The Good,The Bad & the "SO often, unexpected"!!!

Matt's Graduation from UVU

2010-05-01T21:46:00.006-06:00

Our Matthew graduated from UVU yesterday, with honors, and I am very proud of him and all the hard work he has done to get to this point. I am also very proud of Kelly and grateful for the support she has given him (literally and figuratively) to get him to this point.

It has been a really tough year for our family, with losing David, and for Matt to not only gruaduate with honors, but to have been extended the honors and offers from various Law Schools that he has, (Penn State, American U, Pepperdine, San Diego State, and Uof Az, to name a few) across the country is an incredible feat of determination and a great example to me of perseverance. (He took the LSAT the day after his dad's funeral and still managed to get a 163 (a very good score) (thus--the offers). I think if those schools and others would have known that little bit of information they might have been impressed enough to offer him more.

He graduated Cum Laude (+3.6 GPA) and was awarded a medal as well for Leadership. (He has served, during his time at UVU as Assistant Student Body President to Joseph Watkins, and has had various other honors and positions, even on the national level with various Student comittees he has served on. This semester he has worked with Joseph on a comittee that works with the State Legistature to form (and reform) policy for Students and Colleges/Universities.

He has been very involved as a student as well as very engaged as a Political Science Major. (Ask Kelly--don't get him started talking politics and policy, unless you are prepared for a LONG conversation.) But---that is what it will take (being that engaged in the process) to get him through Law School and to continue on in the Law profession.
We are (and especially I, your Mother,) very proud of Matt and all he has achieved and look forward to watching him progress at Law School at University of Arizona. (Yes---he is going to the "Homeland" to attend school...so appropriate, eh?) (And Julia is THRILLED to have some family nearby, finally.)
I will miss having you and Kelly here, Matt, but I am thrilled and excited to see what you will accomplish the next 3 years ahead. And--I am as proud as any parent can be. I know your dad is SO pleased and proud as well, and that he has been with you through this past few months of preparation...(as you well know).
I love you, my son.
Seize the Day!
Pics:
The Proud Palfreyman Family: Me, Matt, Kelly, Grandpa and Janet: Matt (in Center) Walking for graduation at Convocation:
Matt and Jonathan Tyler--Friends and Best buds--Born a day apart, (n the same hospital) they have been buds for 16 years (in the same neighborhood) married 1st cousins, and now graduated together on the same day. We celebrate their birthdays every year on Oct 12/13 at midnight at IHOP with family and friends. (Are you gonna make the trip for the celebration once you are in AZ?---We'll see, I guess.) So good to have close friends.

Mom's and sons, A proud day for us all: Becky and Jonathan Tyler, Matt & Denise Palfreyman:

Janet and Grandpa Palfreyman, Matt and I:Janet, Granpa and Matt: Proud Grandparents!

The Graduates filing in to Commencement:

Caught Matt waving on the big screen (jumbo-tron), and thought immediately how much his dad would have enjoyed this moment. (then I burst into tears...):

Kelly's parents, (Cathy and Dave Loeper) and Matt & Kelly. Thanks for your support as well.:

Another shot of Proud Grandparents with Matty:

Proudest Mom in the world with her smart, handsome, hard-working son:

Another shot--better of me, not as good of him (ain't that always the way???)

Me, Matt, Grandpa and Janet: (Is G-Pa doing a fist-pump?) Matty--(I think he looks a lot like his dad (in younger days) in this picture:

Serious Matt: (A rare moment...JK):

Matt and Joseph Watkins (actually Joseph is from Heber, AZ. Served together in Student Govt. and this year on State Student Policy committee.)

Matt-former Assistant to SB President , Joseph--former SB President and next year's SB President, Joey) (Student Leadership x 3?)

Spring 2010

2010-05-01T21:06:00.007-06:00

I wish I had better pictures of my visits with the grandkids this Spring during their visits to Utah. Unfortunately, I either forgot my camera or forgot to get it out when I should have. Amber has the best pictures of their visit and our time in St. George at the Kite Festival, and hopefully she will post some soon that I can steal. So--this is all I have, but we had a great time with all three of my grands and their moms while they were here during Spring Break (for UofA) and Lily's Spring Break from preschool (yep--starting already...)

It's been a LONG, cold, and gray Spring in Utah and I can't wait til Summer.

Amber is coming up for Memorial Day, hopefully, and Julia will hopefully get to make a trip in between block classes at school. I miss my kids!

Lily--in her usual mood...having fun, at Aunt Julie's: GMa and Crewbie at Aunt Julie's (before our haircuts) (I look terrible--just got up and no makeup, but Lily took this picture of us...)

Tired Bug:
Linc and Mommy--not thrilled about having to leave and go home.
Hey! What's up, Grandma?!!

"Lets see...If I get just the right mix of hot and cold...."

Hey! What are you up to G-ma???

Linckey smiling for Grandma during bath time. Cute!

Lily and Dolly in their matching dresses:

Cute Crewbie:

Crewbie--not a happy camper that morning...

Lily wearing the Christmas dresses I gave her for her and her dolly.

Lily at Grandma's in March: Love that face!!!

Rhett's own personal "Agony of Defeat" footage: (ie...Sledding in AZ-2009)

2010-01-04T22:07:00.014-07:00

Parental Advisory: Stong Language in the following: ((Can't help it---I am, a MOM, first and foremost...after all...)...Sorry)
Rhett: (Narrative while looking at the pics) "ok...I look pretty good here....good form...yes..."(That's Beau (Lewis--Joni's husband) under the jump ramp...BTW)Rhett: " OK...still looking pretty good---a little out of line, but not bad...(cleared the body on the snow...good...)"

Rhett: "Ok---back in line...still looking good...""Still good"...

Rhett: "Uh...yeah...the landing...a little to the right, but still, not bad form..."

Rhett: "Oh $%#@&!!!! What the Hell just happened???

(Mom's reaction: Oh my HELL!")

" Ouch!!! %%#$!!! Crap!!! that hurts, dammit!" (Those of you who know Rhett...you know that is the MILDEST expletive that was coming out of his mouth at this point...right?)

"ok...going back the other way...back toward the tube..."

"OK...I have NO idea how THAT just happened???" Uh...oh no...uh-oh...@$%#!!! (again)!

"Ok...I'm now completely "out of control!!!!"

"Aaarrghhhhhh!"...oh yeah...BABY!!!" "Ok...I think I'm down..."

Yes!!! THAT WAS AWESOME!!!! (still smiling??? (Mom's reaction to the pic)) (---ok---I will be totally honest...my reaction was more like HOLY SHIT!!!! You are lucky you aren't paralyzed from the neck down...What the HELL????!!!)

Check out the eye?..yes...it gets worse...

Rhett: "uuuuh....I think I'm ok...."

Rhett: "Yeah (even tho he's a little woozy) I am definitely ok..."

Yup...yup...(woozy...weaving...) Yep...I am ok...

Rhett---(to everyone watching) (who were thinking he'd be in a wheelchair the rest of his life...): YO!!!! I'm OK...I'm OK!

Ok.....

Ok....(narrow miss....)...ok, Mom will survive this footage..."(whew)...) Oh, Crap---Here comes my surrogate "mom" (Julia) to chew me out for giving her a "fright".... (First she says "Are you ok???")

(Then she says "You nearly gave me a heart attack!!!
What the Hell were you thinking???)

Then: (At least this seems the most plausible) "You should be glad Mom wasn't here, because she would hug you, then she would KILL you!!!"

Denise: "I am glad I wasn't there...because I would have had a heart attack! (and yes...then I would have chewed on him for a good half-hour...)"

Rhett continues to think that Loretta is "the BOMB" because she kept filming through the whole thing. (And I will forgive her, because Julie was there to do the worrying for me (I was home being sick with a chest and sinus infection (at Moms'))

But---You simply can't deny---Loretta's photography is spectacular... (she's getting really good at this) but I'm not sure Rhett's handsome face will ever be the same....good thing he's young, is all I can say.

And today (Jan 5,2010) - it is just a big ugly scab--with bruises all around...(he looks a little like "Braveheart")...ah well....another great "Hatch adventure" where the angels were working overtime...Sooo...What else is new???

Halloween with the Kidlets--2009

2009-11-09T23:11:00.009-07:00

Our Lily-Lou as (who else??) Sleeping Beauty... (The
fairest in the land!") Can you tell she is loving this? (Any chance to dress like a "princess....)
Love my girl, SO much!! So pretty--but even better--SO Smart!

Crewbie, getting "coifed" for his latest costume... Wha...??? Is he going as Aunt Mabel???
No....it's a "work in progress...." (Dad, your "ssstho Fabuloussth with hairrr! You have ssthuch a gift!)

(Now-- if you didn't have kids in the '80's or were not a fan of "The Wedding Singer"...you will miss this completely...but just know...it is "Tooooutally RAD!"

" ["HI!... Uh...do you like "Flock of Seagulls???"

(answer) "Nooo...but I see YOU do!"]

How cute are these two???

Awesome!

(I laughed my butt off. )
I hope someday Crew will forgive you for this one, Amber and Ryan...but WE all enjoyed it. SO DANG cute!

(love the Vans and the plaid shirt with the collar and jeans turned up).
__________________________________________________________

Well, All my little ones were gone by Halloween this year, but that didn't diminish their "cuteness". Here is Linc--our little Punkin; Bug.

Way, way, cute. (but then, I am a little biased...sorry...) He had fun walking the "Avenue" with his mom this year, (that didn't sound quite right, did it???) again...(their neighborhood is not all that good for trick-or-treating...:/ ) But could this kid be any cuter??? (I hate that they're growing up so fast!)

This Morning (Nov. 9th, I read Julia's response to her friend's comment about how "Cute and adorable Linc looked in these pics, and this was what she said:

"Not so adorable today. Lincoln has "croup and diarrhea and is a nightmare! So far, this morning, I've been head-butted, bitch-slapped, two poopy diapers, poop in the bathtub, and water spilled in my bed. It's not yet 9:30! If it gets any worse, I officially resign from my post as mom."

I read this...I sighed with concern (really...I did...)...then smiled...then laughed-- as I realized...THE CURSE WORKS!!!! Ha!!!

OH MY GOSH!!! He looks so much more "Angelic " than he really is...but what a face!! ("Mommy is TOTALLY lying about me!" (Just FYI! ) ;)

"Mommy, Can we go Twick-o-Tweating, alweady???

Miss my cute Grands. Come home again soon!

Love you SOOOO much!

Grandma D

Ok....just one more peek..... hahahahahahaa!!!!! Still Chuckling.....

Ok---I promised..Lincoln's 1st Birthday:

2009-08-18T20:29:00.012-06:00

(Above) Lincon's "Big Present" was a "ride-on cart---of the "Little Einstien variety (one his Grandma thought particularly fitting *(I know--I admit---I am utterly biased.) He was off and running within minutes. This kid is as fearless as his Uncle Rhett....(Juls---get ready for some doctor and plastic surgeon bills in the near future....(I'm just warning you...)

After breaking in the "Rocket"--it was off to "Peter Piper Pizza" for some food and fun.

Lincoln and I waiting in the car for Momma and Krista (sp?) to pick up the birthday "cupcakes" and balloons" on the way to the pizza place. Just some pictures of this BEAUTIFUL baby boy who is now one year old!!!
Blowing kisses.
Gwandma....You aw Cwazy!!!

How much LONGER are they going to take???

"Yeah---I am actually "kinda cute"....and yes---I know it!!!" Smiles for Grandma!

"Ok---now I KNOW this is taking WAY too long..Grandma has resorted to "Tickling me" for

entertainment How Barbaric!!"

Finally....we are on our way!!! Hey---What is that???? I LIKE that!!!

Yes!!!! Balloooooons!!!

Soooo....what the Crap is this??? Orange frosting on BLACK cake? Am I supposed to "eat" this?...Come on!!!??? How good could this possibly be???

Ok....(sigh)..

if you insist....)"k...I admit..it isn't "unbearable"...but what, exactly, are you looking at???"

Finally---(sheesh!!) off to have some FUN!!!

Yeah! Driving with Kermit...

"What the ???"

Ok---We are ALL Done....

(Can't believe he is walking like this already!!!)

Happy HAPPY first Birthday, Linckey Slinckey! I love you SO much! AND I am
SO glad I got to spend your birthday with you.

Love, Grandma P

My latest trip to AZ this summer.. (Or better known as--a celebration of my Uncle Gary's life, and Lincoln's 1st Birthday.

2009-08-15T22:30:00.019-06:00

I will forever be grateful that was able to attend my Uncle Gary's Funeral in Taylor, on the 6th of August a week or so ago. I was fortunate enough to be in AZ the Sunday before he passed away and to have the privelege of telling him how much he meant to me and my family and to tell him how much we would ALL miss him. He was the closest thing that my kids had to a "Grandad Hatch" and they all adored him (---even though their time with him was limited by the distance between Utah and AZ--I think they never felt like strangers to him and JoAnn.)

In Gary---they came to learn a great deal about their own Grandad whom they had never really known. (Amber remembers him vaguely---but Julia was under 3 when we lost him, in April of 1983. Matt and Rhett were not yet born (although I was pregnant with Matt at the time of my dad's death.) I like then, as now, to picture my two sons walking and talking with my dad before they ever came here.

The Funeral was probably the most fun and entertaining funeral I have ever been to in my life, and I have no doubt that Gary would have wanted it "just that way." I am sure he was there laughing and giggling (eyes glistening all the while) at all the stories and tall tales that were told about his life and enjoyed every minute of it.

It was, most definitely a "celebration" of his amazingly full, fun and wonderful life and a great tribute to a great man. I will miss you, my "Uncle." I will miss the twinkle and mischief in your eyes when you are sharing a laugh or a joke I will miss the big hugs with which we were always greeted, and I will miss (seriously) the feeling of danger and imminent death---although we always knew that Gary, or more likely, Boyd or Dad would find a way out of the situation, and rescue us from the jaws of death just in time--(In this we had perfect trust, and who better to have that kind of trust in)...it was still scary and exhiliarating!!! I will never forget our wonderful and amazing "little" (And BIG) adventures with this amazing man and his equally amazing brothers. What a gift he was to all of us. I and my family will miss him terribly!

Some pictures: Sorry about the quality---(I was worried about the "Doggies Rolling Along" and forgot my camera at home...so all I had was my phone...

At the cemetary: (Those I can make out: (L-R) Cody & Chloe, Randa, Jennifer,Greg Jacobsen JoAnn, Myrtle Marie, Jean, Max Joyce, Boyd and Mom (Lyd)

Dylan, saying goodbye to "Grandpa Gary"Julia & Lincoln next to Grandad's headstone Apparently he and Gary have adjoining Condos....they should have a pretty amazing campsite or ranch house set up there by the time Mom and JoAnn get there. :)

Sadie saying goodbye:

Jill and Grandad's headstone"

Visitng with family and some of the Butlers:
(Marcie & Leanne)
JoAnn, Kathy, TJ, Joe ( and I don't now the rest)
What's left (Except Max who left earlier because of health reasons) 0f the people who gave me the most wonderful memories and childhood a person could ever ask for. Thank you, Thank you. We were the luckiest kids on the Mountain!!!

One last "little adventure" in the Yellow Truck"

The Trapper Hatch kids (and Mom) who loved their Uncle Gary, almost as much as their dad. Thanks, Gary and JoAnn, for all the love, the patience and the amazing memories. We LOVE you!

(Lincoln's birthday to come tomorrow (or soon).)

Just some Pictures from Today

2009-06-23T21:47:00.006-06:00

Rhett at Don Lovelace's Wedding --Nice Tux!

Crew from his visit with Grandma a couple of weeks ago...love that face!

Julia sent this picture on my phone today....Lincoln: "Just chillin' on the Tucson Trolley"

Yes, Ladies...he really is THAT good looking.... (and fun too)

Rhett and I at Don's wedding, tonight.

My Latest Grandkid Pictures

2009-06-09T22:20:00.008-06:00

(Lily)

All my kids and grandkids were here over the past week after learning about David's liver cancer diagnoses. They have been such a support for their dad and the grandkids have been such a good source of cheer and joy for him, I am sure. I was also so very glad to have all of them home and Amber took some pictures of the three of them, both at my house and over at Dave's. We had a good visit. Julia and Lincoln had to go home yesterday, but will be back in a couple of weeks, hopefully, to help her dad some more. Amber will be here until this weekend with Lily and Crew. Rhett has left New York and is home now, and will be starting a job here for the summer instead, so he can be here to help his dad as well. Matt and Kelly have been a great help and comfort to Dave and Kaylene---but I am sure they have been grateful to share the load since the others got here.

We got a bit of good news today-finally- from Dave's doctors. They are going to start radiation therapy on his lymph nodes as soon as Thursday, they said, and as soon as they can shrink the tumor on the lymph nodes, the surgeon says he will probably do surgery and operate and get out the liver tumor. He told Dave and Kaylene, that he had removed larger ones than Dave's before with no problems. (But since the lymph nodes have cancer--he doesn't want to risk spreading by surgery (I assume). The oncologist is also going to do a new therapy on the liver tumor as well in order to shrink it, and that will probably start as soon as they can do some tests on his heart and lungs to make sure he is strong enough. It sounds like we are finally getting some things done about this condition, and that makes all of us happy and relieved. (And so very thankful for Dr Sorenson of Huntsman's referral to two such great doctors to look after David.) We have had a great outpouring of love, prayers and support from so many friends and family and we are all grateful for such loving people who care about all of us. Thanks to everyone.
Here are some pictures now:

Lily playing in the water in the yard of their house in Vegas. They had been there only a week when the call came for Amber to come home.

Lily and Crew at Grandma's in Lehi, last Sunday night.

Lincoln on the back lawn at Grandpa's in Orem.
"Thoughtful Slinky"

Crewbie with his favorite toy---you got it---a ball...in Grandpa's back yard.

Grinning Lincoln. (Check out those little vampire teeth!--Nothing in the middle just the eye-teeth coming in on top.)

Little Hon-yocks!
Sweet faces---angelic dispositions....(for about 3 seconds)! This one is for Grandpa! We took pictures of the three of them together so we could post some on his facebook page for everyone to see.
Lily-Lu and playing in the water in Vegas.

Crew-be-doo playing in the water in Vegas. (Check out that physique!!)

More ball-playing at Grandpa's.Smiles for Grandma!!

Slinkey Linckey's visit to Grandma's (NaNa's in Lincoln Language)

2009-05-20T23:31:00.004-06:00

Julia had to go to San Jose, CA for a wedding of a dear friend last weekend (she was "best man" (Tux and the whole thing.)) Instead of schlepping Lincoln along, (and knowing he would be miserable) she dropped him off here in Utah to stay with us for the 5 days she would be gone. Lucky us---we got to have him here and really get a chance to get to know this cute little guy.
We have decided, Julia and I, that he is going to grow up to be a comedian, because he laughs at everything and also thinks he's so funny (which much of the time, he is.)
He is 9 months old now, and pretty darn cute. (I know---I'm partial--but you gotta agree--they don't come much cuter!)
Ok--here are the pictures:

First night at Grandma's--so far, so good...(Got out the trusty blocks (best toys I ever bought---seriously..)(This is also pre-haircut---don't worry, I asked his mom first---he kinda had a sides-only mullet thing going, and the back was shorter---so I just evened it up ( I promise). (I hated to see the curls go too--but it looked much better after.) (And he looked so grown up, all of a sudden!!)
Oh Man---look at those eyes...This kid is gonna get away with murder---(especially with the girls...take heed, Juls.)Grandma's little Shopping Buddy...

Can you tell he's done this before? He likes to ride side-saddle, with his knee up on the seat and his arm draped over the divider..."Mr Laid-Back"...

Sunday Afternoon---waiting for Uncle Matty and Aunt Kelly-Dude to come pick me up to go to Grandpa's
(He looks much mellower than he actually was. He has been cutting teeth (his whole mouthful seems to be coming in at once.) He got 3 on the bottom last week, and this week (in Utah--his two eye teeth came through (He looks like a little vampire--strange for them to come in before the top front ones---but who knows--I suppose those are not far behind. David's mom said that his teeth came in the same way... Anyway--Sunday Morning, he was NOT a happy camper!
Sweet Smiley boy!
Grandma and her little mischief maker. (I love kids who are just "full of it". Mellow kids are wonderful, but not nearly as entertaining as ones like this (and Crewbie now that he has found some "attitude" haha!) Look at that little face!~Grandma and her Lincoln-Bug. I will miss you, cutie-pie. Thank you for coming to stay with us and spreading the joy. We love you. I had SO much fun with you! (I know Grandpa, Kaylene, Matt & Kelly did too.) (Thanks again, you guys, for helping watch him while I worked.)

Time with Crew-be-doo:

2009-05-19T21:28:00.012-06:00

The past 3 weeks I have had a wonderful opportunity to get to know my two little grandsons who were born last year. I have spent so much time with Lily---we have a wonderful bond and we always will, I think--she is definitely one of a kind--but so often, when I took Lily to my house to stay it was to give her mom a break so she could get something done, since Crew was so calm and un-demanding. Consequentially, I didn't get to know Crew as well as I would have liked.
While Amber and Ryan went to Disneyland with Lily, Crew got to stay with Aunt Julie, and I went up every other night to give Julie and Doug a break and to spend some time with Crew before they moved to Las Vegas (last week).
It was so fun to get to know this sweet and amazing little boy. (He has so often been overshadowed by his sparkling older sister---) and yet, we have never 'not' known how special he is. Here are some pictures I took on the last day he was at Julie's.
Crew got a haircut from Cara, and after his bath, much to Julie's chagrin, I combed his hair into a faux-hawk.
When he got home, his mom couldn't figure out where he had gotten all this "attitude".
I told her, it was simple--he didn't have to share the attention with an "attention hog"(Lily) for a whole week...) For the first time he was the center of attention...and he found out he liked it a little bit.
Aside from all that---Crew is still the sweetest and cutest kid I have ever seen (a lot like his Uncle Matty at the same age.) I am so grateful I got to spend the time with him to get to know him better.

Hi Grandma! "Just let me hang on to your knee til I I get my bearings."
"Whatzup?"" I am the "Master" of all I survey!....you got a problem with that??"
"Happy Crewbie"...I miss you so much, my cute, sweet boy! (and I love you even more!) Please come see me soon!

Kelly's Graduation

2009-05-06T00:39:00.009-06:00

Our Kelly Graduated from UVU (first graduating class to graduate from Utah Valley UNIVERSITY) last week. She graduated in Mathematics Education and has been hired to teach full time at American Fork High School (after doing a full year internship there) for the coming year. We are proud of you Kelly! You are doing your part to add a great facet of depth (that of Mathematical ability) to the "Hatch" gene pool and we are very grateful for that! (haha). Nevertheless---we are so proud of you and we love you dearly! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Kelly and Parents:
Kelly and Siblings (and Matt):

Matt, Kelly Janet & Grandpa Palfreyman:

Way to go, Kel!!!

Linc's first cart ride...

2009-04-06T23:01:00.004-06:00

I got this CUTE picture from Juls the other day with Lincoln's first ride in a grocery cart (without the baby seat.) It's obvious how HAPPY he is to be sitting in this part of the cart, finally, and how proud he is of his latest accomplishment.

Yay!!! I'm riding in the cart like a "big boy"!!!

Happy First Birthday Crew-be-Doo!!!! We Love you!

2009-03-31T22:32:00.005-06:00

Crewbie's present from Grandma.... (Kelsey should love this one...) (It was an airplane)

Checking things out...

Uncle Rhett and Crewbie----after the cake....(this explains the lack of a shirt!)

Having the BIRTHDAY CAKE!!!! Yes!

Lily likes it too...Yum!

What a CUTE birthday boy!

My sweet little Crew-be-doo is ONE year old.

2009-03-31T21:57:00.004-06:00

This little one is one of the sweetest and tenderest children I have ever known...there is only ONE person who I have ever known (in my immediate family) who has been this sweet and sensitive....and that is my Matty. March 16th was Crew's First birthday and we got together as a family to celebrate the special day. I guess I may be terribly partial, but I truly think that I have three of the cutest and smartest grandchildren alive. (All of my siblings are entitled to think the same....I won't dispute it---The Hatch Great-Grands, are about the cutest bunch of kids I have ever seen.)...as for my own three... I love them SO much...they bring SO much light and joy into my life, and I am very grateful for the blessings they bring to my life.

Flying High with Kelsey.

2009-01-09T22:17:00.005-07:00

While I was in AZ over Christmas, I got the privelege of going up in an airplane with Kelsey (Booke and Cindy's daughter) who already, at age 18 has her Private Pilot's license....(how would that be???) It was one of the highlights of my Christmas visit to AZ. Thanks Kelsey for taking me "up" It was awesome!
Here is some video of "buzzing Grandma's house in Taylor, and of "Scones Dam" (as Grandma calls it) and of me and Kelsey (just to prove I was really there.) We are so proud of you Kelsey and glad you are here among us for a while. (In Utah).... Just a side note, Sarah (Joe & Brenda's daughter) has also passed her "solo flight test" and is in the flight training program at ASU. You girls ROCK! We are all SO amazed and impressed!
Denise
P.S. The red-roofed building is the old Taylor Chapel. If you know where Mom's place is from there--you will recognize this shot. It was past Sunset---so everything was not as clear and bright as it might haved been---but everyone was out waving at us---even though you can't see them here.

Schone's dam almost never has water in it (at least not much)---it's nice to see that there is a bit there, anyway. Also--don't Kelsey and I look FABULOUS!!! (ha!) Thanks again, Kels!!

2009-01-03T23:04:00.003-07:00

On Monday, December 29th, Julie, Joe, Brenda, and I and all our kids who were there with us, went out to Pinedale to visit with Uncle Gary and Aunt JoAnn. Julia met us there and Lincoln got to meet Gary and JoAnn for the first time. We had a great time visiting and listening to some more of Gary's "hunting stories" again. Joe, Julie, Jennifer and I did a little reminiscing of our own as well.
It made me really happy, because Gary hasn't been up to "telling tales" for a while now. The kids, I know, enjoyed, so much, getting to sit there and listen to all the stories again, (lots of new ones they hadn't heard---and that was great....but I was just...grateful ---to have another chance to do so. )
I feel so lucky to have so many happy memories that Gary, Boyd and Dad made for and with us.
We were the luckiest kids in the world! We had a great childhood because of you three! (and our patient, hard-working Moms!)
We love you so much Gary and JoAnn. I hope we get to have many more visits!

Love the Led Zeppelin T-Shirt. Thanks Uncle Rhett!

Joni, Mia, Lincoln and Julie:

Christmas and New Year's 2008-2009

2009-01-01T12:06:00.009-07:00

Amber and Ryan were gracious and invited the Palfreyman clan to spend Christmas Eve with them in Springville. They also allowed Grandma (Me) to spend the night---so I got to be there when Lily experienced her first "Santa Clause Christmas" (This is the first year she really understood what was happening, I think). Anyway---I didn't get many pictures, but here is Lily checking out the "loot" from Santa on Christmas morning.

Crew and I on Christmas morning:

On the 26th Matt, Kelly and I drove down to Taylor to spend a few days with the Hatch Family. We had SUCH a fun time. So glad we went. Here are some pictures from that:
Lindsey, (Grandma hiding), Emma, Rachel, Julie, Molly & Rett

Carly and Mia (Joni's newest) and Kris.

Almost ready for dinner:

Aunt Brenda spent the whole time after dinner making balloon animals for the kids and they had a blast with them. Thanks Brenda---you are a Saint!

Jordyn and her ButterflyAbbie and her flowers.

Cindy and Joni and Mia---too much excitement for this little one.

Lincoln and Juls---12/08

2008-12-23T23:54:00.006-07:00

Julia and Lincoln 12/08 "I Know...Momma loves me SO much....so what else is new?"

Hey? How ARE you????

Ok---enough of the silly captions---this is my beautiful newest grandson---and these pictures were taken by Amber (his aunt) who has been learning a lot about photography the past few months. She did great, (I think so, at least.) Of course it helps to have great subject matter to work with....I mean---how beautiful is this baby??? They don't come much prettier---but then I am partial--I think I have 3 of the prettiest! (If you don't think so--you must have grandkids of your own---that is the only reason I could understand for not thinking mine are the cutest ones on the planet at the moment.) (haha)

"What you talkin' 'bout Willis???"(sorry---I couldn't resist....)

"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy"

-John Lennon-

(Love you Juls and Lincoln. Merry Christmas,

Mom)

Wishin' Well...

2008-11-20T21:58:00.005-07:00

A friend, today asked me to join a website that you post poetry on. I have no talents in that area--but I think I do have an eye or "ear" for things that are "one of a kind".

I love this part of a song by Patty Griffin, called "Wishing Well", for example:

"Darlin', I wish you well,

On your way to the Wishing Well,

Swingin' off of those "Gates of Hell",

But I can tell how hard you're tryin'.

I just have this secret hope--sometimes all we do is cope...

somewhere on the steepest slope, there's an endless rope,

and nobody's cryin'."

Smile,

Denise

Compa Homecoming

2008-11-16T20:12:00.004-07:00

Today Rhett and I went up to Brigham City (We stayed at Julie's in Ogden last night) to his last (and only American) companion's homecoming--Elder Derek Law. He did a great job and it was fun to meet his family. Rhett says Elder Law was his favorite companion. They were only together 6 weeks before Rhett left for home, but they shared some memorable experiences. One was the baptism of Guillermo 2 days before Rhett left (an unexpected blessing) and they also survived the floods from Hurricane Dolly--wading through water up to their armpits in one area. It was fun to hear some stories afterward. We took a couple of pictures at the Law's house afterward.

Elder Law and Elder Palfreyman

Denise, Elder Law and Elder P.

Mothers and Sons...Michelle, Derek, Rhett & me. So glad they are back.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T14:08:00.026-07:00

I don't think I remember a single Halloween here when my kids got to Trick or Treat in their shirt sleeves, but I think it was probably the nicest Halloween weather we have ever had here in Utah. It must have been 60-65 degrees even after 7-8 that night. After everything, a light shower began to fall, as if to signal that it was time to go in. It was a fun night, especially for the grandkids.
I got to go to Springville to see the kids costumes and to help Amber take them trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Lily had a blast and loved dressing up as "Princess Leia" from Star Wars. Crew was "Darth Vader" (and such a cute one.) (He pretty much just looked confused the whole night.) In fact he sort-of resembled his dad, Ryan, who can't stand Halloween and doesn't get all the hoop-lah surrounding it.
Anyway--I think "The Force" was with us, and it was a fun night.
Here are my pictures:

Crew and Lily: I mean, Leia and Darth

Lily doing her "scary face" for the camera. Well--it was Halloween, after all...

"Obi Wan

Kenobi,

you're my

only hope!"

Grandma and Crew: Sorry the picture is so blurry. Lily stepped on my camera, and I'm not sure it was working that well... but how cute is that face?

See what I mean about the confusion??

Recovering from

"Ludicrous Speed"

"Smoke if ya got em!"

After we got back, we made some Rootbeer with Dry ice and Lily had fun pretending it was her witch's cauldron. She sat there for a good half hour stirring it and dipping into the rootbeer with her slotted spoon, trying to get sips out of it.

The witches brew gets a little out of hand...

At the end of the evening I got a text from Julia with this picture of Lincoln...She said, "Happy Halloween from our little Tucson Chili Pepper. :) Spicy! Awwwww....

2008-10-29T21:55:00.004-06:00

Matt just got home from a trip to Washington DC with the Student Govt. group from UVU. Some of you may not realize that he is, along with completing his degree, studying for the LSAT and being an awesome husband and son--the "assistant to the Student Body President (same position Amber held at Utah Valley in her Senior Year)", but he is also on a National committee for which he presented a "presentation" in DC this past week. (Sorry, he keeps me in the dark as to the details) (my poor little "rural brain" probably couldn't handle them anyway..) while he was there--and in which he says the attendees all managed to stay awake and seem interested.)

Having attended my own share of "presentations " for one work/academic requirement or another--I came to appreciate those who could hold a student's interest for longer than 15 minutes...so way to go, Matt!

He says he is sending me some pictures soon of his trip, so I will share those when they arrive.

Needless to say--I am so proud of my brilliant son and of his accomplishments. (Sorry if this blog is turning into a "brag sheet" of sorts..but oh well...bite me. My kids, friggin''rock!

Seriously, though--I am so lucky to have such great kids, and I can't take all the credit---their father helped every bit as much as I did--but truthfully, we can't take too much credit--they pretty-much came that way (brilliant)....all we did was encourage them a little.

Until I get the pictures--this will have to do...

Rhett's Homecoming

2008-10-25T00:01:00.015-06:00

What an amazing thing it is it to have a child return to you after faithfully serving our Heavenly Father for two years...two years of completely and utterly dedicating their lives to the work of the Lord? I can tell you, having experienced it twice, now, that it is one of the most wonderful and precious experiences that you can ever have in a lifetime. It truly is.
August 4th 2008 was one of those amazing days for our family. Rhett returned after serving in the Monterrey Mexico, East Mission, since Aug 2, 2006. It was a long wait, but worth every minute, because we were blessed beyond meaure, as a family, and we also got to see Rhett grow in stature, from an amazing "boy" to amazing "young Man"...That is such a life-changing process to see and be a part of. We went through the very same thing with our Matt.
Now that he is home, we are all so grateful that he made it and was such an amazing missionary. We will miss the blessings that came with his service, but we are enjoying every minute that we have with him here at home, finally. He has made the transition amazingly well--of course, I would have expected nothing less--he is, after all--our Rhett...Great things are always expected of him and great things have always been delivered. (As it has been with all our children ( Dave's and mine)---he is just following the example he has been set, by his older siblings, after all...)

Rhett, we are so happy you are home, safe and sound and good, and we love you and missed you terribly while you were gone. (Strangely, enough--however, I miss having a "missionary" out there....I really do...but I wouldn 't trade it for having you back.)

Here are some pics:

The "Sun " returns:Had to make sure it was really him!

Brothers and best friends...

Matt, I know, missed him SO much! (He found Kelly just in time!") Amber and Rhett:

Dad finally gets to hug his son, again....a "Proud Father"moment.
The rest of the family who were there to greet Rhett--Ryan, Grandpa and Janet, Julie, Doug and Lloyd. (who have this to look forward to in a few months with Kirk... (So awesome). ...Rhett--meeting Crew for the first time and seeing Lily for the first time since she was 7 1/2 months old:

Rhett and Jimmy--best buds---separated for 2 1/2 years. (Thank you, Cami for taking these pictures for me. You are great!)

Back at home:

Matt & Kelly's wedding - 05-10-08

2008-10-22T21:48:00.010-06:00

On May 10, 2008, Matt and Kelly got married in the St. George Temple. It was such a beautiful day and a wonderful time for the whole family to get together. Kelly was a beautiful bride, and Matt was as happy as I have ever seen him....he still is--I hope they continue to be as loving and happy as they have been the past 6 months, for the rest of their lives. Also, we feel so lucky to have someone as wonderful as Kelly in our family now. We love her so much....and Matt is one lucky guy. Here are some pictures from their wedding day: (I'll try to figure out how to download a slideshow sometime soon....still learning here.)

The birth of "Crew-be-Do"

2008-10-20T21:46:00.018-06:00

This has been a really eventful year for this family. In March, of course, we had the wonderful birth and addition of our cute little "Crew-be-do" to our family. Here are some pictures from that amazing event as well. What a sweet and wonderful little person he has turned out to be.
We are so blessed--in just the addition of these amazing little people to our family unit. You gotta love it, right?

Amber and Joni---both "big time pregnant" with "baby
Mia (who was born in July, and "Crew"---this is the night before Crew was born, Mar. 16, 2008)

This is Grandma holding Crew on his birthday.

This is Crew with Great-"Grandma Cookie". How awesome that she was able to be here for his birth!

Lily is not too sure about this little
"usurper" coming into her life
(she wouldn't even touch him for several days....not sure I blame her....
She has, however, come around)...
________________________________________
More Pictures of Crew:

April or May 2008:
May 2008:June 2008:

July 4th 2008 With Grandpa Great Palfreyman:

July 24th, 2008 in Arizona at Grandma Cookie's:

August 4th 2008 - Uncle Rhett's Homecoming:
At Grandma's house in October 2008 with Lily and Lincoln:

More to come....Matt's wedding....and Rhett's homecoming. What a year it has been! So full of great things!

Sweet Baby Lincoln

2008-10-20T21:22:00.007-06:00

In August, I, Rhett and David went to Arizona for the birth of our sweet baby, Lincoln. He is such a sweet and amazing baby. Already, we love and adore him so much and are so happy he is a part of our family. Here are some pictures of that amazing and wonderful event in our family.

These pictures were taken within a few minutes after our Lincoln was born. He is SO cute---isn't he? (And Juls looks amazing too....considering that she just went through a C-section to get him here...) Way to go Juls. You are Awesome! I will try to add more pictures of him in the next few days, as well---as for tonight--I need to get to bed. Love you all. D

Here are a few more pictures taken later that same day:

He was so bright-eyed and alert for only being a few hours old...still is a little smarty.

On Mama's shoulder:

Lincoln's birth & Julia's visit (in October) We miss you Juls...

2008-10-20T20:57:00.006-06:00

Little Buckaroo's first trip to Bisbee:
Uncle Rhett, Lincoln and Grandpa, in Tucson, watching the Olympics:

Lincoln and Grandma - first trip to the mountains - 4 days old:

Playing with Grandma at her house in Utah in October:

Wide awake and playing with mom and Grandma late at night on Grandma's bed:

Handsome smiley boy:

Weekend at Grandma's

2008-10-18T18:15:00.002-06:00

It's been a fun weekend so far. Lily came over to stay with me last night for a "Slumber Party". Last night we bought and carved a Jack-O-Lantern.

Lily isn't sure if it is scary or not, for sure...the jury is still out.

Today we went over to the Pumpkin Festival at Thanksgiving point with Rhett. We had a lot of fun seeing all the animals and doing the activities. Lily is all tuckered out now and taking a nap so we can stand to be with her the rest of the evening. Here are some pictures

Notice the little "Ass" in the background...

Checking out all the animals:

Lily & Grandma riding on the wagon being pulled by two horses...

Rhett ande Lily petting the draft horses.

Balloon angel wings from a clown and face painting... (It's a black and pink spider near its web).

Playing all the games and activities:

Lily laughed so hard on the Jumpy Toys with Rhett that she peed her pants! (And she peed all over Rhett's pants.) Good thing we brought a replacement pair for her...Rhett wasn't so lucky. He just had to walk around with a big wet spot all afternoon, until it dried.

Heading home after a fun day...

Being a Grandma is the Best!

2008-10-15T23:25:00.001-06:00

Lily--the little
"Princess"...playing
dress-up at
Grandma-Benise's house.

Lincoln--our newest addition.

Matt, Kelly, Crew, Lily & Lincoln --it was was so fun to have them all at my house a couple of weeks ago.