Santa's Elfs

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Christmas Tag...as Marisa said...the gift that keeps on giving

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper, what's the fun if there's no bow?...or if all else fails put it in a basket with some candy and stuff.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love the smell, but hate the mess, so usually artificial.
3. When do you put up the tree? Unless my Husband & I decide to take a last minute trip to Denver to see Michael Franti, the day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually New Years Day or the day after
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A big box...literally. My Dad made a Castle out of boxes that was like 8 feet high. He even added supports and we played in it for months.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Who's name did I draw this year? That's who. :)
8. Easiest person to buy for? Chopper, he just gets excited if you are.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, basically just a tree and some snowmen
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a fender...no not really, I actually loved that gift!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street...the newer one
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All through the year
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I'm sure, but I can't remember a specific incident
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I don't know...not really feeling food right now.
16. Lights on the tree? Usually, but not this year...I blew the breaker (not so you can just flip it to fix it) and we have to rewire something...it just sounded too difficult!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Echoing Marisa as she said "Ugh, not a huge fan of Christmas music. I know, that sounds bad, but they are sooo overplayed. I'm sorry but Christmas music the day of Halloween is not cool."
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Does running around trying to hit all the families homes count as travel or just crazy?
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Commet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and of course Rudolph
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star...but this year we considered a cowboy hat.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Last year we did our presents the night before because the day of was so crazy (see #18.)
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People, people, and people...I swear, once Halloween hits, and especially Thanksgiving, no one can think anymore to drive, park, or shop...the all become idiots on the verge of blowing up at anyone.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I haven't had a tree that long, and still haven't forked out the dough to get decent ornaments...so I have marshmallow snowmen and some cute ornaments that Karen handed down.
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Depends on how many times I'm eating that day...and how many I have been to already.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I don't want anything. I have my family!

Ok, tag to Jenn, Jaimie, Amy and Heidi.

The Website it up!! :)

Now that we have the car lot up and going, we finally put our current inventory on a website. Although there are some more cars either getting cleaned or that we are working on, this is on the lot...ready to go cars. Thanks.

http://summitviewautosales.blogspot.com/

My Hero

It's not often you come across a person that you admire so much you can title them hero. When you do interact with such a person I don't think your life is ever the same. I have one such man in my life that we both have been thinking about an awful awful lot lately...Grandpa Earl. What an amazing man. Unfortunately he is in the hospital and has been for three weeks. He will be 89 years old December 1st and is strong enough to survive a valve replacement surgery.
Nov. 2 he was admitted to the VA with chest pain that turned out to be a narrowing of his aortic valve (his valve was only the diameter of a needle). He explained to the cardiac staff that he has lived alone since Grandma Billie passed away 15 years ago and needs his independence. He was a construction superintendent (I think that was his title, but you get the jist of it) and is a strong old bugger.
I just can't stop thinking of the life he lead. He married my Grandma Billie (whom I was named after...we both have the middle name Marie). They enjoyed many activities together that i enjoy doing with my husband. Camping, Fishing, Hunting, Traveling, Picnics, Hiking, Family events and good food.
Two nights ago I stopped at my parents to help them with an event they had planned and sitting on their table was a stack of get well cards for Grandpa. Even though I have a lot in common with him, this is what I most remember...his affect on people. Last night we almost lost this man who is so dear to me, and I just want to share some antidotes that I remember of him.

Tyson and Grandpa

Sometimes we get so busy rushing from one place to the other, trying to squeeze that one last thing in or take that phone call that we forget to think about the important small things in life. A few months ago, I took my periodic day trip to Evanston, WY to visit Grandpa Earl. We have always been close and when I go visit he is very excited. I usually offer to drive him around so I can “get back sooner” and don’t have to be bothered with his pace of life. My last visit I took Tyson with me and suggested he drive when we got there. He did this and to my dismay he drove 20 under the speed limit (as my Grandpa does) and pulled over many times to let the other busy traffic get by.

When I finally calmed down enough to remember I was here to see my Grandpa, I had time to sit and listen to stories of his younger life I never would have heard if I didn’t slow down and pay attention to the small things like holding his hand as we drove down the road enjoying our time together. Driving home I couldn’t help the tears than snuck out as I smiled and couldn’t remember the last time I so enjoyed my visit. It just took a few minutes for Tyson to realize just how great this man is!
Now that he is in the hospital I think the only thing that pulled him through was the promise Tyson made to him that once he was better he would once again be able to go hunting (from the truck) and fishing. These men are two peas in a pod...no wonder I love Tyson so much :)

Earl's Jam

I know Grandpa misses Grandma Billie very much and lonliness makes it so easy to become bitter and self absorbed. One thing he has done to spend his time is learn to make jam. Once he started he went gun-ho. He makes the usual strawberry, raspberry, peach, apricot and the not so usual pomegranate, choke cherry and a variety of mixes. Once he has this jam he keeps some with him always. I love going places with him and watching people around him. They all know him because he is so friendly and genuine. They also all know his jam. He gives it to: Family, friends, church members, waitresses, cashiers, people at the senior center, business owners and anyone else he might run across. I went to breakfast with him once and instead of a tip he gave the waitress a bottle of jam. I was mortified, but it meant so much to the waitress that her usual customer (who usually tips money) would take the time to make her jam. She was so touched. Over and over I watch him affect people's life for the positive. Over and over I watch him and say to myself when I'm that age I hope I'm not onry at people like most older people who are in some pain and/or discomfort. I hope that I can be just a glimpse of this man.

Pool Tournaments

For about a year I worked for Verizon Wireless answering customer service calls. Most days I enjoyed the interaction, but one of my favorite aspects was a weekday off. I worked Wed-Sun afternoon/evenings. That meant Mondays I would drive to Evanston. It was during these times that Grandpa took me to the Senior Center and tried (unsuccessfully) to teach me to play pool. He had a group of buddies that were nice enough to let me play with them. They all love Earl. He can kick any one of their butts when he wants to, but he never won. He would challenge these gents and play hard with them...shit-talking the whole time :). But when it came down to it he let one of them win. Jack, in particular, took losing hard. It took me a long time to realize what was happening. It wasn't due to my lack of knowlege of pool. It was because he didn't let them know he let them win. They thought they really beat him. He was humble enough to enhance their days. He has a multitude of senior pool tournament prizes...all second and third places because he watched each day to see who needed the win the most.

One last...Earl and Jaclynn

I have had the wonderful opportunity to be close to Grandpa Earl my whole life. When I was younger...3 or 4...I don't remember this, but have the pictures. (i'll put some on later) Grandpa lived in Springville with big trees in his yard. He raked all the leaves the day we went to visit. After all that work he tells the story that i ran and jumped right in the middle of the pile and started spreading them back out. The other adults at the time tell me that Earl leaned over with a twinkle in his eye and "suggested" that what a pile of leaves was good for was to jump in and pointed to the pile of leaves. Another time we went to visit Grandpa in Evanston. Like most newlywed couple my parents were struggling and I didn't have boots. Grandma sent Grandpa to take me to get some pull over boots (a cheap and effective alternative). Grandpa took me down to the store and said which ones do you want? I was probably 4 because they moved when I was 4 and I don't remember this story either. I picked out the boots just like grandpa's. Work snow boots (size 4 and still $60.00) and of course picked out the same ones for my baby brother ($40.00). Although I don't remember these, I do remember him teaching me to fish that next summer. He loaded the pole and hooked a fish and then handed it to me...I got all the glory for catching the first fish. He also taught me to gut a fish that same day (that the part I really remember...I was 5). I remember him teaching me about quaky aspens and how the deer hide in them. I remember helping to skin the moose when he was lucky enough to draw out a moose tag. I remember eating his prized raspberries. I remember learning that a cowboy hat is the sexiest piece of clothing a man can wear. We weren't allowed to touch Grandpa's Stetson cowboy hat, but it now sits at home where he handed it down to my husband. I remember him taking the cover off the boat so we could sit in it and pretend to fish. I remember all the times he would tell us to do something we normally couldn't get away with...and perhaps we got scolded but the twinkle in his eye made it worth it...and the punishments less serious:

• putting olives on our fingers and not eating them after
• chasing the dog
• watching scary movies...such as Jaws
• Getting another cookie after we were told we couldn't have one
• Using some of the adult tools we weren't allowed to (he was always patient and there to supervise) such as the dremel tool etc.
• Putting rocks into our mouths to get the dust off and see what color they really are
• Taking home fossils and arrowheads we found when we were hiking with him
• Steering the car long before we could reach the pedals
• Driving the car after we could reach even longer before we even thought of a learners permit
• Learning just where a jeep can go that you think it can't.

These may be long, but I'll add some pictures of him later. I just needed to send out a tribute to my dear Grandpa. I love him so much!

It's been a while

Gosh, a lot has happened since we last posted...yes, my car is totaled, but that's not the exciting parts:
1. We got to see John Butler Trio live again and they are still amazing. I'll post a video later.
2. We (meaning Tyson :)) shot an elk - wahoo. I have a picture on my phone that I still need to take off.
3. We finally announced our wedding date (which was greatly moved up)
4. We planned a wedding in 2 and 1/2 weeks.
5. We got married at the most beautiful ceremony I can imagine
6. We are still trying to recover, but are happy!!

Although we had Holly Hyde come and take photos which we are so excited to see, (she has some on her blog that are absolutely amazing. I mean really!! That was the best decision we made with the wedding...other than to get married!!) Steven took some beautiful photos! I have a sampling posted below.

I can't say enough about either of them. Stephen's photography skills are in no way lacking and he got some fun kandid shots of us and especially of the dog. Steven also did our cute engagement photos. I just can't say enough. I highly recommend both of them and can get you contact info if needed.

Steven is an amazing photographer!!

More of Steven's Wedding Photos

Even More of Steven's Amazing Wedding Photos

car crash

We'll post the other pics later.

A Slow End to a great weekend

We thoroughly enjoyed our lolly gagging around Sunday and Monday. We took a loop through Beaver Mountain, were we drove for an hour or two on dirt roads stopping to let the dog swim in the pond. He would spend hours and hours swimming if we let him. He loves to shake on you especially if he has chased his stick into a muddy patch.

We came down fish haven canyon and stopped in Fish Haven at the small grocery store to check our last lottery ticket and get another. On to St. Charles to check in with Grandpa Fry and we made our way through Paris and up to Lava Ranches and spent the evening warming up with Doug and Sheryl. The next day we just took our time getting home. It was nice after the over-excitement on Saturday.

Xavier Rudd - WOW!

The main event, Xavier Rudd was even better than expected…and we had HIGH hopes. On the drive down to Salt Lake we were saying that with his new CD that is a little bit of a change from his old ones, we knew the show would be good but didn’t know what to expect. Holy Cow!! We were right up in front of the stage and there were times I turned around to make sure Tyson was still right behind me and he was standing, jaw dropped just staring (and I have to admit I found myself doing the same a couple times). I can’t say enough good things, but I’m ready to see him again!! For those who don’t know this guy, he is from Australia where he Dad is or was Prime Minister. He plays a guitar (well he switches between a couple), three didgeridoos, drums with his feet, and percussion all while he sings and he is a damn good writer. Absolutely amazing!! I’m blown away. The crowd was amazing. They gave him their full attention and kept shouting thank you for coming and you’re the best. It may have been the best show of the summer…only one real contender on the 11^th is John Butler Trio. I’ll keep you posted, but I don’t know how he can top it! Maybe a tie.

A good beginning to Labor Day Weekend

We had a great weekend!! Saturday we went to an amazing concert at The Depot down in Salt Lake. Gina, Josh and Jared were a blast to go with. We were introduced to Griffin House, well the main singer. He came out by himself and even with the first song we were hooked. I can’t wait till he comes back with his band.

Arla's Cabin

We all went up to Arla's cabin this last weekend so we could spend time with Mike. As you can see while he's begging Ty to throw it, Chopper was never more than three feet away from his ball. Tyson and I had a blast on the motorcycle/4-wheeler. Even Dad took a turn on the motorcyle. It was good food, good movie (A River Runs Through It), beautiful atomosphere, and lots of fun.

Since I-80 was closing everyone except Ty and I left early. We got to sit and chat with Arla and Libe. Chopper and Libe became fast friends, only they had different ideas of playing together. Libe likes to rough house and run around. Chopper likes to fight over his ball...which i took up with us. So Chopper kept sticking his ball in Libe's face and Libe just wanted to play. Finally, as we sat there chatting before we left Libe had it. She just doesn't understand the ball so she took from Chopper, dug a hole (man can that girl dig - 4 swipes and it was about a foot deep...) and started to bury his ball. Can't say Chopper was too excited about that.

When all was said and done we all had a hard time leaving...just look at Chopper's reaction when he was told to "Load up, we're going home." It took about 10 mins to get him to come.

Puppy Budsky

On my birthday this year, our dear roommate called and mentioned that he had a new puppy at the house. Little did we know that the picture here is the "small" (temporary) version. This 3 1/2 month old puppy is almost as big as our full grown yellow lab...ahhh. Holger is a Cane Corso Mastiff and will be huge. I mean huge 130+ pounds. At first he was an interesting addition to our home (he immediately peed all over my bare feet). Chopper now knows he is not being replaced, so he love him...and as you can see he is a cute little sucker.

I think he's good for Steven too. Holger loves him. We came home the other night and they didn't hear us. There was Steven sitting on the hardwood floor instead of the couch so his puppy could lay on his lap :)

So, I keep hearing that I need to get this up and going. It may take some time to get some pics because i keep forgetting to take the camera places, but we'll shoot for sooner than later. For now, it's just the play list that we put together.