isolated and loving it

Finally!

2010-05-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

We went to Memphis last month for John's graduation. He is now an official optometrist! We were definitely proud parents as we watched him cross the stage to accept his diploma. We spent a few days in Dyersburg at Aaron's and then flew home with Evan & Jen with us. John drove out a couple of days later. Life just keeps getting better and better!

Life slows down when the kids leave home?

2010-03-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

I don't think so! We've just added sons and daughters-in-law and grandkids and life just keeps getting more exciting! I went to New Mexico in Feb. so John & Jen could go away overnight for their anniversary. First time leaving Evan overnight! I guess I did a good job because I went back last week so they could go to Oklahoma for a few days to check on a job opportunity. Unfortunately, Evan & I both got sick but had a great time up until then! Between those two trips, Randi & Gracie came for 10 days while Mike worked on their condo in preparation for selling it. What fun to have them here! And it was nice that Randi got to get away for a couple of days and leave Gracie with me. Arriving in Fresno

Wired from being up almost all night!

Seeing the sites in Santa Fe

Ready for church!

Walking for a Cure!

2010-01-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

So, Randi has talked me into joining her for the Komen 3-day walk for the cure! I am really excited about not only supporting the cause, but having the experience with Randi. We each need to raise $2300 in order to participate, but we'll make it! Anyone out there want to join us? We are Team Terminator. We want to terminate breast cancer. I am doing this for friends I've lost and for my own daughters and granddaughters. For more info you can go to

http://www.the3day.org/

Go to Linnea's page to make a donation!

The great Northwest

2009-12-20T21:54:00.000-08:00

We spent a few days with Lindsay and her family last week. Maple Valley is a suburb of Seattle and is absolutely beautiful! If almonds grew there, and Blue Diamond needed someone to take care of them, we'd be gone in a heartbeat! We had a great time at the aquarium and Pike Street Market and just driving around. The trip was just too short. We are looking forward to going again hopefully in a few months.

We really are still here!

2009-10-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

Jen & Evan on Temple Square

Randi & Gracie on Temple Square

Nana & Evan

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

Kenna's first camping trip and first view of the ocean!

I have been informed that I haven't blogged in awhile (Thanks Jen!) so here goes.

June--Utah, brought Kenna home with us to spend two weeks. Went camping. July--flew to Tennessee to take Kenna home. Spent 2 weeks there. September drove to Utah to visit John, Jen & Evan. Randi & Gracie flew out to be with us. Drove home. Watched conference. Flew to Tennessee to babysit. Flew home. Enjoyed weekend. Spent 5 days playing "mom" to 3 little girls from our branch while their parents were gone. Home now. Whew!

North to Alaska!

2009-06-08T14:36:00.001-07:00

I spent the last 2 weeks in Alaska. Randi and Mike went to Hawaii for a week for a vacation and I stayed in Anchorage with Gracie. She was an angel! However, I'm glad I had kids when I was young because being a full-time mom for a week was exhausting! And I get homesick. Anyway, I had a good time, even though it never gets completely dark. I left for the airport at 1am to pick up Randi and Mike and it was dusk outside. By the time we got home at 2:30 am, it was already getting light. Crazy!

I had a layover in Seattle on my way home, so Lindsay and the kids came to the airport to spend a few minutes with me. Robby and Natalie are getting so big! It was great to have them run up to me and give me a big hug. I just wish all the grandkids lived closer.

We live in heaven!

2009-05-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

John, Jen and Evan have been here for a few days and it has been great! We spent a couple of hours in Yosemite and the views were breathtaking. The weather was just right--cool and overcast. We hiked up to lower Yosemite falls and just took in the sights. Thought I'd share some of them with everyone!

What a life!

2009-04-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

Just checking in. Things are going pretty much the same as usual. Bob is very busy as branch president and I'm still working and serving at church. My job at the college ends May 21st and then I'm off to Alaska to babysit Gracie for a week. I'm really looking forward to being a Nana on a more regular basis.

And yes, wouldn't it be nice if we could all be as content as the dogs?! What a life!

Relief Society Birthday Party

2009-03-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

We had our RS Birthday party last Friday evening. We have some very talented women in our branch so everything was elegant and lovely. I played the harp and piano as the musical numbers. It's nice to be married to the Branch President--he gets invited to everything!-so we got to spend the evening together. We love our little branch here in Mariposa!

Grandkids are the greatest!

2009-02-26T19:54:00.001-08:00

Evan--4 months

Caleb--9 months

Matthew--3 years

Alli--4+ years

Kenna--6+ years

I got to go to Tennessee this past weekend and visit with John and Aaron and their families. I didn't know until I got home that I must have been exposed to strep throat on my way out there, but I was very sick by the time I got home. (Can I say that even though I hope no one gets sick, it was worth it?) I was only there for a couple of days so I squished on the kids as much as possible! Who'd have thought these grandkids could bring so much joy? We're planning on seeing the others during Easter break in April.

Bob is very busy being the Branch President and I just keep chugging along with my callings. Work ends in May and then I will no longer have to limit my visits to just a few days. Although it's a little scary financially, I am so looking forward to the freedom! Alaska, Washington and Tennessee, here I come!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

The holidays went too fast, as usual. We had a great time with Randi and her family, but I always cry when the sweet grandbabies have to leave. I had Gracie in with me almost every night to give Randi a break, but it was also great Nana bonding time. Isn't it great that families are forever?! We had a beautiful white Christmas and are still loving it here in Mariposa. Bob is very busy as Branch President but is doing a fantastic job. He really knows how to be compassionate and the members feel it.

I still teach gospel doctrine, along with my other callings, and am enjoying it very much. I still have two weeks home before spring semester begins and I plan to enjoy it--although I never seem to get everything done that I had planned to do! I still have 3 harp lullabies to compose!

We miss all our friends and family and wish everyone the best for this new year.

We miss our children and grandchildren, but we are enjoying our puppies! You pet lovers out there will understand--the rest of you, humor us!

Our newest addition

2008-12-18T20:30:00.001-08:00

Just had to show off the latest addition to our family---Cody!

Finally!

2008-12-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Memphis last week. After many, many, many years, Aaron finally graduated with a Master of Nursing Degree in Anesthesia. We are so proud of him! He can finally get a real job and bring home a real paycheck! We also met little Caleb who is absolutely adorable and the most gentle-natured little boy. And he was happy to let me hold him! Whew! I was a little worried if, at 6 months, and never having met me, he would actually let me hold him. We were able to witness his blessing that evening.

We also were able to witness John bless his first baby, Evan. Another very mellow and loving baby boy. It is so heart-warming to watch my sons bless their babies. And, of course, I cried all the way through the blessing. It's no wonder we call it "The Plan of Happiness"!

Number 8 has arrived!

2008-11-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

Boy, are we starting to feel old! Evan Magnus Ketcher arrived on October 23rd making us grandparents for the 8th time! We can't wait to get to Memphis next weekend to meet him. It will also be the first time we meet Caleb Marshall Ketcher who will be 6 months old this week. Again, I repeat, it should be illegal!

Things are going pretty much normally around here. Bob has been very busy with the almond harvest and being branch president. He is doing a fabulous job, by the way. Lindsay moved to Washington so this was our first Thanksgiving with none of our children around.

Randi and Gracie came home for a couple of weeks so it was nice to get to know little Gracie a bit. She is such a snuggler!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We love and miss you!

It should be illegal!

2008-10-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

There should definitely be a law that grandbabies should live no more than a few hours away! How can I look at this sweet face and not ache? Fortunately, Gracie and Randi are coming home for a visit on Nov. 4. I plan to do a lot of snuggling! Now I just need to meet little Caleb Ketcher. He will be 6 months before I get my hands on him. Again--there should be a law!

Preparing for the half!

2008-10-04T20:43:00.001-07:00

Ardith and I are planning to run/walk (as in she runs and I walk!) a half-marathon in Memphis in December. Today was the first day of training for me so after conference, I walked 4 miles. Abby was too full of energy all day so I took her with me.

The energy is definitely gone. So, for any of you with dogs, if you want to enjoy conference tomorrow, take those dogs out for a nice long walk first!

Things are very busy around here. Almond harvest is always crazy and when you add Branch President to it this year, Bob is on the go constantly. He is doing a great job in the branch, as I knew he would.

My job ends either in December or May. The powers that be at Merced College are still deciding what they want to do with my lab. We are selling our home and looking for something smaller. If it sells by Christmas, I would love to be done with work! But, I am really learning the principle of leaving things in the Lord's hands and having faith that He knows all things and everything will work out as it should. We will keep you posted.

Gracie Nomena Dierlam has arrived!

2008-08-16T21:17:00.001-07:00

I'm sure Randi will post to her blog as soon as she can, but we just couldn't wait to announce Gracie's arrival! Randi had severe preclampsia so they decided she needed to deliver 3 weeks early. She was doing great, but Gracie started to have some problems so Randi had an emergency c-section. Gracie arrived at 6:45 am today at 5lbs. 9 oz. and 19 inches long. She is such a tiny thing. As it turns out, her lungs are not quite fully developed so she will be staying in the hospital for awhile. I'm sure Randi will want to talk to you Camille! Anyway, she is a doll. We are so excited that grandbaby #7 has arrived!

Blessings

2008-08-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Well, as many of you know, we were evacuated from our home last Sunday due to the Telegraph Fire that is blazing through these mountains. We had a few hours notice and packed up everything of importance--journals, picutres, etc. Let me tell you, when it comes right down to it, most of what we have are just things. Stop for a minute and think about what you would take. Several people asked if I took my harp. No. Again, it's just a thing. Granted, we do have insurance to replace everything, but still--just things. To make things even more exciting, Bob was sustained as the new branch president Sunday. As Pres. Weed was setting him apart, our neighbor called to tell us we needed to get home and get the dog and get out. As Bob was leaving the church, the sheriff's dept. was there to put the church on evacuation warning. Bob left things in the hands of his capable new counselors and we left for Utah. Well, first we had a baptism at a member's pool. It was supposed to be after the 3 hour block, but, of course, we all left after the warning. An exciting baptism for little Brittney! We were able to get back into our home when we returned from Utah as the fire was no longer a threat in our area. All members of the branch are safe and no homes lost, but 21 homes of non-members were lost. We are now cooperating with the Red Cross to help where needed. Isn't it wonderful how the church comes through whenever there is a need. So anyway, we are well and busy! So glad we got to see our friends and family in Utah. We miss you!

Just checking in!

2008-07-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is passing rapidly but that's OK! Only 2 more days of summer school and then I'm free! We're looking forward to our trip to Utah next week to see family and friends. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Hot, hot, hot

2008-07-19T14:22:00.001-07:00

Well, it's definitely summer. As I drove to work last week, the temp hit 115. I think next year I would like to spend some summertime in Alaska, instead! Only 4 more days of summer school and then I get a much needed break. However, we will be traveling a lot so not really rest, but a fun break from work nonetheless.

Abby graduated from puppy training today. My plans are to continue training her so she can be a therapy dog. There is also a program for children to read to her to help develop their reading skills. Right down my alley!

We went to Robby's birthday party a couple of weeks ago and they had a hoop contest. Robby is quite the little hooper! We are sure enjoying being grandparents and can't wait for the next 2 to arrive!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

As you may know, California is burning! We had quite a lightening storm come through 2 weeks ago and many, many, many fires were started. We are safe where we are but several families in our branch are still on alert for evacuation. The air quality is finally improving. For awhile there, it looked like fog outside. The fire crews are still working to get the fires under control so we hope that happens soon.

No 4th plans for us! We are actually just enjoying a day off! And, of course, no fireworks in Mariposa County! We still feel the patriotic spirit, though. Even Abby is showing her American pride!

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Lap dog?

2008-06-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Our little 4.4 lb. goldendoodle is 4 months today and a whopping 20.8 lbs. We were told she should be 40-50 lbs. so this is just right. The formula is to double their 4 month weight for an approximate idea of adult weight. She still loves to snuggle in our laps, though! (Hey Juan Pablo, check out the t-shirt!)

Playing the waiting game

2008-06-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

So, I flew to Memphis on May 21st to help Aaron & Ardith with the kids while waiting for baby #4. The first 3 came right on their due dates so we figured we had plenty of time. To make a long story short, Caleb Marshall Ketcher decided to fool us all and was born as our return flight touched down in San Francisco. We were able to hear his first cries as soon as we were allowed to turn our cell phones back on. Bob flew out a week later than me to help bless Caleb, but unfortunately, this will be the first grandchild blessing we will miss. This is grandbaby #6 but we won't be able to meet him until December. Bummer!

Nana & Papa with Matthew, Alli & Kenna

One day while trying to wait his arrival, we went to the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and watched the ducks. If you don't know the story of the Peabody Ducks, look it up. It's actually a very entertaining story. I thought I'd share a short video of their march down the red carpet to their fountain.

As much as I enjoy visiting the kids and grandkids, it's always nice to come home. Especially this time of year when California is so much cooler and drier!

I picked Abby up from the kennel and she was so excited to see me. I was afraid she would forget me after two weeks. She is growing like a weed and is just the sweetest puppy. We are really enjoying her.

Natalie is 3!

2008-05-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Natalie spent her 3rd birthday with us. Although she didn't like the clothes I bought her, she loved the cupcake. But she especially loved blowing out her candles after we sang to her. She didn't want the cupcake that had the holes in it, though! (The one that had her candles!)

Yes, I'm one of THOSE people!!!

2008-04-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

She know's she's cute--just look at that smirk!
And now she's just being coy!

Yes, I dress my puppy. I just think it's fun. Besides, I just wanted everyone to see how cute Abby is in her new "Dogalicious" sundress! I especially want the grandkids to see her. I can't wait until they can visit to play with her.

It feels almost like summer here--a little too early for my taste. I hope we get a few more cool days before the summer heat really hits.

Which one is real?!

2008-04-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Introducing Abby Joy!

2008-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

We finally welcomed Abby home last Saturday. She is 2 months old today and weighs only 4.8 lbs. She should mature around 40-60 lbs., but she's so small today that I'm hoping she'll be around the 40 lbs. She was born on Valentine's Day which is very appropriate because she is a little sweetheart. She's very mellow but that just might be shyness because of her new surroundings. I can't wait until the grandkids can come up and enjoy. I think she's going to be a wonderful addition to our family!

Latest update!

2008-04-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

Abby arrives this Saturday! We let Teddy go to a new family with kids and dogs but I miss him so we're getting a new puppy! I didn't realize how much a dog could steal my heart. Abby is a goldendoodle (poodle/golden retriever). She will be MUCH bigger than Teddy was but very gentle. Bob wanted a bigger dog and I wanted a teddy bear look so we compromised with a goldendoodle. I'll update when I get her home Saturday. She is coming from a breeder in Oregon who will bring her as far as Sacramento.

Conference was awesome last weekend! Couldn't you just see the mantle on Pres. Monson? All of the talks were incredible and I look forward to reviewing them over the next 6 months.

All is pretty much the same here. We still love living in the mountains. We're still busy with work and church but are enjoying it very much.

Budding Ballerinas

2008-02-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

I went to Memphis this last weekend to visit Aaron & Ardith and the kids and John & Jen. It was great to be there but the time always goes too fast! I got to teach primary on Sunday (Alli's class)! Also, Ardith was able to have an ultrasound while I was there--another boy! Now the question is: What will baby Dierlam be? Ain't life grand?!

Snowy Sunday in Heaven!

2008-02-03T11:48:00.001-08:00

We never cease to be amazed at the beauty in which we live. As the snow continues to fall, we are touched as we again watch the funeral proceedings for Pres. Hinckley. What a wonderful man. He will be missed. Church was cancelled because of snow (remember, our branch is very elderly and we don't want them on the roads!) so watching Pres. Hinckley's funeral again was a sweet way to honor the sabbath.

Our first snow day of the year!

2007-12-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

We went to bed last night with the snow just beginning to fall and this morning--voila! snow! I just love the quiet the snow creates. The best thing about this snow day--other than that it is the first of the season--is that I don't have anywhere I have to go! I can just sit in my sweats and enjoy it! John is home for a few days before Jen gets here. He had to leave early to shadow an optometrist in Merced, but I figure he's used to driving in this stuff. Anyway, I know Randi & Mike get tired of it, but we only get snow a few times a year and I love it!

Unwinding

2007-12-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

So, this is how Teddy has decided he likes to unwind in the evening. Notice the similar hair color?! I actually enjoy having him snuggle up with me--I know, I know, I have definitely become a puppy person--at least for this little guy! And he still loves me even after we had him fixed. Go figure.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2007-12-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

We had our branch Christmas party Friday evening and dad played the part of a grandpa reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 to his grandchildren. We thought it would be nice if they were really his grandchildren! Natalie kept touching papa's chin. (chins?) Anyway, fun for all. Natalie wouldn't sit on Santa's lap but she managed to get some candy from him.

The weather forecast is calling for snow the day after Christmas. That would be awesome but we'll just have to wait and see. I'm off work for a month for semester break and loving every minute of it. Robby came into my room Saturday morning and said he loves sleeping in Randi's room because he loves to wake up in the morning and look out the window and see the trees. He's right--I love it too! We are really enjoying the season in these beautiful surroundings.

Thanks for so many things

2007-11-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

We had a really nice Thanksgiving at Mark & Lindsay's. I KO'd dad in boxing on the wii but he cleaned my clock on bowling! We took our puppy with us to learn to be around other dogs and they did very well. We wish the whole family could have been together, but that's life for all of us right now. I was sitting on the bean bag chair and Natalie plopped down beside me and sat just like me! Then Robby joined us. Being a Nana is the best!

Teddy was tuckered out from a morning walk to get the paper (1/2 mile round trip) and fell asleep part in and part out of his bed!

Bedtime in my new jammies!

2007-11-20T19:36:00.000-08:00

Teddy has taken over our home and our hearts! We're still having trouble with the potty training, but with such an adorable face, who can get upset! Doesn't he look adorable in his little sheep jammies?

He adores me and spends a lot of time snuggling in my arms, but when Bob comes home, he goes crazy with excitement. I guess it's that common bond of boys will be boys!

Meeting my other people

2007-10-26T22:38:00.003-07:00

Can you believe it, my people think I look like a teddy bear so now they want to call me Teddy. Oh well, they seem very nice and I know they love me. I can't wait until I get to meet the rest of the family. I just know I will be loved and adored!

Teddy comes home

2007-10-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I am home! I think my people forgot I'm a boy because they brought me home in a pink blanket--and after my long day of traveling from Iowa to California! Anyway, I weigh 4.2 lbs. and I'm very happy to be here. I think my people fell in love with me at first sight. And why not, I'm adorable!

But like I said, it's been a long day and I have a lot of exploring to do tomorrow in my new home so I need to go to bed!

Teddy

2007-10-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to our family! Isn't he cute. He will be arriving within the next couple of weeks via Northwest Airlines. He is a poochon--a cross between a bichon and a poodle and will only weigh 10-12 pounds when he grows up. We haven't named him yet so if you have any suggestions, we'd love to hear them. We'll update with more photos when he finally comes home.

2007-10-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Well, fall is trying to come to our little piece of heaven here in the mountains. It just can't make up it's mind! The nights are definitely colder but the days can't decide. The trees are starting to change color which is always beautiful. You can see how some of the trees feel about the change, just check out the picture! Man, everything is alive here in the forest!

Randi came home for a week which was really nice but she got very sick. But I guess it's good because she had mommy to take care of her. Mikey missed her like crazy, which is a good thing in a marriage!

Life still goes on with work, church, etc.

The "before" of our Thanksgiving dinner!

2007-10-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

Lindsay took this "before" picture of this year's Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, that's right folks, Lindsay and Mark will be providing the dinner courtesy of this fine gobbler which frequents our yard. We'll let you know how it turns out. If everything goes well, those other guys better watch out because Christmas dinner is just around the corner!

Just a normal Sunday afternoon!

2007-08-19T17:18:00.001-07:00

Dad was having a stare-down with the deer.

I think the deer won!

How I spent my summer vacation!

2007-08-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

I babysat Kenna, Alli & Matthew for 6 days and had a great time. Not always easy, but always worth it. I just wish I could see all the grandkids a little more often. Rock on you guys! I always feel like dancin'!

Living amongst the woodland creatures

2007-08-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

So, we're still here in the forest and loving it. Today a momma deer ate all the cat food--usually it's the skunks we feed! I sat on the deck in the swing yesterday as a cool breeze blew through the pines and the momma deer and her two fawns ate and the turkey family came through and the cats sat and watched. It is so peaceful here. It's a nice change of pace after working in the valley. Couldn't ask for a better place to come home to.