The WOODS

MERRY CHRISTMAS from the WOODS! This year we set up the 3 trees again, this is only the second time we have done this, and when we do we have a small forest in our house. Have been busy getting thing ready for the Holidays. If any of you are coming through Boise please stop by we would love to see you. We received the cards and photos from the Carters and Woods they are wonderful pictures, thanks. This morning we went to my school and had "Breakfast with Santa", we took Izzy, Ken said oh good cold hot cakes again, and he was right. Then Santa was late and we were in line for a long, long time to see him and have pictures. After that we came home and made sugar cookies. While Ken slept on the couch for three hours(you know he gets up early with the dogs).

Thanksgiving Shopping Frenzy

We ate and ate and the fridges are still full. Shane, Christine and Izzy came over and we played on the WII. Izzy went sledding for a little while. Ken and I went to Wal-Mart for the 12:01 Friday morning sale. We didn't see anything we wanted at the 5:00 sale so we thought we would beat the crowds. Boy were we WRONG. We pulled into the parking lot at 11:55 and the lot was full, people were parking in Lowe's next door. People were coming out of the store with there purchases. We walked in and the lines to check out were already 20 people deep at all the check outs. It was CRAZY in the store I lost you dad 3 times. I just kept shopping and looking for him at the same time. I had to shop or the deal would be gone. He would find a place to stand with the cart that was kind of in the open and wait for me to come by or see him and yell his name. We got in the check out line at 12:40, I continued to shop and bring things back to the cart as did the man in line ahead of us did, we left the store at 1:25 and got home and in bed at 1:40. It is now 3:15 p.m. and we just got back from Wal-Mart again. I broke my last sewing machine needle. This time there were some people but no lines to check out. What a difference a few hours makes.

Dad Is At It Again

Well your Dad is at it again and this time he got me involved. We rearranged the house. Not the living room, that would be too easy, no we moved the guestroom to the end of the hall by our room and made the other bedroom (old guestroom) the dinning room. Before anything was moved to its new place we rented a rug doctor and cleaned all three "bedrooms" and my craft room (the room down stairs). The dogs have not liked one bit of this whole mess, they have been displaced and they feel mistreated. We are done now, and I have to say it will be nice to have a dining room table again. We don't eat at the table much but this way if people or the missionaries are here there is a place to have a meal. Today we got our first real snow. So far it is about an inch on the grass, some of the road are a little slick, but not too bad, it snowed, rained all day Sunday too. The dogs have had a ball running and playing tag in the snow this morning. They are loving it like little kids. The road between Boise and Mt. Home of course has had many roll overs and slide offs. I hope it is better by Saturday we have to go to Mt. Home for my cousins funeral. This is my cousin Roger, who use to teach at BYU Hawaii. Your Dad said to tell you at the cannery they have been canning pears forever and by next week they will have canned 45,000 cases to go to Salt Lake City. He can't even fathom how many semi trucks that would be. We are now headed for the D. I. to look for our next treasure!

Thankful for Fall Colors

This is one of the trees in our yard, I love the colors of the leaves in the fall. But then of course they all fall down and Ken has to get them all up off the grass.

I wanted to share a Thanksgiving idea that if heard about. Take a paper or plush turkey (Thankful Tommy) and every night after the kids go to bed hide or move Thankful Tommy to a new place in the house that would show what he or the family are thankful for. When the kids get up in the morning they will have a turkey hunt to see what Tommy is thankful for.

Garden Blessings

Our garden was small this year, just a small patch of pole green beans. This was the first time we tried pole beans and I loved them, no more crawling along in the dirt to pick the beans. Even with this small of a patch I was able to can 77 pints of green beans. We also have tomatoes they are big plants and we are now getting some ripe ones now that it is late September and early Oct. We get a large bowl full when we pick but I won't be canning any this year, I still have a lot left from last year.

Campfire

The first campfire, after the talent show.

Ken and I love campfires, it is such a great time to eat s'mores, marshmallows, laugh and talk. We really enjoyed watching Carole with the grand kids around the campfire, she was so great with all.

Carole really likes BLACK marshmallows.

Grandpa untangling the balls on the string again.

The First of the Family Reunion

We had a wonderful time with everyone. Lots of memories and new bonds of love. We loved being with the grandkids and being able to love each of them. This group picture was taken at the Mud Pots and then a quick snap of lunch in Yellowstone. This is a time that we will remember and always think of as a good time. Looking forward to next year.

Last minute details on the reunion

As I look over the emails I am seeing that everyone but Carole's family and Ken and I are planning on leaving Saturday. Carole you are staying at a motel. How would everyone feel if we just close out the whole thing on Saturday after lunch? That will give those who want or need to leave for home time to make it home for Sunday. Ken and I will leave then also. The biggest effect will be two meal. Carters are set to do Saturday dinner and Ken and I are set for Sunday morning. So I thought Carters could help with dinner when Judy or Tricia is cooking and we would help with breakfast with Judy or Tricia. Janet you decide with Judy and Tricia what you want to do and we will help the other one for breakfast. I just need to know what that person want us to bring. As far as dishes I am planning on bringing a large package of plates, cups and plastic utensils. If you want to bring so also go ahead if not don't worry about it. If there are any other concerns or questions please post a comments so we can discuss it. Remember the idea is to have fun and enjoy each other not the food. Carole I will owe you back money for the two meals and it shouldn't effect Rob and family because they were only planning on a certain number of meals. Don't forget Ken and I will be bringing the stuff for s'mores, and everyone please bring photos that you don't need so other can take what they want or need.

Judy redid the schedule for the reunion to handle everyone leaving Saturday. Some of the meals have changed please look at it.

Wednesday
Breakfast- None
Lunch-Tricia Sandwich, Chips, Cookies
Dinner-Leonard Tacos
Activity Mesa Falls/ Big Springs
Night Entertainment: Carter The Lodge

Thursday
Breakfast-Carter Biscuits/Gravy and eggs
Lunch-Grandpa/Grandma Fried Chicken, baked beans & potato salad
Dinner-Tricia hot Dogs, beans and potato salad (or something along those lines)
Activity Yellowstone
Night Entertainment: Leonard/Carol The No Talent Talent Show!!

Friday
Breakfast- Tricia Muffins/fruit/Juice
Lunch-Carter Sack lunch (Sandwich, chips, cookies
Dinner-Grandpa/Grandma Spaghetti
Activity Canoeing
Night Entertainment: Rob and Emma Fam

Saturday
Breakfast- Leonard (Oatmeal, Eggs, Sausage)
Lunch-Leonard (Chicken Salad with Croiss., Chips)
Go Home

Raspberries

These raspberries came from one picking. They are sooooooo good. Notice the size I put a penny down to show a size reference.

I pick them about every other day. Ken wants jam. I am just freezing them now until it cools down so I can make jam without over heating the house.

More From the Edge

Here are some more photos of the JUMP! Have I said how much FUN it was.

On the ground a little weak in the knees.


When I got to this point I was very tired and just stopped and hung out and resting my back.

Bouncing off the wall.

I just like this shot with the sunlight coming around the building.

Fantastic Jump

The Jump was fantastic!!!!

This is me near the top! I LOVED it.

And this is me getting all harness-ed up ready for the JUMP!

The Jump was fantastic!!!!

It was a little rough going over the EDGE, but it always is. I made the mistake of looking down when I was standing on the edge. Once I was over it was just FUN! Ken was there of course as well as Shane, Christine, and Izzy. Two of the girls I work with came also (Cendy and Brandy) and a good friend from Church Sister Jones and she brought two of her friends.

The rope was very heavy when I tried to get my right hand in the correct position, I guess that's because it was so long. I will send more photos later now that I have them down loaded and I'm not mad at my computer any more.

July 4th News

I will be jumping off the Hampton Inn this Thursday, July 7, 2010 at 10:50 A.M. I am so excited and counting the days. I have to be down at the Hampton one hour before I jump. Hope you can be there to see me go down the side of the wall.
Tonight we are going to Ann Morison Park with Shane, Christine, and Izzy to watch the fireworks. We will be going to the park at 4:00 p.m. and have a picnic while waiting for the fireworks tonight at about 10:15. We have done this for three years and look forward to it. Hope you all have a great fourth of July too.

Grandma Wood Wants to JUMP!

The Special Olympics is having a fund raiser, that I want to take part in. If I can raise $1000.00 I will be able to repel off the Hampton Inn in Boise, it is 14 stories high, WOW! This is something I have wanted to do for a long time and never thought I would have the opportunity, now maybe I can do it and help raise money for a great cause, Special Olympics. If you can help, I would really appreciate it and please spread the info to your friends and family. To make a donation in my name go to http://www.idso.org/ scroll down half the page you will see Over the Edge for Special Olympics of Idaho on the left side, click on it, then click on find a repeller at the top, then scroll down and look for Darlene Wood there is a place there to support Darlene click on this to make you donation or pledge. The jump is July 8. I know this is short notice but I just found out about it. The jump is limited to the first 100 people to raise $1000.00, so any amount would help if I don't raise enough to jump the money still goes to a great cause Special Olympics, which has a special place in my heart since it is for the kids I teach. Thanks for your help.

Pets, Pets ,Pets, Pets, and More Pets

We had a surprise today with our pets. As most of you know our cat, Emmett, hasn't been around for 10 days or so. We have a family of foxes in the area and came to the conclusion that Emmett had met the foxes and it wasn't a good meeting. Today Ken realized that one of the dogs was missing, Molli, the front door wasn't chained and the dogs can push the door open and get out. He went out the door to look for Molli and he found Emmett! Then he started walking the neighborhood calling for Molli. I was at work and waiting for a phone call telling me that he had found her, no call came. I called home 4 times he didn't answer, the last message I left I said "are you not answering the phone because you don't want to give me bad news". He finally answered the phone Molli was found in the bedroom, she had never left the house. So we are back to a full house again. Emmett was hungry, tired, and very dirty.

Plans for the Family Reunion

I thought I would put out a schedule for the time we are Island Park so everyone will know what to do when. If you don’t want to do the day trips that is fine it is up to each family, but we will come back together for the evening meal, nightly activities and campfire. As far as clean up I think we are all know that we all need to help.

Wednesday Breakfast None Arrive date Lunch-Tricia Dinner-Leorands Activity Masa Falls/ Big Springs
Thursday Breakfast-Carters Lunch-Grandpa/Grandma Dinner-Tricia Activity Yellowstone
Friday Breakfast-Leorands Lunch-Carters Dinner-Grandpa/Grandma Activity Canoeing
Saturday Breakfast-Tricia Lunch-Leorands Dinner-Carters Activity Jackson Hole
Sunday Breakfast-Grandpa/Grandma Go Home

Nightly entertainment/craft/whatever
Wednesday Carters
Thursday Leorands
Friday Woods (One Tree Forest)
Saturday Tricia
Ken & I will do whatever anyone needs to help in this area.

Ken and I will also bring the stuff for S’mores. The meals are all inclusive,except the drinks. Each family will need to bring their own snacks and drinks for their family.
We are real excited and looking forward to spending time making memories.
I also thought that if you had extra pictures that you are not going to use we could all bring what ever we don’t need and other families could take what they want or need for scrapbooking.

The Last Food Blog

"Back to the Island Park food soap opera. It just feels that this food thing has been going on for a long time and there are always new twists and turns. I read everything that has been written and after thinking about it, this is the last food blog. Four families out of six want to cook and supply the meals. Two want to pay for their part of the food and not have to cook or supply food. Sooooooo, Ken and I will cook one day, Tricia will do meals on another day as well as Janet and Judy taking a day. That makes all four happy, Rob and Carole can pay for their meals and the money will help cover some of the cost. Rob said his family would be the same as 3 adult because the kids don't eat much. Your family cost for food will be 21.00 per day. That is 7.00 per adult. Carole, your cost would be 28.00 per day. Again that is only 7.00 per person per day. I don't think you could feed your family for less than that. People supplying the food will make the meals with the total number of adults in mind, which means won't be able to opt out of some meals or days. Now everyone should be happy. I know that each family reunion has their own way of doing the meals that works for them, this will be our way. We will not be changing this plan. It is set in stone, and the soap opera comes to an end."

FOOD, FOOD, FOOD

Thanks for all your feed back on the Island Park Reunion. I read all the comment from the blog I sent out. I was asking about menu options, not how the food would come to be. There are so many opinions that I think I need to go back to Janet's words when she said she hoped that these yearly reunions would be lead by your Dad and me. With that in mind Ken and I would like to purchase all the food for the main meals, and campfires. Each family could bring snacks for there own family or to share what every you want to do. If your kids don't plan on eating a meal that is being prepared speak up now so food is not bought for them and you will need to bring the food for those children. So I guess what I need is how many are going to be eating each meal and if the meals sound okay, for the lunch that is missing would you rather have tuna sandwiches or cold fried chicken. When we get the count then the food can be priced out per person. We will keep the food cost as low as we can. Part of the reunion is spending time together eating meals as a family and not little groups, I understand that kids might not like some of the food so there is the option of each family bringing food for their kid.

Food and Plans for Island Park

I guess it is time to talk about our trip to Island Park and try to finalize some of the details. When we were at Judy and Ryan's last week Judy and I talked about a menu. This is just a draft, if there is something you want or are very good at making please respond. After everything is settled Judy is going to price out the meals so everyone can pay ahead and we can by the food in bulk. This is what we came up with remember this is just a draft. Breakfast Biscuits and gravy, omelet's, cold cereal, pancakes, mountain man dutch oven. Lunch B.B.Q. Sandwiches, chicken salad sandwich, hoagie sandwiches, and we need something else for lunch. We were thinking that the lunches need to be something we can take with us as we travel in case we are going some place that day. Dinner Salsa chicken with rice, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, tacos, stuffed pork chops. We would also have side dishes like green salads, potato salad, jellos, cookies, watermelon, baked beans please add any thing to the list.

Judy said the cabin is set and the cost is covered for the cabin for July 28-31. Thanks.

In the past we talked about Yellowstone park, Masa Falls, cannoning, Judy said there is Big Springs and Tricia mentioned Jackson Hole and there is a rec center there. Voice your opinion on these we want to be busy and see things but not too busy to enjoy our time together.

Remember this is a work in progress make you comments and suggestions now. Then I will put up the final list with a sign up for you to choose which meals you will prepare and which times you will cleanup.

Island Park and Now

We need some input about our time at Island Park this summer. How many are going? Judy have you checked on the dates with your mother-in-law? Do we want to take days as a family being in charge of the food for a day or meal? I know we talked about cannoning, going to Yellowstone and Masa Falls is there anything else that anyone else wants to do or see? We want to be busy but not so busy that we can't enjoy each other.

Just wanted to let everyone know what has been going on at our house. I finally got your Dad on the Wii Balance Broad today, he wanted to see how much he weighed. He has lost 11 pounds since he last weighed at the doctors office. He rides his Airdyne bike everyday between 1 hour to 1 and 1/2 hours. Now I just need to get him on the Wii Fit sometimes. Ken has been working in the yard this week it has been beautiful weather here. He used the hand truck to move flower pots filled with dirt to new places.

Bo and Molli have made themselves right at home. They love playing together and chewing up anything they can. (wood tables, wood molding, plaster walls, shoes....)you may ask what about their toys? Wellllll you see we have two other BIG dogs that will gather up ALL the toys and guard them. So we put out the toys when the dogs are separated. They are more than holding their own with the big dogs. In fact Molli will attack the big dogs to get them to play with her.

I am out of school for track break for THREE WEEKS!!! I can't tell you how much I love track breaks, other than the cut in pay. This is my third day, I have cleaned my craft room, caulked the bathroom, tomorrow Ken and I will go home/visiting teaching. I am still loving my Wii I work out an hour 6 days a week, and since I started the Wii and counting points on Weight Watchers I have lost 18 pounds. Ken is very supportive but is not always sure of all the green stuff as he calls it that I fix.

Family Fun

Just wanted to let you all know that we have had a wonderful time this past week. Monday we got to spend the day with four grandkids (3 of Rob and Emma's and Izzy). We went to the zoo, McDonald's and then to the park to play on the playground. Grandpa pushed swings for at least 30 minutes. The two boys couldn't get enough swinging. The girls had a great time playing together and calling each other cousins. That evening we were able to have dinner with Rob, Emma and family, as well as Tricia and Alli. Great food and better company. Then Tuesday Judy and two cute little girls came to see us. Jacie is so much fun. I just love spending time with her and of course that chubby little sister. We really fill that the best blessing in life is having children and grandchildren that loves us, and we love them. Looking forward to seeing the rest of you soon. Sorry we were not able to go to Idaho Falls to see McCarty in his play, but we heard that he was outstanding. Counting down the days to our time together in Island Park.
Love,
Dad and Darlene

Wii Wii Wii All the Way Home

I thought I would tell you about how much I have enjoyed the Wii. It is great fun and a lot of WORK! I hurry home everyday so I can start my training. I have been working out 40-45 minutes a day. Your dad rides the bike while I do the Wii. I have set up a fan to run on me as I work and I am still wet, wet, wet well before I am done. I work out 6 day a week. I would have ever thought I would look forward to exercising. I talked about it so much at work, one of the other girls got the Wii and Wii fit, and another has put it on her birthday wish list. My neighbor Mandy is working out on mine also. I wish I could get your dad to use it. He has bowled a few times.

Welcome Bo

Well we have Bo in our home now. He is doing great. he doesn't like to be left alone. So he got to sleep in bed with us. He has been outside several times yesterday and today. Bubba and Sam are doing fine with Bo, I don't think they really know what to think of him. They have all been sniffing and chasing around with each other. Life is good here.

Children

Dear Children,

The greatest thing that has been made to all of us are blogs, that we all contribute to much of the time on a daily basis. There we share the love in our homes to each other. It truly is fantastic. However there was a blog put on the computer designed to blast each of us with ugliness, with anger and was designed to spread ugliness to all of us. Poor Carole with all of you terrible children and parents for a family. She did a great job of taking us all down a notch or two. She wants us to believe that we have all made her life miserable or is it that she continues to make her own life the wreck that it is. I want to say that this negative blog has bothered my wife quite a bit. Darlene has always been pleasant to everyone in the family. She knows she is not your mother, but she treats all of the grand kids as if she is another grand mother. Darlene loves the family each one of you and would do anything for each of you. The angers of Caroles blog is totally unfounded. All that she wrote is fabricated. Carloe has been to our house may times with in the past 6 weeks. She was always well received and treated. We even let her stay at our house when we were out of town for Thanksgiving. Darlene and I talked to her every time she came from seeing her friend, asking how her friend was doing and how things were going for her.She spent a lot of time visiting with Carole. She is concerned that her comments may cause you to feel differently about us. We feel sorry for Carole. She must be feeling so poorly that she offers such angers towards the very ones who could love her. Well it comes time to forgive Carole. Well it is done. One thing I learned along through the years, is that you can forgive someone but it doesn't mean you have to subject yourself to further injury.
As a side note please be on the lookout for a bottle of pain pills that belong to Darlene. These are pills she needs to help with the pain she has from her M.S. She will have to go the rest of the month without pain pills now because the doctor will not give a new prescription due to the fact that the pills had Codeine in them and are a controlled medication.
I will bring this to an end and wish to put this behind us. I hope everyone knows that we love you ALL.

Love, Dad