good vs evil?

Veterans Day in Palm Springs

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

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

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?

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

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

Pig out at the Asian Buffet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Willie Handcart Company Trek/photos

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.