50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

On February 11th we were able to get together with family and celebrate Uncle Max & Aunt Karen's 50th Wedding anniversary.

On display was Aunt Karen's wedding dress.

and pictures of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

There were all sorts of Pink and White candy to snack on

and a tower of cupcakes, among other good things to eat.

Shari built a family tree, with the names of all of their family members, Lori and I cut leaves out of scrapbook paper of all patterns.

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY UNCLE MAX & AUNT KAREN. WISHING YOU ANOTHER 50.

DAD

Dad passed away Feb 10, 2011. He had been failing for several months, spending time in 3 hospitals and 2 rehab centers.

Dad wanted nothing more than to be in his own home. He hated being away, so at Christmas time we brought him home.
About 2 weeks before he passed away he had to go back to the hospital again. At the Dr's recommendation we put him in Hospice or a few days, but decided to bring him home. He was very happy at the news. It was clear that he didn't have long, he wouldn't eat, drank very little water and slept most of the time.
On Thursday Feb 10, Tom went to check on him and he was snoring, he checked a second time at about 9:30 and he was still sleeping. When he went back in a little after 10AM Dad was gone.
We know he went the way he wanted to, asleep in his own home.
I know he is with Mom again and they are having a sweet reunion. Both are whole and able to enjoy each other's company.
Even though it is hard for us, we will see him again.
From the AZ Republic:
Walker, George Cottam

Navy Veteran, 83, of Tolleson, Arizona
Died at his home, February 10, 2011. Services will be at 11:00a.m., Tuesday, February 15, 2011 with a Visitation from 9:00 to11:00a.m. at
Bunker's University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213


The Memorial service was very simple, it was held at the Mortuary. Dad didn't attend church during his life, so we didn't see any reason to make him attend church for his funeral. Dad didn't like fanfare, so we just allowed the people who attended to share thoughts and memories.

At the cemetery we were presented with his veteran's flag and  Uncle Max dedicated the grave.

back: Mary, Tom, Richard

Front: Hunter, Jordyn, Leanne

Thank you to all of the family who came and supported us on that difficult day.

JORDYN'S ART WORK

Jordyn likes to draw pictures and write stories. This is some of the things she drew and wrote this weekend.

Jordn's new story, It isn't finished yet.

When asked about the timing (Hunter is 3 years ahead of Jordyn in school) she told us it was fiction.

Stay tuned for the sequel.

CHOCOLATE CAKE PANCAKES

Saturday Morning Tom made Chocolate Cake Pancakes for breakfast. They are very rich, but a good way to start a Saturday Morning.

MIX:

1 15 oz chocolate cake mix

1 cup flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

pinch salt

2 eggs

vanilla extract

1-2 cups milk (add until batter is pancake thickness)

chocolate chips

Cook in a frying pan

Drizzle with chocolate syrup

SYRUP:

melt chocolate chips and cooking oil in the microwave

REAL OLD FASHIONED BOOKS vs EBOOKS

  A few weeks ago In an interview I said I had no warm fuzzy feelings about Ebooks.

I like a good old fashioned book, the look, the feel and the smell of them. My Mom and Dad started buying me books before I was born, I teethed on them, they were my comfort item, along with my blanket. I traditionally have a book in my possession at all times.

A couple of weeks ago I took the plunge and bought an Amazon Kindle and amazingly I have developed warm fuzzy feelings for it.

I still have a large amount of old fashioned books in my too be read pile, so I will be alternating between them and Kindle.

I also already have a large too be read "Pile" on Kindle. It is too easy to go to the Kindle store, pick out a book and push the button. It is instant gratification, the book is there in seconds, no waiting no postage, no driving long distances to Deseret Book or Seagull Book.

I have a 2 page wish list, destined to get longer as I discover more books I want to read.

Now I just have to figure out how to get my Kindle books signed when I go to a books signing.