Is it really Winter still??? and a little about Moscow, Idaho!

May 22, 2010

A BLIZZARD in the end of MAY!!!

Notice the snowplow and my white-knuckles! HAHA!

These pictures were taken between Boise and Mountain Home.

What a WELCOME home...

Robert and I were on our way home from Moscow, Idaho, where Robert took a 5 day long Mediation for Families Course at the U of I Law School! I went along to hang out in the hotel! Robert and I haven't been back to Moscow since 1991. It was kind of fun to see where we spent 3 fun years. I honestly couldn't remember too much about Moscow until I started driving around. Not much has changed that's for sure! I was a little disappointed that the Godfather's Pizza place in Pullman was gone. We used to go there for an all-you-can eat lunch for really cheap - If I remember right it was $3.99 a person and kids ate free.

Gritman Memorial Hospital

where Matthew was born!

(Pictures aren't that great .... I was driving and taking pictures at the same time! Guess I should have pulled over!)

This is Oakridge Apartment Complex on Indian Hills Drive - we lived in this apartment for the last two years Robert was in Law School (our apt. was the furthest one on the left)! They have totally updated the whole place. It used to be brown wood siding and now it is vinyl siding. I would have loved to see if they renovated the inside of the apartments. The playground was even updated!

When talking to Andrea this week she only remembered a couple of things about living in Moscow ... 1. The Playground at our Apt. Complex and 2. The White Elephant (which is a crazy store in Spokane that Robert loved to go to - it had a bit of everything in it!)

Just a few memories of Moscow, Idaho!

OH MY! Has it really been this long!!!!

It's been over a year since my last blog post ..... my excuse ..... I have been busy!! haha! Haven't we all! Well - so much has happened since February 2009 that I'm sure I won't be able to remember it all but here is a list of a few things ..... (I will come back and fill in some things as I remember them!)

May 2010: I attended Women's Conference at BYU with my friend, Jana Borgholthaus! I LOVE going to Women's Conference and come back trying to be a better wife, mother, grandma, sister, friend etc. ... I think I accomplish being a little better for at least a few days!!!

Eric was nominated as a Natural Helper at school.

April 2010: Taylor flew back with us from England to visit her mom in Boise for her Spring Break. Because of a Volcano in Iceland her trip was extended a couple of weeks. She was able to get back to England until May 3, 2010. Who would have thought a Volcano would disrupt air travel to all of Europe which affected travel to most parts of the World! CRAZY!

Bill found out that he was accepted into PA School in Texas -- YEAH!!! The HOWARD's will be moving to the USA!! I know Texas isn't too close but a LOT closer than England! Congratulations to Bill!

March 2010: For Spring Break .... Robert, Eric, and I went to England to visit Andrea, Bill, and the kids. We had a GREAT time and can't wait for them to move back to the USA!! We miss being around the grandkids!

February 2010:

January 2010: Jason enters the MTC for mission to the Philippine Cauayan Mission. We got to do the Curbside drop off which means you pull up to the curb at the MTC, get out his luggage, give hugs, and off he goes!! Eric gets his Driver's License! Watch out everyone!!

December 2009:

November 2009:

October 2009:

September 2009: Jason decided to go on a mission! Within a month, his papers were submitted and call received!! He will be going to the Philippine Cauayan Mission and will enter the Provo MTC on January 6th, 2010.

August 2009: School Started .... Eric is a Freshman in the High School. First year for the 9th Graders to be in the High School instead of at the Junior High.

July 2009: Andrea and the kids left to go back to England.

June 2009:

May 2009: Matthew enters MTC on May 20, 2009! Because of the Swine Flu he was told no hugs or handshakes were allowed. His group was the 2nd to the last group to be able to have their family attend and actually go in the MTC to watch a video, listen to the MTC President, and say your good-byes. From now on it is Curbside drop off!

April 2009: Busy getting Matthew ready for his Mission to the Puerto Rico San Juan West Mission.

March 2009: Andrea and kids came to visit for a few months. Bill was here for a couple of weeks. We had a lot of fun and miss having them around.

Elder Matthew Ward

has been called to serve in the Puerto Rico San Juan West Mission

(Spanish Speaking). Matthew will participate in a phased training MTC experience -- which means he will spend approximately three weeks at the Provo MTC then travel to the Dominican Republic MTC, where he will receive an additional six weeks of training. His MTC report date is May 20, 2009!

We are so proud of Matthew and know he will make a GREAT missionary! He has such a fun-loving spirit that we will miss dearly -- but are grateful he will be able to share the gospel with those in Puerto Rico!

Walking in the door after what seemed like the LONGEST drive home from Rexburg at 10:45 p.m.!

Where's my call??

Oh the suspense -- I can hardly stand it!!!

We were trying to get Jason (who was in Boise) and Andrea (who was in England) on the phone! The phone somehow hung up on each of them once before we finally got them on speaker phone.

OH Yeah! Puerto Rico San Juan West Mission!!!

Spanish Speaking -- YIPPEE!!

Now where exactly is Puerto Rico . . . to help you here is a map!

As far as we can tell -- Matthew's mission is a fairly new mission. They split the Puerto Rico San Juan mission into the Puerto Rico San Juan West & East missions. The West mission will take in the islands of Aruba, the Netherland Antilles, and parts of Puerto Rico.

None of us even came close to guessing where Matthew was going to go! I think most of us thought he would go Spanish speaking but to the CARIBBEAN -- I don't think that even crossed our minds!!

ANYONE WANNA GO ON A CRUISE IN A FEW MONTHS???

What's a missionary post without a couple then and now photos?!

CONGRATULATIONS -- Elder Matthew Ward!!!

Matthew's Mission Call . . .

is sitting on the kitchen countertop ... waiting ... for Matt to get home from BYU-I tonight!!! Soooo for now this is what I have to look at and I'm practicing lots of self control (I haven't even held it up to the window ... YET!)

So while we are patiently waiting to find out where Elder Matthew Glen Ward is going to spend his next two years -- I have found a little Missionary Mario Video to entertain you . . .

Bryson & Jayden ...

My grandbabies -- I know, I know, they are the subject of each and every post anymore -- but I think you would all agree they are the cutest babies ever!!!

Church Snow Day!!!

I seriously can only remember two church snow days in my whole life and both while living in Idaho (remember I grew up in Canada). If I remember right -- last year we had a church snow day on Super Bowl Sunday and today the 25th of January, 2009 -- one week before Super Bowl Sunday! How crazy is that?!!

I got ready for church -- had just woke up Eric and his friend, Malcolm, and told them it had snowed about 5 inches overnight. Then I received a phone call saying church had been cancelled and get the word out. I told the boys -- who both let out a YIPPEE (shame on them) and then started calling people! WOW everyone I called had already heard from either their Visiting Teacher or Home Teacher!! How Great is that?! We can really get the word out quick. Since we didn't have to rush out the door to church -- Eric had a breakfast request of Biscuits and Gravy (can't remember the last time I actually cooked breakfast). So we enjoyed breakfast together and now are just enjoying a nice, warm (only because we are indoors), peaceful, Sunday! Malcolm has never played Settlers -- maybe we'll have to break out the games here soon!

It is STILL snowing -- I would say we have about 8 inches of snow out there! Here are some pics!

I LOVE ...

seeing my boys with their nieces and nephews! I know they will make good daddies some day!

Babies Blessed!

Jayden and Bryson were blessed yesterday --

Sunday, December 28, 2008.
We were so glad to be able to be here for the blessing and that Robert, Jason, and Matthew
were all able to take part in the blessing!

Jason, Matthew and Robert all bought these British Hats (I have no idea what they are called) and insisted on wearing them in some of the pictures.

Don't they make adorable "British Boys"!?!

We have been able to go to a few castles here in England. Here we are at the Skipton Castle.

This was taken inside the Skipton Courtyard!

The tree we are standing by was planted in 1659 about the same time Robert and my ancestors were leaving England!

Eric, Kennady, & Matthew

in the Skipton Castle.

Robert, Eric, and Jason outside the Skipton Castle!

This is the Bathroom or the "Long Drop" as they called it!

Kennady's favorite room in the Castle was the bathroom or the "Long Drop" -- here she is taking a peek down the hole.

Looks like Matthew also enjoyed this room!!

The Shofforth Castle was another one that we went to see. It was actually destroyed in World War II -- but the boys and Kennady loved exploring the ruins. It was kinda fun trying to figure out which rooms were for what!

Robert, Matthew, Eric, Jason, & Bill

Matthew and Kennady in the Spofforth Castle.

Today we drove over to York to go to the Viking Museum. Everywhere we go we have to take two cars and today we got separated (due to heavy traffic) and never did find each other till we came home to Harrogate. (Andrea and Bill only have one cell phone and they can only receive calls on it -- that cell phone got left home so we had no way of finding each other.) The boys, Bill, Jason, Matthew, and Eric enjoyed their day at the Viking Museum and a few other sites while Andrea, Robert, Kennady, Jayden, Bryson, and I spent our day looking for a parking spot, feeding babies (or waiting for Andrea to feed the babies), walking through an area I would compare to downtown NYC (which Jason and Matthew said it didn't even compare to NYC), carrying babies (including tired Kennady) so by the time we finally found the Viking Museum we were so glad to be able to sit down for the 15 minutes it took to ride a little tour train through the museum we didn't care how "corny" or expensive it was! Kennady loved the Museum, the rest of us could have lived without it!

We arrived back in Harrogate -- got back in the cars and headed to dinner at Joe Rigatoni's. It was an amazingly good Italian Restaurant with more food than any of us could eat! And we could pay in American Money making it a GREAT price too!

I can't believe our time in England is almost over! We will be back on US soil before we know it!

More Grandbaby Pictures!

I'm still enjoying my time here in England. Jayden and Bryson seem to be growing more each day and staying awake a little longer (I don't get to see this too much cuz it's in the middle of the night and all they want is their "Mummy"). We are getting better at telling them apart for the most part! Sometimes we second guess ourselves and realize we had them right the first time.

Bryson & Jayden

(12/17/2008)

Enjoying a swing together!

The Proud Parents!!

At 10 days old (12/12/08), Jayden & Bryson won their first contest at Bill's Squadron Party.

"Best Christmas Sweater Contest"

Prize: $30 BX Gift Card

They were going to give them 1st and 2nd Prize but Andrea said "No, We come as a pair!"

Kennady loves to play in her little brothers' carseats!

We are amazed that she can actually get in!

(12/18/2008)

Kennady looked so cute I just had to take a picture!

She is growing up so fast! She has been sleeping with Grandma each night since I got here -- we are a little afraid what will happen when Grandpa gets here!

(12/11/2008)

No pictures of Taylor this time -- she is off to Boise to stay with her mom for Christmas. She should make it today -- after a delay in London they (Katie Crawford & Taylor) missed their connecting flight in Chicago -- but they should be in the air to Boise at this moment. Taylor and I decided that she should WAVE at every airplane she saw on her way home just in case her Grandpa and Uncles were on one of them! They could possibly be -- cuz they are on their way to England today (they may pass in the air)!

Hope everyone wherever you are have a Happy and Safe Christmas!

Artichoke Dip

Over on Pam's blog (http://crockettcrew.typepad.com/my_weblog/) it's time for our favorite appetizers. I am in England right now and don't have my recipes with me -- but this recipe for Artichoke Dip that I found off the internet is pretty close to one I have at home.

INGREDIENTS
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 8 oz Pkg. Cream Cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Combine the artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, cheese and green chilies. Mix well and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Garnish with chopped green onions and chopped tomato if desired. Serve as dip for tortilla chips or breads! YUMMY!

Pam -- just a note for you -- we are making your Bacon/Water Chestnut Recipe right now. Can't wait to eat them!!

More Cute Baby Pictures!

Bryson & Jayden

(Just a couple days old!)

Kennady loves her baby brothers!

Kennady and baby Bryson!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

Bill and Andrea were told that it doesn't snow much here in Harrogate, UK -- but take a look at this! (It kinda melted a bit before I got out there!) Taylor's school had a late start day and the Midwife that was coming to check on Andrea and the babies (yes, a house call) couldn't make it up the street so turned around and came a few hours later.

Kennady and Taylor enjoying the snow!

England and Babies!

Jayden Ray and Bryson James Howard

Born: December 2, 2008

Time: 6:09 and 6:20 p.m.

Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz. & 7 lbs. 1 oz.

Kennady, Jayden, Grandma, Bryson, & Taylor

WOW! A lot has happened in the past day! I made it to England and already got to hold my brand new grandbabies! They are so adorable and cuddly and cute! Here are some pictures! Andrea is doing well and is already home from the hospital. I don't blame her for wanting to come home -- there were 7 babies and 6 mothers all in the same room with only curtains dividing them. No wonder people are against socialized medicine (but again -- she could have paid 90 pounds for her own room). I think if she would have had to stay another day -- I would have put up the $150.00 US. I will update again soon but right now I'm off to bed!

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

My favorite soup! (over on Pam's blog http://crockettcrew.typepad.com/my_weblog/ she is hosting Share Your Secret Recipe) This week is favorite Stews or Soups. If you want to join feel free!

This recipe isn't exactly secret -- but it is absolutely one of my favorite soup recipes!


Broccoli and Cheese Soup

3 cups water
3 chicken boullion cubes
12 oz. frozen broccoli
1 large onion

Boil above ingredients until soft.

1/2 cube margarine
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 cup flour
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 to 2 cups velveeta cheese

Add above ingredients to boiled ingredients BUT make sure you shake your flour and milk together before adding to prevent flour blobs!!! YUMMY!!

The Hurricanes!

A couple of weeks ago Robert, Eric and I got to go watch Matthew (#4) play intramural football at BYU-Idaho in Rexburg. It was a lot of fun to see Matt out on the field again! His team (The Hurricanes) are undefeated. There are about 8 teams total. They keep track of stats and team sportsmanship! Matthew is having a lot of fun playing on the team. He said out of the 20 or so kids on the team -- only 3 are not married! Eric was a little shocked when the teams came out on the field together and ran side by side around the track once and then before the game started someone said a prayer over the intercom. Matthew said that both teams share the same locker room and when they tackle someone they have to help the guy back up (it's good sportsmanship to do this)! Matthew also said that sometimes he forgets because he is in such a hurry to get back to the huddle! A little different than High School Sports.

Matthew #4

Half-time Entertainment!
This guy was pretty entertaining! His name was Nacho. At half-time they had all the little kids chase him around the field. The first one to catch him got some free nachos from the snack bar!

Eric, Matt, and Robert
after the game!

OKAY -- I have been tagged! FOURS

I have about a thousand things to accomplish today -- and instead I am sitting here responding to Natalie's tag!

4 Random Things I Love About My Husband:
I love how he spends time with his kids!
I love how he knows something about everything!
I love how when I'm struggling trying to get something done -- he will take over and finish it! (sometimes I prentend to struggle) HEEHEE!
I love how he is so patient (especially with me)!

4 Jobs I Have Had:
A Secretary for one of my Professors at Ricks College
Legal Secretary
Bookkeeper (and still am)
A Grounds Maintenance person for the City of Magrath (I got a GREAT Farmer's tan two summers in a row!)

4 Movies I Have Watched More Than Once:
While You Were Sleeping
Mama Mia
Annie
The Sound of Music

4 TV Shows I Watch:
I really don't watch any! The only TV I watch is channel 7 News and College Football.

4 People Who Email Me Regularly:
Andrea
Debbie
Barbara-Lynn
Tricia and Dorothy (my sisters)

4 Of My Favorite Foods:
Sweet Pork Salad (at Costa Vida)
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
General Tso's Chicken
Diet Coke (is that a food)

4 Places I Would Like To Visit:
England (will be leaving in about one month)
Canada (I haven't been there in a LONG time)
Scotland
Ireland

4 Things I Am Looking Forward To This Year (wow the year is almost over):
Seeing two new Grandsons (twins) who will be born in December.
Seeing my Granddaughters
Seeing my daughter and son-in-law
A Trip to England
(OK -- I know, these really are all one in the same!)

4 People To Tag:
Celeste Conlin
Amanda Andrews
Debbie Hall
Mary Hamm (Jeff you can too if you feel left out!)

Have a HAPPY Halloween!!!

"Quey's Maze"

For Family Home Evening this week, we got a group together and went out to the Corn Maze. We had a lot of fun -- and here are some pictures to prove just that!!

Eric and a few buddies on top of the Hay Pyramid!

Look -- I'm the little piggy!! Jana and Tara and Jana's DOG -- I had no idea the dog was there until I downloaded this picture!!

A few crazy friends who make cute cows! Oh and a Corn Stalk!

Terry loved playing in the Grain/Corn mix that was in a feeding trough for the little kids to play in!