PARADISE aka Lake Powell

Ahhh!  Beautiful scenery, cool water, plenty of sun and fun for everyone!  What's not to love about this amazing vacation spot?!  It's been tradition in my family since before I was even thought of.  Dad & Mom used to tell us about their first trip to the lake when it was still filling up.  They'd drive 20 or more miles down the canyon just to reach water!  If you ask me, Lake Powell is right up there with the other 8 wonders of the world!!  I'm so glad that the Schimbeck Family loves Lake Powell too; it has become one of their favorites as well with the exception of Gpa Deon.  With a few teenage grandchildren talking to him, he's usually a good sport about coming and we've learned to ignore his whining!

In keeping with tradition, we usually bring along a few extra kids--friends, cousins, or roommates. I can never get good action shots, but this is Hannah wake boarding.

It is also tradition to take a cruise to the marina for an ice cream and look at all the houseboats that cost more than our own house.  Here we have Evan, Aaron and Kirby no doubt solving all the world's problems together!  he he

German cousins!!  Mark, Tonja and Tom posing at the marina.

It's rough; but somebody's got to do it!  There are enough water toys for everyone to lounge on to get a real good tan.  If you're not careful...a real good sunburn!

Sydney, Evan, Whitney, Abby, Tay, Hannah, Stephanie

Parker LOVES his older women!!

Jonas posing on back of boat.  He loves visiting America every few years!

Catching some rays on the bow are Parker, Whitney, Stephanie, Taylor, Hannah & Abby.

Such bathing beauties!!  Parker keeps us all entertained!

It was too hot to sleep in the tents so we all brought our air mattresses out in the sand.  We all snored harmoniously together until the bright morning sun woke us up along with the squawking crows!

Well, atleast MOST of us slept comfortably.  For whatever reason, Parker slept in this very small food tent between three coolers and two bins of food.  How he did this remains a mystery.  Not a morning person either!!

Parker and his harem of women visiting after ice cream at marina.

Linda and Siggi posing at the Sand Hill.  They may be in their 60s and 70s, but they climbed the massive sand hill like champs!!  Everyone LOVES Aunt Siggi! 

Polka Dotty Grandma Turns 90

Grandma Ruthie turned 90 on June 3rd. This big birthday event had been in the planning for the past year. It was a grand occasion and nearly all her living children and their families were able to attend. What a wonderful posterity she has. Wayne, Siggie, Tonja and the boys flew over from Germany to celebrate and spend some time with everyone. We all took family pics together. The room was decorated with a time line of her life with clothing, documents, photographs and other memorabilia.

Each of her eight children was assigned to bring a cake that represented their family. Evan volunteered to make a JAZZ cake to remember the time he took his Grandma and Mom to a Jazz game. (They are big fans of the JAZZ!) This was his first time making fondant. Move over Martha Stewart!! It was a great evening spent together seeing family we don't get to see too often.

Good Ole Summertime

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?  Do you fish in a stream, or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds roll by?  Is that what you do?  So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?  Do you swim in a pool, to keep yourself cool, or swing in a tree up high?  Is that what you do?  So do I!  (visiting with friends at Kershaw)

Summer, Kaylee and Taylor posing between dance numbers.
"Just Dance" has been a favorite in our household this year!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?  Do you march in parades, or drink lemonades, or count all the stars in the sky?  Is that what you do?  So do I!
(a favorite Primary song)

Abby, Taylor and Chesnee posing on the grass at Kershaw.

Bathing beauties catching some summer sun.

I think I could write several more verses, but I'll just get some pics posted for now.  I haven't done much this summer except nap, plan and prepare for Girls Camp.  I haven't even blogged lately.  No motivation.  No events.  No energy.  Nada.  Just been planning Girls Camp pretty much since school let out with the exception of a quick get away for my birthday.  (Evan knows the only way to get me to relax and let go of things (at times) is to take me away from it all.)  We enjoyed a weekend in Mesquite just lounging by the pool or in the air-conditioned room reading, sleeping, and watching movies.  We only left once to eat out.  We brought food into the suite and ate quite simply as we wanted.  It was great; the very thing I needed to regroup and focus on what matters most.  Now I'm off to Girls Camp early in the morning.  This year I'll be with the Stake Youth Leaders (SYL).  I'm pretty excited and hope it's everything I expect it to be!

Dance Dynamics

This past weekend was Taylor's dance recital; it was amazing! She has taken dance classes all year with Aunt Mindy and performed on the Dance Team. We are so proud of her dedication to homework, keeping up with her responsibilities, and doing something she loves. We are grateful to have Aunt Mindy's talents here in Lincoln County as are about 90 other dancers! It was one of the finest entertainments in the county.

Cousin Sydney makes dance classes so much fun!

Taylor has been so committed to dance and has worked hard to improve her skills and flexibility. She looks so graceful and calm dancing in front of an audience.

Disturbia:  One of my favorite numbers of the evening.

In Loving Memory of Uncle Gordon

Gordon Freeman, loving husband, father, grandfather, school teacher of art for 29 years, artist, classical music enthusiast, avid reader, chocolate lover, roofer, chess coach, soccer coach and regional competition director, sports lover, racer of pigeons, temple servant and oldest brother of nine, passed away at the age of 73 on Saturday evening, May 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gordon was born in Murray, Utah on December 12, 1937 to Russell Hamblin and Ruth Olsen Freeman. Gordon was the first of nine children, and he helped to financially support the family starting at the age of eight, by helping his father Russell roof homes. Gordon also became a father figure to his eight siblings and when he was 18 years old his father died.

Today we attended the funeral of Uncle Gordon.  Listed above is only a portion of the magnificent things he did during his mortal life.  He was one of Evan's favorite uncles.  Uncle Gordon and Aunt Colleen were always so good to everyone.  During our time of crisis, with Abby coming early and both of us in the hospital, they opened their beautiful home up to us and any of my family members to stay whenever and however long we needed to at any given time.  It was such a relief to have their home as a refuge from the hospitals and to ease some of our financial burdens.  Taylor was only two at the time and lovingly referred to them as, "Aunt Gordeen".  She loved helping Colleen water the flowers and looking in the pigeon coops with Gordon.  We will always be grateful to them for that.  It was a full day to SLC and back, but I am so glad we made it there.  The funeral was a loving tribute to a wonderful man.  I'm so glad to have known him and his family.  

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Softball season is here again! Abby and Evan are practicing at the fields nearly every day except game days. There are very serious moments and then hysterically funny moments. Abby made an awesome hit which took her sliding into second. Then she went on to steal third base and tripped on her own feet as she was overrunning it. She was going down head first and broke into laughter as she landed. The coach had to remind her to hurry and get back on base. She was still laughing long after she came home in the dugout. It is so embarrassing when her mother's genes interrupt a good play! We enjoy watching her play and seeing Evan coach a bunch of middle-school girls full of emotions, opinions, and attitude!

Aaahhhh....Retail Therapy!

In spite of the winter weather when it is officially spring, the girls and I headed for St. George. We all felt the need to get out of town for some retail therapy. We met up with Shawn and the kids to celebrate Hannah's upcoming birthday at Iggy's, then shopped again. It is so much fun to shop for anything besides groceries. It is even better when there are great sales, incentives, BOGO deals, and freebies. We found all of the above this weekend. We are staying at the Wiscombe Bed and Breakfast Inn. (Definitely a 5-star hotel!)  We also attended the baptism of niece, Kennedi earlier and enjoyed a BBQ with the Schimbeck clan. The only thing that would make this weekend better is if there was sunshine, Sue, and Evan! The sun is still not shining, and it's quite drizzly outside, but in my little world the sun is shining for today! I love my family so much!

Have I Done Any Good?

Ever have those days when you wonder if you've done any good? It seems I've been having more of those kind of days than I'd care to say lately. My former traits of organization, tidiness, and creativity have been nearly extinct while trying to maintain the aspects of well-being. I'm not complaining, just wishing I could be the wonder woman I always seem to have in mind for myself, even though it is clearly a high and unrealistic expectation. Of all the goals I've accomplished successfully, my greatest is that of being a mother to three beautiful girls who bring great joy in my life. With that, they are also my challenges, heartaches, worries, comforts, and loving reminders that motherhood is the most divine calling I could ever hope to have been blessed with. So.... when I long to be that perfect being that I think exists, I have to step back and look at what a kind and loving Heavenly Father has blessed me with. And that is when I realize nothing else really matters, no nothing.

Abby:  She has such a quiet disposition but with strong determination.  She loves animals and has a special way with them no matter how big or small.  She is athletic, smart, and funny.  We enjoy watching her play basketball and softball.  She has acquired my list making trait and my occasional OCD cleaning trait.  What a joy she is to our family.

Taylor:  She speaks her mind and stands her ground.  Things are either black or white for her.  She is also determined and knows how to get what she wants.  It is entertaining to watch her dance whether its for family night or for a performance.  She has acquired some of my creativity (but more) and the need for things to be equal and fair.  She keeps us in stitches with her unique perception on life.

Whitney:  Our college girl with strong organizational skills.  Keeps her school, work, spiritual and social life balanced with her planner and lists.  She is level-headed for her age and so responsible.  At times, I feel she's more the adult than me.  She can see the silver-lining in any situation and makes the most of everything.  So grateful to have her as an example in our lives.

These girls have so much in common and are yet so diverse in many ways.  They can keep my good traits and make them better. Through their eyes, I am reminded that though the things I do on a daily basis may be small and insignificant, they are the things that matter most. Knowing I am trying to be the mother that He would have me to be helps me to forget my weaknesses and to press on in trying to do good.  Thank you girls for continuously reminding me of things that are right and good in this world!

Aaaaahhhhh...What He/She Said

It is Reading Week at school which means dressing up, guest readers, mystery readers, muffins with moms, donuts with dads, popsicles with the principal, and many other activities all centered around reading.  It is a fun week that is needed this time of year to melt the winter blues and give us the motivation to carry on strong.  I was looking for a particular quote and found one from Dr. Seuss I'd never heard before.  I found some great pearls of wisdom to remind me of what matters most.  Here they are...Enjoy!

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. Dr. Seuss

A child can always teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires. Paulo Coelho


There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow. Orison Marden

When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky. Buddha

I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what goes on inside. Wayne Dyer

Just for today, no matter where I am going, or what I am doing, or who I am doing it with, it is my intention to focus on the positive. Lucy MacDonald

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Peaceful and Restful Day

In my younger years I thought of Sundays as the most boring day of the week, however, I've grown to appreciate and look forward to this one precious day of the week.  Yesterday was our Stake Conference, and though I was certainly tempted to stay in my nice, warm bed, I knew I needed to be spiritually fed.  I always leave the meetings feeling more hopeful after hearing the words of our leaders, especially when there seems to be unsettling news going on all around our country and world.  I feel uplifted and ready to endure all things, and to rejoice in the small and simple things.  I feel encouraged to strive harder in keeping the commandments and in doing those things which will keep our family from pulling apart in hard times.  I am thankful for the simple things like family dinners, family home evening, gospel discussions, and just having fun together.  Our home and the time we spend together is our refuge from the world; it is so sacred to me.  Sunday is the only day that remains uninterrupted and free of stress.  We came home and discussed the things we had learned over lunch.  After a restful nap, I pulled out past conference talks and reread more encouraging words as I listened to Jenny Phillips' music in the background.  I was rejuvenated to begin another week focusing on the things that matter most and not stressing over the things which do not.  I am thankful for the gentle reminders that help keep me grounded in the gospel and in life.

BFF's

Meet Heidi.  She is my BFF.  Meet Chesnee.  She is Abby's BFF.  Mothers and daughters.  This pic was taken at Mount Vernon when we accompanied our girls to Washington DC.  What a fun trip it was! 

Girls need their BFFs to laugh with, talk with, cry with, shop with, or just to solve all the world's problems or at least put perspective on our own.  I have had many BFFs through all phases of my life.  They bring a lot of joy in celebrating the ups and down of life.  I am thankful to have always had good friends who know all about me and yet still love and accept me inspite of my weakness and oddities.

When my sister, Sue, moved away from Caliente, it was nearly like another death for me.  I had lost my dearest and closest friend.  At that time, I didn't know Heidi too well, other than that she was the best babysitter I'd ever had for my girls.  I soon realized that we had a lot in common.  We both love to shop, to relax in the sun, nap, talk, joke, tease, and laugh A LOT!  We are both teachers and work at the same school which adds to that much more fun during a day.  Our commute to school and back each day gives us plenty of time to reflect on life's serious matters such as what's best for our kids, how to deal with parents, when to color our hair, which accessories look best, who to mess with after 3:00, and so on.  It is our daily "therapy"!

Sometimes, we just can't fit all our discussions in so we have to talk on the phone later on.  I think sometimes our husbands are annoyed with us, but men don't always give us the conversation and attention we need and deserve on a daily basis.  Tomorrow is Nat'l RASK Day...Random Acts of Service and Kindness.  I am thankful to have a friend who is constantly doing random acts of kindness towards me, my family, and many, many others!  Thank you, Heidi!  You're the best!  (It's okay to bring over those cookies anytime!)  

A Valentine Tradition

As long as I've been cooking, I've made sugar cookies for Valentine's Day.  During high school, my friends and I would bake and decorate them together for our friends and/or boyfriends.  As soon as my girls were old enough to stand on a stool and help me, they would roll out the dough, cut hearts with the cookie cutters, and sprinkle the decorations after I'd frost them.  Then we'd  deliver them to teachers, neighbors, home teaching and visiting teaching families, or to a secret someone.  They really got a kick out of this tradition, and it was fun watching their excitement as they stood on doorsteps waiting with anticipation.  So here I am keeping up with tradition once again, only the novelty has worn off for the girls, I'm baking alone this year.  When I taught school in Hildale, UT, the librarian gave me her recipe which has proved to be THE VERY BEST one I've ever tried, so I am typing it below if you'd like to give it a try.  Mmmm. . . they are delicious, soft, puffy and moist without frosting or with!  Enjoy!  Treat your loved ones to some homemade love!

  Cynthia's Sugar Cookies
3 c flour           1 c sugar
1/2 c butter      1/2 c sour creme
1 tsp bkg soda
1 egg
1 tsp vanila
1/4 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients together.  Wrap in cellophane wrap and chill for 30 min before rolling out.
Don't roll any thinner than 1/4".  I like them a bit thicker myself, but they'll stay soft and moist!
Bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes.

Let's Get Physical

For YW's, the girls had planned an 80s exercise activity.  Chicka was all about getting dressed up for the activity, while Abby was still searching for something to wear.  Chicka was a "Maniac on the Floor".  Abby was surprised I knew so much about what to wear.  I reminded her that I had graduated in the prime of the 80s.  She looked at me as if to say, "You're THAT old?!?"  Leg warmers, headbands, side pony tails, "Flashdance" style t-shirts over tank tops, big earrings, and layering completed their look.  They worked out to Richard Simmons and had a great time!  I think they look great!  Maybe I'd be more motivated to work out if I pulled out the old leg warmers and spandex shorts!

Abby and Easton looking more like Jane Fonda and Olivia Newton-John!

Tender Mercies

They are everywhere if you make yourself aware of them.  I had one such tender mercy yesterday.  I was at the Bloomington Wal-Mart looking for a skirt to go to the temple since I'd forgotten mine.  I just needed something quick to go when I got a phone call from my mom.  She told me the new St. George airport will be opening on January 12--the seven year mark of dad's fatal airplane incident.  It was also seven years ago that Sue and I were in the Cedar Wal-Mart when we received the call that Dad's plane was down.  As I heard mom telling me of the grand opening news, I couldn't help but cry tears of joy and gratitude for that tender mercy.  He loved flying the Brasilia aircraft and he loved Lake Powell.  Two of his favorites pictures below!

As I continued to shop I could hear the airplanes flying overhead (that store is in the direct flight pattern) for landings and take offs.  I immediately sent out a text to my family to tell them the news.  My brother texts back:  They should name it after him.  I agreed.  (If only we were filthy rich and could donate lots of money.)  After going to lunch with brother-in-law Shawn, we decided that Dad would be pleased enough if a newspaper stand were made in honor of him with papers from all over the country and, of course, atleast one Nifty Nickel.  He was an avid reader of newspapers no matter where he was traveling, and he firmly believed one should ALWAYS check in the Nifty Nickel when looking to purchase anything!  We joked as a family while making funeral arrangements that we should check the Nifty Nickel for a coffin, because that would please Dad.  Oh how I loved that man!  I am so grateful to have been born of goodly parents who gave me the life lessons and experiences to help shape who I am today.  Thank you, Mom & Dad!  I LOVE YOU!

P.S.  Wal-Mart no longer carries skirts or dresses, in case you're wondering about that! 

My Little Girls

Chicka got a camera for Christmas, so the girls went to the depot to shoot some photos of themselves modeling their favorite accessories and new clothes. Cousin Sydney was staying over, so she joined in the fun. As I looked over their pictures, I was reminded once again that my "little girls" are growing up way too fast. Gone are the days of playing house, kitchen, Barbies, and dress ups. Now they can never have enough clothing, accessories, hair and beauty products, and the latest technology available. I want to stop time or even go back sometimes to relish and savor moments in time. I enjoy them so much, together as well as individually. Nothing else is equivalent to the joy of being a mother!There is never a dull moment when all three are together. Add in the mix a cousin or two and it's even better. They are slipping through my fingers, but I sure do love each season of their lives. So blessed am I!

Going to Girls Camp

Lucky me!  I still get to go to Girls' Camp this next summer!  I was just called to be one of the SYL Leaders!  I am so excited; SYL girls are the bubbles, the happy greeters, the goofy cheerleaders, the more mature examples, the spiritual leaders, the big sisters, the pranksters, the fun each year at camp!  Evan has already agreed to be our chef, so I can focus on other matters.  I get to serve with one of the most amazing ladies in our stake.  I nearly jumped out of my chair with excitement when I was asked to serve.  I've already got my camp ideas turning around in my head.  So much fun!  I LOVE GIRLS' CAMP!

The Stockings Are Hung

It's been a crazy holiday season already and not in the usual way.  It all began the weekend prior to Thanksgiving when the old furnace at Panaca Elementary caught on fire.  Fortunately, no one was there.  School was cancelled for two days for cleaning up the grimy soot which was belched out through the duct work.  What a mess!!  Everything was covered, but we had to clean it up for school to be back in session the following Monday.  Meanwhile, push came to shove with contractors, insurance, administration, and a principal who really looks out for the best interest of his students and faculty--and we were finally granted the powerful "Certification of Occupancy" for our brand new school.  The insurance company came in and completed our work, boxed up our belongings and moved each classroom, one by one, into the new building.  I came home from Thanksgiving in St. George to over 100 boxes in an empty classroom.  It was overwhelming, but what else could we do, but get to work.  We've been in our beautiful new school for a week now and things are slowly getting organized.  We feel so very lucky to have a new school.  There is still so much I need to do to get myself organized, but I am looking forward to Christmas Break when I can rest up and enjoy the simple pleasures of home, holidays, and family.  The whole cleaning up of things covered in ashes and soot has cured me of the traditional entrance for Santa.  I'm totally fine with him using the front door this year!