to visit.

Photo of the week

2008-05-27T13:31:00.005-06:00

Baby Jayda and Shotzee/ L. A. California 2002

2008-05-26T11:28:00.002-06:00

On Sunday, Joel and I met the Wimmer family at the Provo Cemetery. We decorated the graves of our family. My mother, my grandparents Rasmussen and grandparents Daley. It is nice to have everyone buried at the same cemetery. We also visited the grave of my high school friend Kate Brown, who was killed right after high school. Her and boyfriend Pat were in a fatal car wreck by Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-26T11:25:00.001-06:00

On Sunday, Joel and I met the Wimmer family at the Provo Cemetery. We decorated the graves of our family. My mother, my grandparents Rasmussen and grandparents Daley. It is nice to have everyone buried at the same cemetery. We also visited my high school friend Kate Brown, who was killed right after high school. Her and boyfriend Pat were in a fatal car wreck by Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.

FLASH BACK FRIDAY

2008-05-23T11:53:00.008-06:00

Joel and I meet right after high school graduation. I graduated from Provo Hgh and Joel graduated from BY High. We meet at a street dance in Provo. My good friend Susan Higley was Joel's neighbor and made the introduction. We have been together since!!!!!! We got married when we were just barely twenty and later ( about a year and a half) Joel had to go into the army during the Viet Nam war. We drove a Corvair convertable, that Ralph Nader said was "unsafe at any speed". Joel I LOVE YOU.

Bunko, Pajama Night and American Idol Finale

2008-05-22T13:44:00.006-06:00

Wednesday was Bunko. Our Bunko group has been going for almost 15 years now. Jenny and I are the only originals left. There has been cheaters, grippers, awful food, cat fights, none payers, etc. Turi and Laney have come and gone a few times. One night one of the girls did not show up with the prizes. When we called to see where she was, her husband said she was at a "Get Organized" class. This group is is awesome. We all get along so well and have great times and tons of laughs. I just love you all. We wore our pajama's last night and had breakfast food for our dinner. Teri had it at her beautiful home. We had to watch the finale of "American Idol". Could not believe that David Archaletta did not win. Oh well, Utah won--we have him in our state.

CSI Season Finale

2008-05-18T15:08:00.002-06:00

Normally I do not get worked up about season finale's--but this one was hard to take! The way it ended was just wrong! It was so unbelievable, that I had to watch it again. WOW. Can't get it out of my head......

can't get away fast enough

2008-05-18T14:45:00.002-06:00

Mother's Day

2008-05-13T11:57:00.005-06:00

I had a great and wonderful Mother's Day on Sunday. Never did make it to church though. Just had to much to do for our family dinner that evening. Nothing is better than spending the day with my loved ones. I love you all!!!! Here are some gifts of love that I received that day:

Heck of a Job, Georgie!

2008-05-13T11:27:00.004-06:00

I just heard on the news that George Bush's approval rating is at a whooping 31%. That is the lowest that it has ever been. Apparently is does not care, because he does do anything to improve it. He blames the gas prices on congress and their lack of doing something. Lives lost in Iraq keep going up, up , up.

When President Clinton left office, gas prices were $1.50. Remember that one if you are thinking of voting for a republican president in the fall.........

A Wedding and a Funeral.....

2008-05-07T11:37:00.009-06:00

I have a dear friend Kathy, who just recently had a wedding for her son Adam. I had the privilege of helping her with the wedding luncheon at Camp Williams. It was a wonderful day for all, and the bride and groom had a great turn out and a yummy luncheon. Kathy is my neighbor and "always there" friend. I just love her to pieces. She is always there with comfort food, like rice pudding! At one point in time we even shared the same number on the scales! How is that one?

This past Saturday evening, May 3rd, her son Ben was found dead in her yard. They had just celebrated Ben's son Skylar's 2nd birthday that evening. Ben had gone out for a minute, and never came back. Kathy went looking for him and found him laying in the yard. Her family and friends have gathered around her and she will be fine, given time. Kathy, hang in there. I love you tonz.
Here are some of the pictures of the wedding:

Here are some pictures that I took the day of the funeral for Ben:

Melissa's shoes--from Target

2008-04-25T12:08:00.004-06:00

As we were leaving the restuarant, we could not help but notice what darling shoes Melissa was wearing:

Murphy girl's Night OUT

2008-04-25T11:28:00.015-06:00

On Thursday, April 24 we had our first Murphy Girl's Night Out at Los Hermanos in Lindon. Everyone was there except two of my girls, Ashleigh and Jenny, who were too busy and had too much going on. Austin just got home from his National Guard Training, and he is a green beret now. Him and Bill came down just to say HI and visit. Austin looks so good! What a lady's man. No wonder they called him "Stud-muffin" in high school. We were totally out of control and irreverent, and I am sure the restaurant was glad to see us leave. We are planning on having this activity once a month, so we can get together more often. Those attending were:

Natalie, Miriam, Gayle, Breann, Stephanie, Dawn, Melissa, Sharon and Haylee

My trip to Colorado City

2008-04-20T11:48:00.015-06:00

Last October (2007) Joel and I went to St. George, Utah for his annual "Tournament of the Goons", or TOG as it is called. That is where his buddies from high school (BY High) get together for a weekend of food, fun, and golf. They have a golf tournament where prizes are awarded, etc. The best part for me is the food--always good. The host was Ray Beckham. His wife Elaine, rescues women and girls from polygamy. She runs a non profit organization and basically helps women escape, and puts them up in a safe house, etc. On Saturday, she had a rented van and some women in her neighborhood had donated some very nice furniture for this safe house that has been established in Colorado City. This safe house belongs to the trust that oversees the property in Colorado City. Joel and I went with her, and some other volunteers, to deliver the furniture to the safe house. It was quite the experience to be able to go there with someone that knew what was going on there. This home had 27,000 square feet, with 17 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms, along with a huge industrial sized kitchen. A former polygamist and her husband run this place. There were all kinds of people living there at the time. We spent the afternoon, moving boxes, furniture and visiting. As soon as we arrived there, the people who live there started driving by, checking out what was going on. I stood by the curb with my camera, and they didn't want their picture taken, so they didn't stay.

Joel and the "keeper of the inn"

Joel and his women--the former polygamists who helped with the moving.

On the far right is Sara Hammond. Her mother is still in polygamy, and her father is dead. He didn't even know who she was when she lived in

the compound. She had 11 mothers. Her mother is in a wheel chair and lives in Centennial Park, and is taken care of there. Sara wants to get her out of there, but where would she go at her age???????

The view from the back of the house

Sara again. She is so bitter towards men, she said she will NEVER get married, EVER.

Local children walking by

These two girls are sisters, and asked Joel if he was a reporter. They live nearby and work at the restaurant "The Merry Wives". These girls would love to leave, but don't dare. They are the sisters of the home's caretaker, who's name I can't remember!

My poor cat

2008-04-20T11:11:00.003-06:00

Snuggles, our 18 year old cat is in BAD SHAPE. He wondered into our yard years ago as a beautiful kitten, and never left. I am not one to be a lover of cats, especially when we have dogs. Over the years he has been shot with bb guns, been in numerous fights, had his ears almost torn off, etc. He has been the cat with nine lives and still going. Last winter we did not think he would survive another year. He is in our garage sitting next to a portable heater. Last winter he quit taking care of himself, as in fur balls and matted fur. He always had been such a well groomed cat. He can barely walk now, but he still eats his food. No one in this family has the "guts" to do something humane to him. My son -in-law Eric offered to take him to the west desert and shot him......... Natalie thought that was horrible. When the Wimmer's were getting ready to go camping a few weeks ago, Chloee asked if Snuggles was coming along to be killed. Judge for yourself:

POLYGAMY

2008-04-14T15:24:00.005-06:00

Polygamy is alive and well in America. With this attention being paid to those "folks" in Texas, I can't help but post thoughts of my own. My own great, great grandfather GEORGE REYNOLDS was the LDS church scapegoat for polygamy. He was the "test case" for polygamy in "Reynolds v. United States", the first freedom of religion case to go to court. He was a general authority for the LDS Church , and a longtime secretary to the First Presidency. He married his first wife, my g-g grandmother Mary Ann Tuddenham. Later he took on his second wife, Amelia Jane Schofield. The court rejected Reynold's argument that the Latter-day Saint practice of polygamy was protected by the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution. His conviction was upheld and he was imprisoned in Utah and then to the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln. He was released after serving his full sentence of five years. Apparently he did not learn his lesson from being in prison, and upon his release, he took on yet his third wife, Mary Gould. My great grandmother Amelia Reynolds was his oldest child. She took care of everyone. Two of the wives were sickly, and it was her job to take care the home. My grandpa suffered a nervous breakdown in 1907 as a result of stress ( too wives and too many children?) and overwork. He died in SLC at the age of 68 and had a total of three wives and thirty two children.***

***information from family records and Wikipedia.com

Today polygamy is against the law. The LDS church does not condone it, and does not practice it anymore. Ever. To my non-LDS friends--the Mormons have nothing to do with these polygamists. Mormon women do not wear goofy long clothes, and poofy hair with a braid down the back. I personally do not believe that polygamy will fly in the hereafter. NO woman in her right mind would put up with it. Agree?

Pneumonia, crashed computer,etc

2008-04-05T12:34:00.003-06:00

I feel like most of this year has been a bust, waste, or whatever. On January 11, I had my hand surgery, and had an arm cast for a month, most of which was spent in bed due to muscle spasms and pain. The spasms were from the removal of the tendon that reconstructed my thumb and joint. Then there was the trauma of physical (pain) therapy. That lasted for another two months. Before that was over, I contracted pneumonia, and spent ten days in bed coughing, coughing, coughing. It was weird, because the sickness came on really fast--like within an half hour. I was surprised how fast it attacked. I still have a cough and feel not so good, but I am up and going. Then this week my computer froze, and Ashleigh is trying to clean it by erasing everything. The hard drive is probably corrupted, so I am still waiting to get it back. In the meantime I am working from my slow laptop---and it is slow. I'm glad that April is here and maybe spring is around the corner.......

My hand and thumb looks deformed now, and I get to get the other hand done when I get the courage--maybe next January. That is a good time because it is winter and nothing is going on.

The Gumpster Syndrome

2008-03-28T14:08:00.004-06:00

Just what is the "Gumpster Syndrome" you ask? It is when an old fart loses his spouse to death, and then goes kinda nutty. You have to be at least 65 years old, and have nothing to offer someone. You have to be really good at lying. As soon as their wife is laid to rest, the vulture women come calling. Never mind the older, more mature woman, it is the younger single mother kind, who has at least three or more teenagers. Of course they don't receive any kind of child support, and they own nothing, ya know, the kind that rents. But if you are lucky, they might own a beat up van with worn out tires. They are more than happy to take over where the mother left off. They say that they don't want anything that belongs to the first wife, but won't let the man give anything of value to the kids. That territory is theirs , because they have their hook in now, and marriage is just days away. Never mind that the man collects pensions and social security, that is better than nothing. The best thing is that these men can marry in the temple more than once, so temple wedding it is! When the wedding day comes, the couple cannot figure out why everyone is crying, and really doesn't' want to be there. I didn't bother to show up. Could it be that the loved one hasn't been in the ground long enough? Or could it be that the loved one was really loved, and now missed a lot? Don't bother giving gifts, they have it all. The new wife is younger than your own daughter and is anxious to be "grandma " to the grand kids. The new groom gets to look forward to giving away his new step children at their weddings, and maybe even get to send a few on a mission. Life is great. The family is now fractured beyond belief, and no one comes to the family gatherings anymore. Every one does their own thing and hopes someday someone will come to their senses. But the new wife is happy. She gets to serve dinner on the dead wife's china, gets the sewing machine, and makes sure nothing material leaves the house. The "old family" is no longer welcome in the new home. the love nest. It never gets better..........

This has happened twice in our family. Two people that I really love are suffering right now. Judy doesn't even have a headstone on her grave.........

EASTER

2008-03-24T22:34:00.011-06:00

Joel flew out this morning, to help his sick Mom who is in the Eisenhower Hospital in Palm Springs, CA. She is hoping to come home to Provo later in the week. She has congestive heart failure and is going down hill fast. I have been coughing up a storm for a few days now. I thought that I better get to the doctor, as our insurance ends at the end of this month, due to the layoff.

Diagnosis: pneumonia of all things! I don't have time for this! I must admit I really don't feel too good right now. It really hurts to cough...... Maybe I will get lucky and loose some more weight. I lost ten pounds with my hand surgery. It was really hard to get out of bed (we have a bed that you almost need to pole vault to get on it.) I didn't have the strength to go to the fridge, plus there was not COKE in the house, and no one in the family would bring me any. One day I did beg my sweet friend Kathi to bring me some. Did it ever taste good! Illness or stress is a great diet.

I missed out on all of the Easter fun yesterday @Jenny's house. I laid in her bed coughing. We did have an egg hunt, and a really good ham dinner, which didn't taste that good to me since I was not feeling well. Anyway here are some pictures:

By the way: Where did that blond headed kid come from? (Olivia)

George Bush's WAR

2008-03-22T09:34:00.008-06:00

It's the five year anniversary of the start of this helpless war, and as a nation, the death toll is almost to 4000,00 lives. Dick Cheney was interviewed on tv, and was told about 65 % of the nation no longer supports the war. His reply: "SO". So? How far removed is that? What does he care. Soon he will be fly fishing all summer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. That is how he spend last summer......

You Utah Republicans: if you vote for McCain, you are voting for a never ending war, and more of the same as now. McCain is nothing more than a clone of George.
I Know. the only good Mormon is a Republican Mormon, or so I was told...

Gas for my diesel Jetta is now close to $4.00 a gallon. I thought it was bad when it went to $3.00. Do you think the present administration cares about that? I don't think so.

Remember the fallen soldiers when you vote in November.

Picture is the flags flying at the American Fork Cemetery for the funeral for Nathan Barnes, who died serving his country.

March updates

2008-03-17T21:02:00.002-06:00

Well, the month got off to a great start when Joel was laid off from his job at XanGo. About 55 others were let go too. We got rest of the month's pay, plus severance. It will be OK--Joel always lands on his feet. He and his friend are going to open up a small car lot somewhere........

I got the release from my hand doctor this month. I can resume my normal activities' whatever that is! That means I pick Jayda up from school, watch the noon news, surf the internet for food recipes, take an afternoon nap, let the dog out, talk on the phone, check my email, and then maybe fix dinner.

My dad, Donald Rasmussen, found out that he has cancer of the lower jaw. He underwent 9 1/2 hours of surgery on Friday, March 7th. The doctor removed his lower jaw and took out some lymph nodes. They could not do any more surgery, such as reconstruct his jaw, because his cardiac doctor would not OK him to be in surgery longer than 8 hours. We pray for him everyday and hope that he recovers soon. Our family went to St. George this past weekend (13th to 15th) to see him. He is swollen, and will never be able to chew again, as his jaw is forever gone. We wish him all the luck in the world, and I know he will be up and going soon.

Today is St. Patty's Day--remember: KISS ME, I'M IRISH.

More Family/Funeral Pictures

2008-03-17T10:38:00.010-06:00

Sharon and Randee----related in marriage--some people think we are sisters.
Carrie, Joel , Jenny with Becky
Becky and granddaughter Carrie
Becky and Brice Cornaby

Randee and David Murphy

Glen, Audrey and Dave

Murphy siblings:

Joel, Phil. Gayle, Dave and Robert with Mom

Becky's grandchildren:

Matt, Carrie and Alan

Ashel Robison with my girls, Natalie, Jenny and the back of Ashleigh

Growing like a weed

2008-03-14T00:02:00.004-06:00

Brady is growing up so fast, he looks different every time I see him.

Brady's Blessing

2008-03-13T23:58:00.007-06:00

Miriam and Mitch laughing it up.....again.

Olivia, BRADY and JenBrady was blessed on Sunday, March 1, 2008. It was a wonderful day, and most of our family was there. There was food galore, and lots of fun and laughter. I didn't take very many pictures, as I was too busy talking and watching Mitch and Miriam laugh their guts out. Something funny happened at church and I never did get all of the story, but I guess it was a good one.

The girls with grandpa Andy

The Road Trip

2008-03-13T23:17:00.005-06:00

We had an adventure in February. Some of us in our family went on a "hurried trip" to Palm Springs and Long Beach California for the funeral of our beloved Uncle Garland Sutton. We went in Jenny's van, with the following: Joel, Sharon, Jenny, Jayda, Randy, Ashleigh and baby Brady. We stopped in St. George. on Friday night, and stayed in motels and some of us stayed with my Dad and Martha. We got up the next day and went to Palm Springs for the weekend. Natalie got a buddy pass and flew into Palm Springs on Friday night--since we all could not fit in the van....... We arrived to great weather, but we brought a lot of confusion with us--to many people for a starter. Randy planned on flying out on Sunday so he could get to work on Monday. Randy could not get a flight out of Palm Springs at all. So he decided to try to fly out of Long Beach on Monday. The caravan of cars left early Monday morning for the funeral. Randy could not get out of the Long Beach airport either. With a buddy pass--you fly "stand by". So Randy went to the funeral and met some more of our interesting family.

The funeral was very nice, and Aunt Becky was really sad. Her and Garland had been living together at the local care center. It was a long day for her, and Grandma Loneta came to the funeral also, and it was a long day for her, as both her and Becky are in wheel chairs, and their health if questionable.

Family came from all over, and Garland had a good send off. We will really miss him, as he was always there for us, and came to all of our family celebrations--all the way from California for weddings, funerals, more weddings and more funerals. They are the best.

By the time Monday night rolled around, everyone was exhausted. Natalie, Jenny and Randy were dropped off at the airport to fly home. Ashleigh started crying, she wanted to go home too, but were driving the van home. Natalie and Jayda were crying and Joel had asthma and was coughing his head off. I read a really good novel about Marilyn Monroe the whole trip and just sort of ignored it all. I was still recovering from my hand surgery, so I was kind of miserable at times also. Dave referred to the trip as a FIASCO, and he was glad to see us leave. Here are some of the pictures from that trip.

What were we thinking?.......

2008-02-28T12:20:00.003-07:00

In January, Joel and I had same day surgery during the same week. Joel had hernia surgery, and a few days later, I had thumb reconstuction for basil joint arthritis. Joel's surgery went well, but when the doctor got down to businesss, he found another hernia, so he had double surgery. My surgery was fast and I had a great doctor. He took a tendon out of my left arm and reconstructioned the thumb joint with the tendon. I came home with a soft cast, and was bed-ridden for a while--on great pain pills, etc. Two weeks after that, the doctor put on a hard cast, and I wore that one for two more weeks. Now I am in physical therapy, with an acrylic splint on my hand. I have to be real careful for a few more months, so the joint can heal properly. In other words, I can't do anything with my left hand. Joel has been nice to keep the kitchen clean, does the dishes, and attend to my needs. Thank goodness it is over, but sometime I need to get the other hand done. Not looking forward to that one.

2007--the end

2008-01-01T12:09:00.002-07:00

So glad that this year is over. The latter part of the year was ruined because of the return of the TERMITES. I was hanging up my fall decor on the front doorway when I noticed a small hole above the doorway--on the inside of the house. I started poking around and LOW AND BEHOLD! those darn things were back for the third time. I just could not believe it. Needless to say our Christmas fund was spent on getting rid of those guys again. Upon this discovery Joel and I decided it was time to move on--literally. We decided that a change was as good as a rest. So he is looking for another job and we are planning on moving--anytime, anywhere---wherever the spirit takes us. In early December we drove to Las Vegas to check out a job offer there--but we were not too excited about the town. The housing market is dead there and there are very good deals to be had, but it was just not for us. Joel is checking out other opportunites in St. George, Utah.

We have lived in the same house for thirty years--can't believe it. We are tired of yard work, or lack of it. Some place with a warmer climate and no yard sounds appealing right now. Our home needs much updating, and we think we will let someone else do it. I refer to our house as "The dump". It will take a few months getting rid of thirty years of keepsakes and clutter, but it has to be done.......and soon.

Ashleigh's Baby Shower!!

2007-11-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

November 3rd was the date for Ashleigh's baby shower. Jenny had the party at her home and I helped, along with Natalie helping with the food. Almost everyone came, and there was no more room to stand or sit. She got some very nice gifts, and a great time was had by all attending. We were very glad to see some of the family members that we had seen for a long time.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2007-11-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

There are some very scary folk in these pictures. We all went to Joel's and Ashleigh's work (XanGo) for trick or treat. I was so scary that I made Joel JUMP when he turned around and saw me for the first time. Yes, I am always a witch, but a little more so on Halloween....... The kids got more candy than they knew what to do with. Halloween is always fun and it was really fun this year because we all dressed up. Ashleigh was a black widow spider, in case you could not tell.