Arizona Citrus

I look at my porch and what do I see?
a box of Oranges and Grapefruit smiling at me.

I think, "Oh How Lucky Am I!"
I feel so grateful I just want to cry.

My Dad sends me Oranges and Grapefruit you see
to make the rainy days in Oregon a little more bright for me.

The sweet smell of Arizona that fills our home
there is nothing like it, that why I write this poem.

Its hard to put a price on the love that I feel
to be given some sunshine from home that's so real.

Thanks Dad for keeping me stocked with that Arizona sunshine.

What did he do?

Inquiring minds want to know. There were some left over noodles sitting on the table in the strainer after dinner. I was working in the kitchen and Robert came in and showed me this. I don't know if you can tell, but he has threaded the noodles through each hole of the strainer. I love to watch his mind work.

Loosing 2 Teeth

Cal was so excited about playing a Hot Wheels DS video game he tried to open the case with his teeth. Instead, he was traumatized when both of his bottom front teeth "broke" and were sticking straight out. After a day of listening to Cal complain about how his teeth hurt, I told him I would help him get them out. I pulled and twisted. The first one came right out. He was surprised it didn't even hurt. He was ready for tooth #2 and it popped right out. He was thrilled! The tooth fairy came a few days later. Cal struck it rich and made a whole $4.

Cal and the Vacuum

Yes that is Cal and yes that is the vacuum. Let me explain. Cal takes everything apart. Old toys, household items, you name it. He is so curious and loves to know how things work. This is an old vacuum that doesn't work anymore. We just replaced it a few weeks ago. It was on the front porch ready to be taken to the dump. He couldn't wait to get his hands on it. He spent at least 3 hours after school for 2 days on this project. Do you see that big heavy coat? It was freezing outside. When he came in his hands and face were red. Look at his smile. I love it.

All in 2009

1. I want to be "Emergency Free". I am constantly putting out fires. This is because I don't follow a calendar and I am not very organized. I usually miss everything. Its either that, or show up late. Baby Steps. I am going to get there this year.

2. Get ALL this baby weight off. I gained 60 lbs with Dallin. The time to get it off is now and my goal is May. Yes, my birthday month. I really want to give myself that gift this year.

3. Fun Family Game Nights. Saturday nights after the Saturday work is done.

4. Read the Book of Mormon.

5. Stop existing and start ENJOYING THE RIDE. I have nie nie to thank for that one.

Arizona

I was able to visit Arizona on short notice this year. Vince let me go a full seven days! He took care of Grant, Suzanne, Cal, and Robert. It was a tearful good bye. Dallin and I took off for a little very needed vacation in the sun. I have such a good man.

"Highlights"
1. Pedicure with Mom and Wendy
2. Massage by Kate
My Dad scheduled it for me and oh boy was that ever a treat!
3. Lunch with Preston (nephew)
We went to the Macaroni Grill. He opened every door, quite the gentleman he's grown up to be.
4. Sun Sun and more Sun
5. Salon Spoiling by Julie
My sister is a cosmetologist and has a salon in her house! We played with color and I turned out BRIGHT RED! It calmed down after a few days and lots of people love it.
6. Watching Black and White old movies with Mom
7. Shorties
Its a Kempton Family Tradition, the best enchiladas you'll ever have. At least that what us "Kemptons" will tell you.
8. Stories
My brothers are the best at telling stories. Tears steamed from our faces and we laughed till our bellies hurt.
9. Leaves in the back of the Truck
My Dad loaded a bunch of leaves in the back of the truck I was driving. I had to go down the freeway to get to my massage. Talk about a leaf storm!!! I couldn't go over 45mph. Kristine (SIL) saved me and we dumped them in her orange grove.
10. Visit with Amber (SIL)
11. Lunch with Kristine (SIL)
12. Breakfast with Kayla
13. Dinner at Mayflower Mom and Dad
I love time to talk with my parents and that it when we seem to do it.
14. Elmers Tacos
The place I went out to lunch a lot in High school and crave when I get back to Oregon.
15. Flip Flops
16. Oranges and Grapefruit
I LOVE ARIZONA WINTERS!!!!!