Happy Birthday Jordan!

Jordan means "down-flowing" or "decend".   Comes from the river Jordan.

The name Jordan  become popular after the fame of THE Michael Jordan.    Scott and I did name Jordan after MJ.  I was pregnant during the 1992 Summer Olympics-- MJ was playing on the Men's Olympic Basketball team.  That summer and fall there were so many commercials featured MJ.  He was everywhere!  It was  subliminal messages-- and one day we were like Jordan-- let's name our baby Jordan.   We did not find out Jordan was a boy until his due date when they did an ultrasound to check out how things were going.   We waited another 11 days (I said 10 earlier-- however my journal says 11!) until he was born.   I went into labor the early morning hours of January 31, 1:30 am and had him by 11:59 am that day.  He was 8 lbs, 9 ounces and 21" long.   He was born on Superbowl Sunday -- the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills played-- Dallas won, we joke that we should of named him after the winning team!   Glad we did not, I like him being named after MJ better!   We have fun with the name and have collected MJ stuff here and there.  We still have a poster- hanging in his room today-- that Scott bought for Jordan when he came home from the hospital-- It says "Hare Jordan" and pictures MJ with Bugs Bunny, cute poster!

So my baby turned 16 today-- I made sure to sing to him at 11:59 am today!  Jordan had a small party with a few of his friends last night and this morning-- they stayed the night and managed to get a bit of sleep.   It was low key-- Pizza, lots of video games and guitar hero-- he said it was perfect!

Jordan likes Costco sheet cakes (I know gag!)  I have a hard time paying the price for something we do not need to eat and is so big.   I decided to pick up some "pastry pride" for frosting cakes and make my own.   When he got home from school he said he actually wanted a Portal Cake.  We googled it-- and then I did the best I could with what I had.  I was not going to store again.   The dilemma was the frosting needed to be dark brown and I had bought Vanilla.  So I substituted a few things.  Used Strawberries instead of cherries (because that is what I had).  Chopped Chocolate on the top and toasted coconut and slivered almonds for the sides.  It was definitely not exact--but it was a delicious combination!

Jordan wanted a picture of the slice-- something to do with the video game this comes from.

Highly acclaimed and happily eaten by all... at about 10:30 pm!  Only two slices left and I did not have a piece.... at least not this night.

In the morning-- the boys got to sleep in until 10:00 am and then they were served- scrambled eggs, sausage and Belgian waffles, milk, and orange juice.  Should of taken a picture-- it was restaurant quality Belgian Waffles made with the my authentic Belgian Waffle maker!  I even had strawberries and whipped cream.

Jordan opened lots of Birthday Cards-- thanks everyone!   And then he opened his gift from Scott and I-- it is a great 16th birthday present- a complicated Digital Camera for one who loves technology!  He was very sweet and very grateful and very surprised.

He will now finish his day by eating at the restaurant of his choice with his family-- PF Changs- and then he will be heading to the Stake Dodge ball evening for high schoolers.   

Happy Birthday Jordan!  So very proud of the young man you have become and the good choices you make.  I know it is not easy out there-- I have often felt that I drop you off in a shark tank and you are a tasty morsel.   They say that you fight off shark attacks effectively when you aggressively strike at the nose-- playing dead does not work, it just makes you a better target.   I am proud of you for standing up for what you believe, for what is important to you and not just going with the flow to appease others.  You are truly a warrior!    I love you, Mom

I have discovered what SHARP is!

Until now I did not really understand the true meaning  of "it glides like butter".   I have some knives I splurged on from Pampered Chief that I thought were sharp-- .   However, these beauties that my Husband gave me for Christmas  "glide like butter"!   So sharp I was pretty sure that I was going to cut a phalange off (see I remember something from biology).   I have a few small cuts... but nothing that I could not manage by wrapping a paper towel around as I finished up.    After a month... I do much better and am not as fearful of their sharpness.

Cutting and chopping is such a delight.   Now I know why the professional chefs do not use a pampered chef chopper or a food processor.   They have sharp knives, baby!    

Here I chopped, chopped, chopped up lots of broccoli for my homemade broccoli soup.

See those beautiful chopped onions... I chopped them myself!

And when it was done cooking...I just pureed the soup in the blender!  Kind of ruined my beautiful cut vegetables.  A cool blender though-- maybe I will blog about that another day.

A Chance Encounter

Chance: used as an adjective,  Caused by or ascribable to chance; unexpected, random, or casual.     a chance encounter, a chance result.

  All is right with the world when you can sit in a big box, play your video games and have a place to stash your money.    

The Last-Week-of-the-Month Matter

In our church we have what we call Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers. It is the way that the every member in the church has a personal contact each month. Home Teachers are the men of the church and they are assigned families to visit each month. Visiting Teachers are the woman in the church and they are assigned to other woman to visit each month. So essentially every family should have a personal visit from church members twice a month. That is the ideal-- that often falls short.

Within the church there is no other job more important then this. Essentially we are assessing needs, building friendships, we are lifting one another's burdens. We are asked to visit often and to make at least one visit a month. Some do it as a check off the list-- others do it because they see that they are in the service of their God. As the month draws to a close-- I reflect upon what I do and do not do in this matter. I came across this video-- it helps put it all into perspective. We all need them-- angels from heaven-- God sends them, they come as friends and neighbors and hopefully as home teachers and visiting teachers too.

/

Happy Birthday Nielson!

Nielson means Champion!

The name Nelson is inspired and is considered to be taken from 'Horatio Nelso. He was English Vice-Admiral. He won the Battle of Nile against Napolean. He also fought and won the Battle of Cape St, Vincent. Nelson is the variant of the name Neil which means Champion. This name Neil is taken from the Irish Gaelic name 'Niall'.

Nielson is my brother and he is 36 today!   I've been telling him I have this surprise picture of him that I am using for his birthday post.  Pretty darn handsome, huh!  

Nielson is the 3rd in the family-- 2nd boy.   He was born premature because my Mom contracted Hepatitis B from a Headstart she was teaching at out on the Navajo Reservation.  (that is what I remember, my Mom will need to clarify). 

I had hepatitis after having Duane while working at White Mesa (Ute reservation)

Nielson was born early because I went to the doctor and he remembered how fast I had Kirk. He said I was 3 cm dilated and to hurry over to the hospital if I went into labor. I hadn't had any false labor with Karalene and Kirk and didn't know that no matter how bad it gets it stops. I went to the hospital, Dr. Gibbons broke my water, then I had Nielson. I can see that I need to get all this permanently written down!

Yep-- that is how rumors start and Family Histories are distorted. (me laughing-- my version is pretty funny now that we all know the truth!)   How early was Nielson?

 Nielson worked as a mechanic during high school, then as a landscaper after high school.   He now owns a successful trucking business-- what they call hotshot trucking.   Making last minute deliveries-- like this generator, ( this backhoe, this whatever)  needs to be in Wyoming (California, Oregon or wherever)  by 12 0' clock tomorrow.    I am very proud of him-- it was leap out of the box, a daring adventure-- that has enabled him to provide for his family.   He has savvy business skills.

His recent home project has been putting cement in the barn.   He would like a nice pad to milk the cow on.   

Nielson mowing the lawn--- when he could not even push the mower from the top handle.   As with us all-- Nielson learned to work hard.

Today, he balances his work and play.   Because all work and no play makes Nielson a dull boy!

Here he is with his youngest Jens.    Jens + Nielson= Jens Nielson.    The name of Kristen's Great? Grandfather.   Snowmobiling and snowboarding in the winter.

Water skiing and wakeboarding in the Summer.   July 2007.  (you got your braces off?)

August 2008-- I am glad to see you are getting more sun cover!  

Wakeboarding

Huh- Ohhh.   This is just before....

...this happened!

Happy Birthday Nielson!  This is from the letter I wrote for you when you were trying to get visitation for your dear daughter Madison.  I decided to post it because it still describes you to a T five years later.

Nielson never ceases to amaze me in his abilities as a husband, father and provider.  I am very proud to call him my brother.  He has been truly blessed with a wonderful wife and kids that bring out the best in him.  He has a great big heart and he would never feel right to just forget about Madison, hence is why he is going to court for her.  Nielson is very committed to all his family members including his extended family.  I think that most of my aunts in the area could say they personally know Nielson.  When someone is family, he does not hesitate to get to know them and visit them.  For example, our grandfather lives in the LA area.    Nielson can go by that way on his work travels, drop in for a visit, stay a couple of days and my grandpa never stops emailing everyone of the wonderful visit and how impressed he was.  That is Nielson for you, he is genuine, caring and his heart is as big as his feet and hands. 

Love you Nielson--- Have a wonderful birthday!  Love your Sister, Karalene

Happy Birthday Chance and Madison!

Two birthdays today--- Madison, my niece, and Chance, my son!   I will be busy celebrating with Chance today,  so this will probably be a belated post for the two.  Madison is turning 11 and Chance 9--- I am going to get showered, then go wake up my "baby" to have his Cookie Crisp cereal, then he can watch some Saturday cartoons while I make his cake and getting ready for his party!  It is going to to be a good day, he has been waiting for it all year.  He always is saying " for my birthday I want..."  Luckily he has gotten some money in the mail to take care of some of those wants!  Love this guy-- he brings much joy to my life.  Wish you all could be here to celebrate it with him.

The Passing of a Dear Neighbor

Our very tall and dear neighbor passed away.  His home is to the east of us, the same model home as ours.  Him and his wife raised 7 children, 5 boys-2 girls, -- we remind ourselves of that when we think our home is too small.  I would often chat with him when he was doing yard work or getting his RV ready to go on a trip.   I remember one time him telling us that they are all now senior citizens, he was talking about the youngest kid having reached the ripe age.  Unfortunately in the last 3-4 years Alzheimer's had set in and his legs stopped working as they should.  We have seen the change as his health became worse. We missed seeing him out for his daily walks.   Mrs. Bradley has called Scott a few times to assist in getting him up.  His legs would just collapse and he could not get back up.  In September he went to nursing facility with full time care.  He came back home last week, his wife wanted him to pass away at home.  He passed away about 6:30 am Saturday morning.  We have really missed him for a number of years-- I am glad he is free from his earthly body and can have his memories back.  

From the Newspaper-

Brent Bradley Sr., 86, passed away peacefully in his home on January 17, 2009. He was born June 18, 1922 to Ora Niegel and Ed Bradley in Waukena, CA. Brent is survived by his loving wife Josephine; his sister Aloha Adams of Cool, CA; and his 7 children, Brent Jr. of Mt. Shasta, Sharon Clarke (Michael) of Reno, NV, Mark (Debi) of Concord, Scott (Lisa) of Pleasanton, Glen of Los Angeles, Barbara Flores (Ron) of Livermore, and Dave (Carrie) of Livermore. He had 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Brent was a loving husband and father. He grew up in Fort Bragg, CA, and lived there until his high school graduation. He worked for Bank of America in Danville where he met and fell in love with his wife Josephine. He joined the Marine Corps during WWII and was very proud of being a Marine. Afterward, he attended Cal Berkeley and graduated from there with a degree in Business Administration. He was employed at General Motors for 31 years, most of the time in Labor Relations. He enjoyed spending time at the many family gatherings and his favorite things to do were playing golf, traveling, playing bridge and reading. He served as a lector at St. Augustine Catholic Church. During his retirement he and his wife traveled extensively. He was also a member of the SIRS and Pleasant Living Trailer Club. One thing Brent often said was, "I love the life I lead." Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church,  at 12 noon, Friday January 23, followed by burial at St. Augustine Cemetery.

Happy Birthday Erica!

Erica in Scandinavian means "Ruler of All"

Erica in English means "Brave Ruler"

Erica is my sister and she turns 24 today!   Erica was born when I was 15 1/2.  I am the oldest of eight and she is the youngest.   I think it would be safe to say that we had different parents-  I broke them in-- my siblings left them all worn out-- and Erica makes my Dad think he should have had more!   

Being that there are 15 1/2 years between Erica and I, she probably remembers very little of when I lived at home.  I left for college when she was 2 1/2 and only came home for holidays after that.    Erica, do you know who named you?   It was I.  Do I dare tell you where I got the name came from?   I had discovered soap operas during the summer months... "All My Children"- and there lies the name of Erica (she is still on today).    Your full name became Erica Ellen-- Ellen after Grandma. 

This is my beautiful sister Erica and her family.   Erica is a beautician and I have had her cut and style my hair a few times.  She is so gentle- with words and her hands.   She spruced me up for her own wedding!   I wish I could drop on by for a regular hair cut and a visit.  You would probably do my nails too!  I would like that.

 Erica just started her own family blog.   I get treated to pictures like this.

Baby Deakyn in a basket.    Deakyn, I love baskets and I love little toes... yum!

and pictures like this-- Peyton and Deakyn.

It means a lot to me to see and read about my sisters life-- maybe even more then anyone else.  Why?  Because I see her the least.     And that has been going on for 24 years...   

when I was 15 1/2, I was a busy teenager and was not at home much.

Here is the proof-- notice that empty space... all you see is my aurora.   I was at a track meet and did not make it home for the family picture appointment.  Erica is the baby.

When I was home-- I did love and cuddle her.  She was cute and Erica, they say,  looked a lot like me.  (I made that dress I am wearing-- just want my posterity to know that!  And I also cut my own hair!)

Hope you have had a wonderful birthday Erica.  You are the most gentle, quiet soul I know, right next to our brother Duane.   Last year in February when you made the travel circle with Mom and Dad, I was so glad you came.   It was the first time I had seen Peyton and I watched as you took care of him.  You were gentle and loving.   Erica means ruler and  you rule with a kind and gentle heart.  I love you baby sister.  You are still as sweet as the baby  I cuddled 24 years ago.   Love Your Sis, Karalene

The strength of prayers

Stephanie Nielson is back to writing on her blog.    You can find her through the Nie Nie button on the side bar.   

Happy Birthday Lori!

Lori is a form of Laura, Laurel, or Lorraine.

Lori is my sister-in-law, married to my brother Coeby.  She is 34 and now her and I are the same age!  (I took a test and my real age is actually 34... okay!)  Coeby was a bachelor for a while-- we are happy he and Lori found each other.  She gave him an instant family to love.  I like seeing them happy and I like reading their status on facebook!  So about Lori.  Lori has this amazing talent in decorating her home.   Coeby had the bachelor home.  The previous owners had painted one wall a dark purple.  It was not bad-- just purple.  Lori transformed that room.  She was bold and daring and painted the large white wall next to it in deep red.   Amazingly it is looks so good.  She has darker neutral furniture and the flow of color works so well.  Who would of thought purple and red would go together.   She also loves to have inspirational sayings around her home.  I like that too!   

I borrowed a few pictures from Facebook--- here she is getting a smoocher from her sweety.

Her beautiful children,  Bryton and Tyler-- (see the purple wall behind her)

Happy Birthday Lori!  Have a great one.  Thanks for bringing beauty and sparkle to our family.  And thanks loving my brother!   Love you,  Karalene

A time to celebrate!

A few comments came in December about how many birthdays are in my family for that month... 

well baby...you haven't seen nothin' yet!    January may just make your head spin.   It seems that April and May are good months for conceiving!  (give and take because none of you had your babies at exactly 40 weeks, did you?)   

Both of my boys have birthdays this month. Their actual due dates were just days of each other... and 7 years apart.   They ended up being 1 week and 7 years apart.   Both boys went over their due dates... lucky me?!  I asked that Chance not be closer then a week to Jordan's birthday.  The Dr. complied and it was a good thing because he came out overcooked-- big guy he was!   So I got two January babies-- I would of taken two more....   All the more joy and parties to have!

Happy Birthday Jens!

Jens is a Danish name and is a form of the Latin name Johannes which is John in English.

The Hebrew name Jens means God is Gracious.   (wait- Jens is a Hebrew name?)    What does John mean... Hebrew name meaning the Lord is Gracious.   There you have it!  Got to the bottom of it.

So I looked back in my Archives to see what I put down for the meaning of John.  I was surprised... I did not do one!  So here you go John-- you and Jens are the same. 

Jens is my nephew, son of Kristen and Nielson (my brother).   He is 2 years old today.   If I was to describe Jens in one word it would be-- gleeful!

6 months-- July 2007.  All smiles!

Aug 2008-- Nielson picks me up from the airport.   Jens never stops grinning in the back seat.

His grins envelop his whole face, they reach from ear to ear and make his eyes sparkle.   You look at him and just have to grin... you grin until it hurts.

Same day, boating and he is still grinning.

Happy Birthday Jens!  Big hugs and kisses!   I am picturing you now with a grin on your face.   The most gleeful baby I know, and you are not a baby anymore.  :(     Love you little guy,  Aunt Karalene

XOXO

Today calls for a cute picture of Chance.   Why?  Well some days (weeks) I just need to stop and remember that he needs lots of love and kisses.     Life can be tough enough and I hope Mom hugs can soften all the hard knocks a bit for him.

Happy Birthday Cameron!

Cameron means crooked nose or crooked hill

Cameron is a 1,000 year old Scottish name.  Cam means crooked-- the rest is debatable.   Anyway you look at it... it's crooked.

Cameron is my nephew and he is 10 years old today!  He is the son of Monica and Kirk (my brother).    Cameron is handsome guy and such a good kid.  Many years ago-- like when he was 3 or 4 he gave Chance one of his light sabers.  It was very kind and generous. 

Chance and Cameron, buddies.   July 2007

Cameron and some of his cousins jumping on the trampoline- July 2007

Happy Birthday Cameron!  Chance says you are having a party today...  what does a 10 year old do for his birthday?  Since you have lots of that white fluffy stuff, do you play in the snow, maybe sled down a hill.  Chance thinks that would a great way to celebrate a birthday!   Love you Cameron, enjoy your day,  Aunt Karalene

Happy Birthday Julia!

Julia means divinely youthful

Julia is my niece, daughter of Shana and Duane (my brother) and she is one today!  Last year I started a myfamily.com blog for my siblings.  A way for us to stay connected.  Duane posted some pictures of Julia right after she was born.   A beautiful picture was there of him holding his baby girl.  I had been on a kick of doing decoupage tiles at the time.    When I looked at this picture of Duane I saw the incredible wonder, the miracle of having a new born baby-- a child of your flesh and blood-- a spirit of our Heavenly Father; a moment of holding all that you believe  in your arms. This is what I came up with.  Heaven... I looked at my daughter and I believe. 

Happy Birthday Julia.  I wish I could see you blowing out your candle and eating your cake.   Tell your Mom and Dad that if they send me a picture of you blowing out that candle or eating your cake I will add it to your birthday post!   Love you little sweet one,  Aunt Karalene  

Our Scientist

Chance: definition #2 - The likelihood of something happening; possibility or probability

Chances are good that my bottle of evergreen oil and green food coloring have been used!

  

It is green and smells outdoorsy.   

Making Goo-- you know the cornstarch/glue mixture.  Working under adult supervision.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

My Grandma turned 91 on January 3rd!  This is my Dad's mom.  Since I do not use last names on my blog or cities where they live.  You will just have to read between the lines.   We call her Grandma ______ (my dad's last name) and she still lives in the town I grew up in.   She has 12 children-and they had lots of children-- and some of them have had a lots of children--- and some of them have children and some of them have childern.  Do you follow me?   She is a  Great-Great- Grandma.  She has over 200 prosperity.   I have a very LARGE family.  I am excited with facebook and the ability I have to connect with some of them thus far. 

A few things I remember about my Grandma....  Grandma makes the BEST cinnamon rolls- hands down!  She has the MOST Beautiful garden.   Her vegetable gardens are immaculate, bounteous, and beautiful.    When she lived in the home near The Patio I would stop by on my way home from school.  I was in 1st or 2nd grade.    I do not think my parents knew I did that... but it was fun to just see Grandma by myself.  Her home was always clean, with neatly made beds.   She had something baking or cooking.   One day she was just getting out of the shower.  I am sure she had been doing yard work all day.   She spent her every waking hour working.  I never remember my Grandma sitting down to watch TV... unless she was working on a quilt.  She raised 12 kids in a small 3 bedroom home.  However, not all 12 lived at home at the same time.   I have memories of going over to Grandma's house on Sunday evenings and hanging out with all my cousins.  Grandma would pop up lots of popcorn.  Not the kind from the hot air blower, but the kind cooked in oil on the stove.  Yum!   She had a root cellar-- and covering it was a cactus garden.    I liked the little porch entry to her home.  I thought the was cool.   Other memories I have are tied into pictures taken at that home.  It is a good thing that we have pictures to remind us of events and feelings we had at the time.

This is Grandma the day before she turned 91.  Pictured with my Mom and Dad and Duane (my brother) and Shana's family

Four Generations-- Grandma, my Dad, Myself, and Chance.  July 2007.

We are descendants of Jim Zemira Palmer and Sally Knight.  I talked about them in this post.  You can read more about him at this website.

This is my Grandma on her mission for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  My Grandpa died in 1985.  I am guessing at the date.  (I will have to correct them later)  But sometime around 1986-1988 she served a mission.  And I am thinking around Florida-- but I will have to correct that also, I am sure.   Interesting how time wipes away our memories.  This picture was given to me by my college roommate in 1988.  She had taken this picture (she is not pictured)  when she was on her mission and my Grandma was a companion to her for a time.   Ain't that for a small world after all!

Happy Birthday Grandma-- I am  trying to be like you!  You are amazing.  And to quote Jim Zemira  Palmer, your Great Grandfather.

 "There is one thing which seems to be true however.  The Lord is fulfilling His promises.  He has said by the mouths of His prophets that He would send judgments on the wicked and trials on the faithful so that every one that can be shaken will be and those who cannot be shaken shall gain the great reward of eternal life and supreme happiness.  It would be well I think, for everyone to ask themselves the question seriously.  "Can I stand?"

 Grandma, you have and you do-- Thanks for being example to all your prosperity!

With Love, Your granddaughter  Karalene

You have memories of Grandma-- post them in the comments!

He is Home!

Our world traveler is home.

(came home Saturday) 

We got notice from Jordan when he would be arriving.  He landed in SFO at 1:21 pm-- He was on the bus and heading out at 3:10 pm arriving in the HS parking lot at 4:00 pm.   We were waiting.

The buses coming in-  This is from the first flight.  (2nd flight arrived at 7 pm)

He was in the front-- we did not wait long!

He hurried out to block my picture, but did not after all.  I hurried and clicked.  Then got a big hug.

He started his timer at the time he got up this morning-- this is how long he has been awake.  However he did have a few hours of sleep on the plane.  He stayed up until it was time to go to bed US time.  As I type this he is still sleeping at 9:30 am Sunday morning.  How long do I let him sleep?

Getting in the car-- Chance has a magic trick to show him.

Scott put up a Welcome Home sign for Jordan.

He brought home a magic UFO kit for Chance from the Science Museum.

With his left over food vouchers he went to a food market and bought candy bars.   He says the candy is different and you can get a higher percentage of cocoa.

He bought a few souvenir books.    360 London

And "The Royal Palace of London".  Here you see a phamplet from Westminster Abby- (he said that was really neat).   Magazines about the Parade and the London Gala.   On top is Chocolate Fudge and Chocolate Chunk biscuits (cookies)-- a gift from Shakespeare on Avon.  He brought those home for Scott and I, they were yummy.

He brought home Chance some airplanes, British models.  I had Chance hold up the bag they were in--

A Catapult he got for his history teacher.  

His money he came back with.  He saved it for the airport.  But then he had no time to use it.  It is worthless here (even to exchange it) so it will be part of his souvenirs.

His knick-knack of Big Ben-- It is for his room

Heading home I  asked him to sum up all that did and name the most favorite of all.   The Crown Jewels.  You can't take pictures of them-- but the large diamond, golden spears and the amount of it-- was incredible.    

He said he packed too much-- we had packed a long sleeved shirt, t shirt and undershirt for everyday-- he was plenty warm and did not need all the layers.    He loved the cold and the humidity.   He wants us to go there someday as a family.  

He talked about two travel mishaps-- one kid's luggage was left in SFO by the airlines-- he got it 3 days later.     If it was Jordan-- he was prepared all the way to having his marching band shoes in case his carry on was all he had the whole time!  Another kid lost his passport either at SFO or Heathrow.  He had to make a visit the US Embassy during his free time.   I would say with 179 kids responsible for their own belongings... that was pretty good.