Autmn time beauty

Ah, the beauties of Autumn time.

Brandt's quote of the day.

"How could ANYONE be bored in Monroe?"


I know Brandt, it's inconceivable!!

Wood Cutting Trip at the Ranch

I can already feel the warmth from the wood stove. It is so cozy and nice when we are all gathered together around the fire and listen to a book read by the best dad ever...Chad-dad. We have been reading the "Little Britches" series and it has been so delightful and inspiring. Hard work, honesty, and faith are the themes throughout the books. We are all trying to build our "character house" and make it impervious to the outside influences of the world.

Dead-eye Talon...He is a great shot and very accurate with his gun. Thanks to Grandpa Ron for teaching him safety and gun sense. The guys shot my Dad's new shot-gun which packed quite a punch. I consider it a mini-cannon. When asked if I wanted to give her a go, I promptly said, "Heck No!!" I would have gotten knocked on my rear I'm afraid.

Beautiful Scenery of Zion

Beautiful Girls and Grandma. They had fun making dream-catchers and cooking up some yummy dutch-oven 'taters and steak. It was perfect weather and so nice to be up in the mountains.

The Sunset was Spectacular.

Leaver's Little Gods

Fieldtrip Fun and Frivolity!!

We got to visit a miniature-horse ranch and learned all about these little wonders. They are named 'Little Gods' after Mythological Gods like Zeus, Thor, Hermes, etc.

The horses were very friendly, but they got a little nervous because of so many kids wanting to pet them. Anyways, we've decided to plant a little pasture and get a miniature horse because it could haul us to town and back. It would be a good way for Chad to get to work also, because they don't take up to much space and he could put it in his office closet when he was with clients. No one would even know!

Here is Jose---2 feet tall and all power!

I didn't know but the horses were bred down in size in order to achieve a small species. This started with the Welsh and Shetland ponies in order for them to go into mining shafts and pull out coal or whatever. They are very strong for their size and can haul a big load, surprisingly. They are so dang cute!!

I love to see the temple....

The kids and I enjoyed our day at Temple Square while Chad was at drill. The Utah Guard is shaking things up. Big-Army has issued a complete change-over from I-CORPto the 65th Fires-Brigade. It's so they can be deployed quicker if necessary...in my opinion. Thank you Rumsfeld for streamlining the force and for "modularity". Chad is now part of "America's Thunder".

There is a really great exhibit in the Church Museum for children if anybody gets a chance to go. The kids had fun "Holding to the Rod" and learning about Church History.

Master Artists

"I love great art!!"

We were so lucky to be able to visit the UMFA on the U of U campus last Saturday. We got up close and personal with some of the greatest artists the world has ever seen. I enjoyed it so much and the paintings are so much richer than you would see in a book or on a print. The Renoir paintings were my favorite because they seemed to glow. It was if the people were illuminated from within and he captured the magic of the moments in such a delicate way that it was if they were alive. It was interesting to move from the impressionists to the modern artists. I must say that I liked the impressionism better, not just because they were "pretty" but because of the feelings they invoked.

This was my favorite of Renoir's titled "The Apple Seller".

Monet's "Water Lilly's". At the end of his life he went blind, but continued to paint. I always marvel at the irony of life, for example, Beethoven and his deafness. But, "ironically" he produced his greatest masterpieces when he was completely deaf. He heard the music in his head and was able to score a complete symphony using his imagination. Amazing!

Van Gough's paintings had so much movement and expression in them. You could feel his emotions from the way the painting flows and the color's he used.

Surprise! This is a Picasso. One always thinks of Picasso with the cubist and modern art style, but before he expressed him self in that way, he painted many "realism" works. I love this one because of the tenderness you can feel from the mother and child.

Rodin's "The Thinker" He sculpted this to show how difficult and how much energy it takes to "think". In producing this work of art, he used Dante as his inspiration. Classical works, whether they be literature, sculpture, music, or painting, take depth and soul in order to create such world class works of beauty and truth that transcend time.

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Governor's Day---Hoo-ah!

Governor Huntsman and the Generals

Governor's Day was at the University of Utah this year at the Rice Stadium. Luckily the speeches were short and a minimum of awards were given out. It was awesome to see all of the men in uniform fill the stadium. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Chad. I am so proud of him. I guess I am definetely a Hoo-ah wife.

The jets and helicopters flying so low overhead were awesome too. The kids enjoyed climbing into a Paladin and helicopter. There were some fun activities and free ice-cream!

A funny but sad thing was that a bunch of guys keeled over because they locked their legs, or got overheated or something while out on the field. They were dropping like flies, but it is no wonder when they are wearing a black, wool beret in 100 degree temps. Whoever decided on the beret as part of the new uniform is a very despised person.