Maria, Maria, Maria

We had an awesome experience to have our friend Maria Brando and two of her friends Pilar and Barbara, stay with us for a few days, it was a wonderful experience. I had to really use my brain to try and remember my rusty old Italian, but I wouldn't have missed this experience! We were able to visit a few of the Temples and we made a trip to Yellowstone, but I think the most fun was in the evenings when they took over my kitchen and cooked us some traditional Italian food and filled our house with the aromas that brought back so many memories of my mission. Maria was one of my first contacts in Italy and I am so thankful that Heavenly Father used me to help her find the Gospel. What a great blessing my mission was in my life, and it is so wonderful to see how seeds that are planted can grow and develop into a whole family enjoying the Gospel. I loved taking them to church and interpreting for them, A.J. Woolstenhulme helped me out and shared what was being said to Barbara, I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father that loves and embraces us all, we are all his children. I miss you Maria, thanks for coming to the house of Snow White and sharing your love and joy with us.

Welcome Autumn ( Winter????)

We woke up to quite a surprise on Thursday morning, a winter wonderland. It seems like just the other day I was waiting for some green, and now we are headed back into the winter season. Although today is absolutely beautiful, cold but beautiful. Blue skies and all of the aspens are gold and the chokecherries are red and Autumn is holding on tenaciously!

Pete

Well we have had a sad day here at the Wild and Wooly farm. Many of you have heard the stories of Royce's pet sheep "Pete" When I got home from girls camp, Royce told me how Pete had gone fishing with him down to duck pond. And how he (Pete) had enjoyed it so much, he even went into the water to play! Yesterday morning Royce couldn't find Pete anywhere, but he thought he would turn up, as the day progressed he decided he had better go looking, and finally headed off toward the creek. He found him but not before a mountain lion had. So a fair warning to anyone wanting to fish down at the creek, right now might not be the best time, since we have a mountain lion on the loose. Poor Pete, he really was Roycee's bud, and he will sure miss him.

Fisheeeeeeeeee

Royce and I decided to do a cheap date nite on Friday and walked down through the fields and down to the creek and started fishing. We were pretty sure we would have fun, but we didn't think we would catch any fish and first throw in Royce got a bite, we had a great time, we caught about 6 fish within a half hour, we threw the littler ones back and kept a couple of good size ones for supper. It has been a long time since we had gone fishing together out at the creek. Brutus even got brave and tried to retrieve a bone he found in the creek, he doesn't like the water and is usually a big baby, but he just had to have that bone. Afterward we came back up to the house and grilled the fish and I made some pasta and seasoned it with herbs from Crystals herb garden and it was absolutely delicious! What a fun date! I think we are going to go again soon! We are adjusting to the empty nest syndrome, although I miss all of my kids, I think it would be perfect if we could all live within walking distance of each other and see each other more often. But maybe having them all spread out helps me to realize how much I love each and every one of them. Anyhow, open invitation, fishing at our place, come on up and have a cookout, and enjoy this beautiful summer with us!

Tender Mercies

I've been doing alot of deep thinking lately, wondering if I am living up to the expectations of family and my Heavenly Father. Of course in the down moments I am sure that I am failing, yet somehow the morning comes, the sun rises and I am given a new day. A chance to start again and try to get it just a little bit closer to being right!

Royce and I were talking the other day and I was wanting to put the bird feeder just a little closer to the window so that it would entertain Crystals cat Levi. Kind of cruel entertainment I guess if you think of it from the birds perspective! LOL! As I was sitting at the computer and looking out the window a tiny little bird started eating at the bird feeder, I hadn't seen this kind of bird before so I started to do some research on it, I searched the computer for this particular little bird, and when I found it I was thrilled, those of you that know me well, know that I love words, and this bird has a wonderful name, it just rolls off of your tongue. It is a Lazuli Bunting! How cool is that? So I started thinking about all of the beautiful creations of the world and how my Father in Heaven must love me alot, so that even when I am in my lowest moments, I can look out my window and see a Lazuli Bunting.

Yesterday Royce and I went with his nephew Jeremy and Taryn and their two cute kids Cadence and Coda, over to Trailcreek Pond to let the kids do some fishing. We had a wonderful time, and the kids were so delighted that they each had a chance to catch a fish, the joy in their eyes was so contagious. That is what life is about, the beautiful world, joyfilled eyes, a warm loving hand to hold, great friends, precious family and a loving Father in Heaven that accepts and blesses me just for being me. As we were getting ready to leave the fishing hole I took this picture of the sky, this picture is what inspired me to write this post. I'm not perfect..........yet, but I am truly loved.

Spring has Sprung, the last little bird has left the nest!!!

Okay, Okay I know it is almost Summer time, but Spring in all of its' confusing glory has finally appeared in Teton Valley. Everything is gloriously green, every shade of green. I guess that is probably thanks to the interminable rain showers that seem to inundate us every single day! But the result is crazily delightful, I have daffodils blooming at the same time as columbines, and honeysuckle blooming in concert with lilacs, the only thing that has finished its' spring blooming is the dandelions and right now there are plenty of dandelion parachutes waiting to take off and grant a myriad of wishes!!!! So I decided to show you just a bit of the beautiful emerald green world I am living in! Another wonderfully sad and weird kind of crazy thing has also happened this week, we have officially become empty nesters, it has been so wonderful to have Crystal living here with us for the past year, we have become the three musketeers, and Royce and I can't believe how such a little person can leave such a big empty space in our home. But we are really excited for her as she moves out of "nanny" land and moves on to something new and challenging. Luckily my kids love Royce and I sooooo much they knew we couldn't be left totally without someone to care for so Seth left us Brutus and Crystal has left Levi here in our care, so we have officially become parents to pets, soon we will be dressing them in cute little outfits and taking them to see Santa Claus! LOL!!!

Adalyn Grace

I guess one of the things I didn't realize until today is that along with the sunshine and blue skies we still need the rain to make everything beautiful. The last couple of days we have shed many tears, this has been a tough time for our family. Our beautiful little Adalyn Grace was born into the world May 29 at 9:30 A.M. she weighed 4.1 LBS. and was 17 inches long. All of our hopes of a long earth life association with this beautiful angel were taken away from us, but we were given the beautiful gift of eternal assurance that she will be part of our family forever. I was so proud of Elise, she handled this trial with true grace and conviction, she was so strong and brave. I love this new daughter that Josh has brought into our family. Josh bravely stood by her side and welcomed their new little eternal angel into their family, As Royce and I watched them embrace each other and their new little daughter, and then give her back to Heavenly Father we were so impressed with their faith and testimony. They are our heroes. We will miss you Adalyn, I was so thankful for the time I had with you, the chance I had to help the nurses dress you, the chance to be all alone with you and sing to you, I love you sweetie pie, I will see you again. I also want to thank my Heavenly Father for the chance we were given to be grandparents to this beautiful perfect angel, I know he will take good care of her until we can be with her again. There is a beautiful quote that my friend Leslie shared with me, it is " The best way to have Heaven in your home, is to have someone you love in Heaven." We love you Adalyn Grace.

Izzy, my favorite little dandelion

for Izzys' birthday I wanted to try and see if I could make her a tutu, and had this yellow tulle left over from Serenitys' wedding. So when I saw her in the tutu I just couldn't wait until we had some dandelions in bloom, because I think she looks like an adorable dandelion. Seri and Katie had lunch together the other day and they took these pictures for me, and they make me smile and laugh and giggle. Don't you think she looks adorable? I just wish that I was that cute and then I would make me a big ole tutu and sit barefoot out on my lawn. spring has definitely arrived here in Teton Valley, there is green everywhere! And it is absolutely beautiful! I LOVE SPRING!!!!!!! I plan to take some time every day to go outside and inhale green, to lift my spirits and fill my soul!

April inTeton Valley

So here is a Spring update for the Woolstenhulmes! The snow is just about gone, keep your fingers crossed, and everything is brown, the mud is brown, the lane is brown, even the cute little deer in the field are brown. But hold on the green is just waiting, beneath the surface, just waiting to burst forth and celebrate the beauty of this season, it will first start with the yellow green buds on the aspens, and then the lawns will green up and then the glorious dandelions will appear, much to my moms dismay and Maria Brando's delight, Maria will be sure I am going to make some delicious dandelion salad and my mom will want then to be gone from our funny lumpy green, pretend lawn, but I love them, with their bright sunshiney faces and I even love their little puffy, messy tops, great for making wishes, and defiant on the battlefront of all weeddom, determined to spread their sunshine in spite of the ongoing and eternal battle for their eradication. I love you all, I love spring, I love the new babies that are coming, and the changes of this beautiful season. We are going down to Provo this week for graduation, we are proud and excited to see the kids move forward in their lives. and I know as I come back home to the valley the greening will have begun! Bring it on! Let the greening commence!

Happy Birthday to my favorite Easter Bunny

My sweet and wonderful and very manly Roycee is having his birthday on Easter this year! I just want him to know how much I love him, and that he is such a great example to me. I am so thankful he has worked hard and sacrificed so much and allowed me to stay home and raise my sweet little ragamuffins. Hopefully next year we can celebrate from the mission field!!! Wouldn't that be fun!! I am so thankful for Easter and the chance we have to remember the Savior and the great sacrifice He made on our behalf. How marvelous that we have the atonement to help us on this earthly journey. I am so grateful to know that He lives, that He is my Redeemer. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. " I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me; I tremble to know that for me He was crucified. That for me a sinner, He suffered; He bled and died. Oh, it is wonderful, that He should care for me, enough to die for me, oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

Today I want to give tribute to the most wonderful Mom in the world. My Mom could rival Mrs. Santa Claus any day of the week. Her heart is full of giving, it always has been, from my first memories of catching sunshine to her constant desire to make sure even the smallest great grandchild has a special gift from Grandma and Grandpa. My Mom has always been there for me, making sure my life was wonderful, I always had beautiful dresses, hand sewn with lots of love and patience. Even my wedding dress was sewn by my Mom, without a pattern, because I had to have a dress made from three different pictures I found in an Italian Wedding Magazine. My Mom is always so beautiful, I remember as a little girl how she would make sure she always looked pretty for when Dad came home, she would put on something clean and put some red lipstick on and looked just like Doris Day, except for the brown hair! Now Mom always makes sure she is dressed just right, for each of my kids' weddings she has made sure she had something to match their colors so that she would match and make their weddings perfect.

My Mom can cook, she has always been amazing in the kitchen, from her chess pies to her butter cookies. I always knew that whatever she baked would be scrumptious. My Mom knows how to listen, she always has been and still is the one I turn to when my life is in upheaval, she loves me , and I know she will listen and then give me her wisdom. I guess what I really wanted to say is Thanks Mom, thank you for loving me and Royce, accepting us with all of our flaws, for loving each of our children. They each feel that they are your favorite, and I can ask for nothing more than that. You are my example, my best friend, my confidante.........My MOM! I love you, I hope you have the happiest Birthday ever! Love forever and ever, your oldest, Deanne

Changing and rearranging

It seems like lately everything around me is changing. Most importantly is the disappearing snow, and almost green stuff! But my family keeps me on my toes, Josh and Elise have moved into a house, and Micah is just about ready to graduate and they will be making some big changes and decisions. Matt and Seri are in Utah getting some training so that they can move back to Idaho Falls and start Matt's new job. Ethan moved out to Idaho Falls , and is taking on responsibilities. Crystal has given her employer a quitting date and is ready for a new adventure. Seth has been given more responsibilities at work and has been doing a remodel and learning all kinds of new skills. Royce and I just keep getting older, but I keep feeling that I am being changed and rearranged from the inside out, I have kind of let the exercise and the diet slide since December, but the Spring weather outside is calling to me........it is time to move forward. So I guess that's what Spring is about, Spring ahead, put a spring in your step and change and rearrange all of the things that have become stagnant. Out with the old, in with the new, and maybe today I can start with a great attitude, be a little happier, a little springier! Hope Springs Eternal!

Tag, I was it and now you are!

I was tagged by Julie to name six things that make me happy...........so here goes!

1.The gospel

2.kids, my kids, your kids, random cute kids in Walmart, especially Haddie dressed as a fairy!

3.My husband Roycee

4.when the family can all get together under one roof

5. music, all kinds

6.beautiful green, green grass, green trees, green stems on flowers, just not white! LOL

Okay so there is my list, so now it is your turn; I tag Kortnee,Elise, Marilee, Serenity, Adri, Beth, Kristina, Rebecca, Tia, Danalin, Noel, Katie, Mary, Hope and anyone else who wants to play!

I need some Spring and I need it now!!!

I know this sounds kind of crazy for someone who lives in beautiful Teton Valley, because Spring is not going to happen soon, but all I'm asking for is a glimpse of a few blades of grass, maybe a little dandelion in the crack of a sidewalk. I guess I really am just asking for some hope! I love the snow, it is so beautiful when it first falls and covers everything, but I am looking for a change. Maybe that is my problem, I haven't learned to appreciate the here and now as much as I should. I heard a quote recently that sums up what I need to be feeling, "In between the disasters is where you find joy!" So I am going to challenge myself to try to live in the moment, to appreciate where I am now, to enjoy the rest of the winter, to learn to love myself as I am, to place my hand in the Saviors and allow him to direct my path, instead of trying to run ahead and see beyond the here and now. So heres to finding joy in the moment, to learning to love the hard stuff, to relishing the challenges. But in the meantime, I am still going to be looking for those blades of grass.

Hearts of Stone

Happy Valentines Everybody! Royce and I have a tradition of finding a heart shaped rock if we are apart and bringing it home to let the other one know we missed them. So I put a few of our rocks on here to share. The big one is one of my favorites, it is one Royce brought home a couple of summers ago, that he found while he was at work, the inscription is his, and trust me this is a BIG rock. Also in the picture is our amaryllis that are blooming, they are beautiful, but we never seem to be able to get them to bloom at Christmas time, so they are my valentine flowers. So here is a challenge to all of you, to tell me what unique way you have to tell your sweetheart you love him/her. I love all of you and hope you have a terrific Valentines Day

HAPPY GROUNDHOGS DAY

Yay!!!!!! One of my most favorite days of the year! 27 1/2 years ago, Royce and I met at Yellowstone, we had our first date in the latter part of January and on Groundhogs Day I came home from work and there in my mailbox was my first gift from Roycee, it was a Groundhogs day present! I was so thrilled, it was a placemat with a picture of the Tetons on it. But the thing that knocked my socks off was that it was a present for Groundhogs Day, now who does that? It was just one more thing in the list of things I was starting to find out about this guy that was making me fall head over heels for him. So every Groundhogs Day we celebrate our love, we try to do something special to let each other know how much we love each other. It's been really fun because we even have a special movie we can watch, "Groundhogs Day!" which helps remind us that we need to be true to who we are and to each other. So this is my gift to Royce today, I want to tell the world how much I love him. He is my hero, he has worked so hard during our marriage so that I could stay home and take care of our babies. He is always so patient and kind, and he puts up with my slight insanity. I don't know what I thought my fairytale life would entail, but he is truly my Prince Charming, he has stood by my side through some pretty tough times and he has helped me laugh through sorrow, and stand when I thought I didn't have any more strength. He is my home, my Eternal companion, and I love him more than I can say.

The other day we saw this beautiful Bull Elk out in our field, so I am going to use him for my groundhog, I think you can tell that he didn't see his shadow and there is plenty more winter for this housebound, cabin fevered crazy lady!

Keep on, keepin on

Well we are half way into January, and it seems like all of the great goals and ideas are slip slidin away, so this is my halfway recommitment entry. I really want to be better, so I am going to do it! One day at a time! The snow is still here in beautiful Teton Valley, and I think it will be here for quite a bit longer, so I am just going to look at the beautiful blue sky and the amaryllis that are finally starting to bloom in my windowsill and think wonderful thoughts of Spring! LOL

Happy New Year

Wow, I can't believe we are done with 2008, what a year it has been, lots of growing and changing, we added Elise to our clan this year, what a blessing she is in our lives. She and Josh are doing great, they hosted our family Christmas party this year and it was so fun for all of us to stay in their home. We also added Matt to our wild and crazy group, he fits right in, we love him and enjoy his fun personality. He and Ethan work together at Subway, and moonlight as rock stars in the living room!! Aunt Sue finished up her chemo and her reconstruction, Uncle Leon became a miracle man, and Kerry got home from his mission. Katie gave birth to sweet lil' Izzy, Crystal lost her cat Stella, and got a replacement ( Eva) for Christmas. Seth moved several times and is now in a mountain man cabin up Fox Creek, he is becoming quite a cook, even cooked a turkey for his friends for Christmas, and he makes the best salsa there is! Micah and Mare are getting closer to the GRADUATION date, and Micah is finishing the last project on the remodel, the front hallway! Seri got a new camera, and insists on taking lots of pictures, which is great, except when they are of me (ugh) Royce is building a bigger and better greenhouse and is excited to get it finished so that he can try his hand at greenhouse grown corn this year, maybe it will be bigger than the minicorn we have had so far! Grandma Larsen had her cataracts removed and came through it all with flying colors! Aunt Sheri got to go to Hawaii, and Gma and Gpa survived Kirsten and Larissa and the fast paced life of teenagers! Aunt Sam, Uncle Dale and Uncle Brent just keep getting more and more grandbabies and I enjoy watching them all grow up through this blog world. Uncle Dave and Aunt Becky hosted a wonderful family Christmas party. Aunt Jan has become the Queen of redbubble, and has some wonderful pictures on that site. We painted a mural, and grew closer together, my life has been so wonderful this year, I love all of my kids, and my kids that aren't mine, I got to hold Kristina's little Kayla, what a miracle and a blessing, I get to watch Becca's and Tia's and Mary's babies grow up and every now and then some of my young women who are now married mommies show up with their kids and remind me how old I really am. Karen Egbert(Can't remember her married name) has a daughter in Miamaids!!! How crazy is that! I am so thankful to live in the most beautiful place in the world with the most wonderful husband and family and friends! I love you all! HAPPY NEW YEAR, to you all!