The Trivette Tabloid

We Love You!

2011-08-11T14:13:00.001-07:00

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This is a slideshow of our trip to see Grandma Mott! We had a great time, the kids getting the "throw ups" didn't stop us from having so much fun! We love you Grandma Mott! Thanks for everything...my boys still run around the house yelling, "GRANDMA MOTT GRANDMA MOTT! LET'S GO TO GRANDMA MOTT'S HOUSE!" Love you!

A Little Something To Make Your Day More Colorful! :)

2010-06-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Well, since it has been such a long time from your last post, I thought I would post a little something for you! I had my boys draw you a picture this morning...well, that was the idea anyway! But what was intended to be a wonderful and orderly morning of picture drawing turned out to be something entirely different! Colton was on board with the whole "let's draw Grandma Mott a picture" (he drew a dinosaur: SHOCKER!) but Blakers decided to play a game of let's roll the crayon across the table to brother and have him roll it back to me! Not on Colton's list of favorite things to do...escpecially when he is already so intent on his task at hand! I wonder where he gets it...? ;o)

Blake was also eating a blueberry muffin at the time!

Poised and ready to throw his crayon across the table to big brother...

This is after Colton had had enough of that game and decided to go watch some TV instead, that's when Blake got into the groove of drawing!

Concentrating real hard...so stinkin' cute!

Missing big brother...don't worry little man he comes back!

Yippee! CoCo did come back!

So happy!

And this is when the whole crayon roll game began...we love you Grandma!

I knew I had missed one! It's because I'm old...as Justin loves to remind me!

2010-04-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

I meant to include this beautiful, perfect child in the post. I had such a wonderful visit. Thank you daughter. I miss being there. I love to go shopping with you! We'll be back soon! Please check the next post...-k-?

A few more pics of our trip to Cortney's...and since Cortney says no more pics of her butt, I posted these. {Love ya daughter}

2010-04-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

We went to check on the condo in Scottsdale and we found several cactus in bloom around the condos. The desert is in bloom and so I decided to snap a few pics. Darci's purple tree had already lost the purple so I didn't bother to get a pic, but I do think of her every time I see the tree!

I believe this is a century plant. It was really tall...[taller than me,tee hee.]

This is one of my favorite resturants to visit when in Arizona. Randy now requests to go there.

Our reason for living...
I took several pics of the kids but they don't hold still! Only a few precious seconds and then BAM! They're on the move again. I got several kisses and hugs though!

The kids were unwinding at home...or should I say bouncing around and having fun.

I thought I had a good front pic of Gavin but he whirled around once more!
This is Kailey Girl in one of her favorite poses! I don't think she EVER holds still! They all so much energy. I miss them all so much.

After viewing these pictures again I know why I want to return to Arizona!

Some pics of our visit in Las Vegas on our way home from Cortney and family.

2010-04-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is the largest chocolate fountain. This is at the entrance to a candy store but we didn't go in. Check out my eye candy though...all he needs is to be dipped in chocolate.

Yes, it's spring and I'm having a difficult time getting rid of the giant ants in my garden. Any suggestions?

The giant bumblebees are a bit of a problem too...[the "droppings"don't ya know. They fly overhead and then SPLAT! It gets to be messy.] I don't mind the huge flutterbys though. Wow! Who is that gorgeous hunk posing in this pic? I just know he's checking me out.

I loved these plates. I wanted one but they are $225.oo each. I fell in love with the fruit and vegetable ones. I thought they were fantastic. I only got a few pics of these flowers. There was a good selection of flowers, etc. but Randy was in a hurry to eat [as usual] and we didn't have much time. tee hee... This is The Giardini Garden Store in the casino.

Yep. This is a pic of my front yard. [If only!] Beautiful though it is, this is in The Belagio Casino. I'm not sure I spelled it right but the display is spectular.
I'll post more of our Arizona trip soon...

And we thought that Disneyland was the happiest place on earth! This just goes to show you what grandparents know...

2010-04-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Snakes, snakes, and still more snakes!This is Jakers and Kailey Girls favorite place. The Reptile Store...yep...creepy crawly snakes, lizards, turtles,and baby lizards breaking out from their eggs to be born, etc. {I'm still having nightmares about this store}

Papa is a big help with Ashlyn. She's a chunk of gorgeous baby flesh. {Cortney's milk must be pure cream.} Cortney is bringing up the rear with Gavin in her arms. I sure miss that boy!

Everyone is checking out the merchandise....

...while Jakers is indoctrinating us with his phenomenal knowledge about these "delightful" creatures.

I can't remember what Kailey Girl is looking at, but you can be certain it's slimy and it slithers...and she's lovin' it!

We are being introduced to corn snakes. Yep...they WANT one. Jake knows ALL about them. I can remember how I felt when Cortney wanted a hamster...{at least it was fluffy}I didn't realize how lucky I was! Ya know what they say about paybacks! tee hee

Look closely at the plant life in this aquarium...all is not as it first appears. Can you tell the plants from the snakes?

I believe this is a python...a small one! Yep...they want one. {where oh where are the hamsters when you need them?}In the snakes belly of course.

Baby lizards...

Papa is finding all this interesting and Cortney is doing very with her coping skills...I really admire her. She just keeps taking deep breaths and repeating..."Everything is copacetic, everything is copacetic, EVERYTHING IS COPACETIC!

Kailey Girl admiring the lizards.

Jake is doing all he can to convince his mother that having a pet snake is "KEWL". "I don't mind if the snake gets to be over three feet. I like large snakes. Besides, they don't bite and if they do bite they're not poisonous. So...can I have one?" {He can be very persuasive. Good luck daughter.}

Hey Sister Pooh...we need to get you a bedazzler! In your spare time you can put some "bling" on your back pockets. [as if you had spare time]tee hee...Gavin loves these things too. He's a small bulldozer in jeans and hat. I honestly don't know how Cortney balances everything. Truly amazing how she meets everyones' needs.

As Jake and Kailey hold a corn snake, this guy is showing Cortney how to tell the sex of the snake. She may need this "skill"...after all... shouldn't everybody know this? [Jake considers this important to know.]

I got real lucky. I got to "pet" the snake. Jake couldn't understand why I didn't want to hold it. I'm sure he thinks that grandma is a weirdo for not holding the snake. [Everything is copacetic...yada, yada, yada...I know what I did wrong...I forgot to breath.]

No fear with these two.

Jake is loving this! We had a blast! We enjoyed this new world with Cortney and kids. We did learn a lot and we enjoyed the kids' enthusiasm.
I miss them all sooooo much. {yeah...snakes and all.}
I asked Darci to pick out an appropriate background for this blog. One that Jake and Kailey would approve of. She'll do her best she says.

A few misc. pictures of my day...

2010-03-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

I'm at Jolly Mesa again and we are moving Cyclone 30 once more. It was a beautiful day. The sun was out and everyone was experiencing spring fever. I'm standing next to a small track hoe who showed up to widen the road so it would be easier for our trucks to move the rig. The funny thing is, we were just about finished! He showed up two days too late!
{That's usually how things happen around here. A day late and a dollar short} Oh wow! That sounds like a title to a country western song! tee hee This is a lowboy that hauled a spool of waterline up the mountain. My truck is parked behind the red one.

This guy is really good. He really knew how to work that track hoe. I really enjoyed watching him.

These are a few"friends" who wondered into the neighborhood. They are right in front of my truck. The pics are a bit foggy because there is alot of dust covering my windshield from big trucks stirring up the dirt as they go by. A dump truck driver went by real slow and he tells me that he doesn't want to cover me in dust and I thanked him. It wan't too long before another big truck went by and was apologetic for all the dust he kicked up. I replied, "Oh, cough...that's...cough,cough...alright. I'll...cough...be able...cough,cough...to breath....cough...again...cough, soon enough. Cough, cough, cough." He laughed...but I think he felt sort of sheepish.

And no Colton...these are not cows. Grandma loves you anyway!

It was a long 13 hours but fun too.

I thought I'd ask you girls what you think...

2010-03-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

I was wondering what you think of the cabinet under the picture. Is it too much? A little overwhelming? Gizmo saw it but I was wondering what Darci and Cortney think.

Look who "crashed" Grandma and Grandpa's house!

2010-03-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

Family, food and FUN! Yep, Big Blue and Fuzz Head came for a visit searching for their favorite cookies. They were not disappointed...I didn't get pictures of them eating the cookies, but download them they did! Grandma and Grandpa will always keep a stach on hand!

Big Blue playing around just before having a bath. Look closely around her mouth...evidence of her downloading the cookies.

Fuzz Head having a good time going up and down and back and forth at the dinner table. He sure knows the alphabet and phonics...{smarty pants}tee hee
We sure did appreciate the visit and FUN!

The Mango Tango challenge!

2010-02-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

We had our fish night on Monday night this week. I was anxious to try the mango salsa on other foods besides chips. We invited Ryan and Chelsea to our mango tango night! We had good conversation and good food! We grilled salmon and then I dished on the Mango Salsa! Delicious! It was even tasty on the fried shrimp.

Our sad looking salmon without the mango...I also tried to get Randy to dance the tango but no go...He said he was too full! Thanks again Darci for the great ideas! Now I'm going to try it on pork chops! No limits on this salsa!

YEAH! My birthday gift from Darci!

2010-02-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

I got my gift from Darci and family today! I was soooo afraid it had been lost in the mail. I got a darling birthday card made by them with their hand prints and some wonderful "art work"from the boys, too. I also received some added pics of the gang! I'm sooo glad this package didn't get lost! Thank you Sister Pooh...I LOVE IT~

All I need now is the picture frame Cortney has made me and for Giz to make one so that I can begin filling my walls with family! I've got lots of wall space! {hint hint}

I will tell you Darci that we had a real time of it getting the package open! I was so anxious to see what was inside and it was taped so well I was afraid we'd never get it open! I'm also glad that I didn't know what it was you were sending...I would have been really depressed to think I almost lost it!

A wonderful gift for me for my birthday...

2010-02-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

Kimberly and family gave me this grandmother plate for my 54 years. She said she knew it would look good on the mantel and she was right.

I took a closeup so it could be read. I love what it says and I think of my wonderful grandchildren every time I see it! Thank you Giz!

Cyclone 30...Jolly Mesa

2010-01-20T15:02:00.001-08:00

This is a pic of New Castle as I'm on top of Jolly Mesa looking down at it! The sun is rising and if you keep traveling NE for another twenty miles you'll arrive in Glenwood Springs. In four years, I have never been up Jolly Mesa so this was a new area for me.

This is a pic I took of New Castle before the sun rose. We had had a snow storm the day before. Today I was the first one up here except for the dozer.

This is Jake. As you can see it was snowing a bit...He is bobtailing this piece. Normally this piece wouldn't be as high or as wide and it would be under a trailer.

This is Cody in a twin steer truck. He is bobtailing this piece...

This is the third day and one of the last pieces to be moved. Aaron and Paul are two trucking the A-legs along with the derrick. This is exciting to see. Usually the A-legs and derrick is broken down into sections but since this was on top with no power lines or overpasses to have to clear, they kept it altogether to move it. This makes rigging up faster, etc. This was day three and the snow storms were over. It was a beautiful day and you could see for miles in every direction.

Happy Birthday!

2010-01-15T00:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom! We love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday! We made you a butterfly cake in your honor! Any excuse for me to make and decorate a cake huh?! We love you! Have a great one!

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

My birthday gift from my parents...

2010-01-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

When we visited our parents in St. George, my parents took me to Seagull Books and I saw this painting. I loved it so Mom and Dad gave it to me for my birthday. I'm soooo spoiled...
I knew we had the perfect place for this painting and sure enough...it looks great!

Yuck! This is what I get when I take my own picture!

2009-12-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show Cortney my new "do".

Our Christmas tree...part of the lights didn't work. We still enjoyed it.

The tree looks better than these pictures I think.

This is the remains of Dusty's car. He is a fork lift driver for Bill. He was sleeping in Tri State's yard the Tuesday before Christmas. He woke up just in time to get out.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...We have snow chains!

2009-11-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

This is rig Cyclone 30 in New Castle, Colorado. You can barely see the derrick! This is Randy's truck with his pipe trailer. It is 14 degrees outside. This move gets postponed for half a day because of weather.

The snow is falling pretty hard and it is foggy...

Randy is putting on his snow chains while I'm sitting in my truck across the road taking his picture. It is snowing so hard you can barely see him. Hummm...I could get out of my truck and hobble over to help him but...babe...it's cold outside! And wet! Besides, I'll be getting out soon enough.

He is now finished putting on his chains and is waiting for the truck pusher to call him up to location.

I'm traveling behind one of out trucks while I have an oversize behind me.

Pretty... isn't it? There's alot of elk, deer, and hunters out there! Open season is in two days and the hunters are finding places to camp and are out scanning the area for the best hunting.

On Saturday when it was open hunting I must have seen 6 or 7 of deer and elk being dragged or hung at camp sites by 9:30 a.m. It was really something to see...and HEAR! The hunters were shooting over our heads and I was very glad when we cleared out!

I doubt this is Bambi... I believe a pilot has already taken him out! {for once it wasn't me!}

Wild gobblers [ turkeys ]...What say you Darci? I can just hear you gobbling! Don't deny it! I know you too well...tee hee

I doubt these birds would be good eating. I'd think they'd be really gamey...[is that a real word?]

This is early in the morning as I get off the interstate to head up to the rig. I thought it was beautiful as the sun was rising and with the snow along the Colorado River.

A few pics I took before the big snow fall in Colorado.

2009-10-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

I woke up to low clouds here in Parachute. I had a few hours before my chains arrived for my truck. I had to purchase new ones because I had taken mine out and had left them in good ole' Provo. DUH.... I couldn't go up the mountain until they were on so I decided to capture some fall colors.

These pictures don't capture the beauty but I can remember what I was thinking and how it felt to be out here. I took some pics on top of the moutain as the sun started to appear and they turned out surprisingly well. I want to post them as soon as I can find my camera!

This pic was taken a few miles SW between Parachute and DeBeque. The Colorado River is prettier this time of year because it is more blue and not so brown.

As I've learned to do, [and because Cortney has reminded me to do so] I've taken the pic while in my truck...I wanted to capture the low clouds covering the mountains.

I wish I had taken some closer pic of the river as it winds arounds the trees.

Tickles from the net...

Some of the musical hits of the 60s are being revised with new lyrics to accomodate the aging baby boomers, like:

-Herman's Hermits: "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker"

-Bobby Darin" "Splish, Splash, I Was Having a Flash"

-Leo Sayer: "You Make Me Feel Like Napping"

-Helen Reddy: "I am Woman, Hear Me Snore"

-Willie Nelson: "On The Throne Again"

-Ringo Snarr: "I Get By With a Little Help From Depends"

-Marvin Gaye "I Heard It Through The Grape Nuts"

What words were replaced?

Hair makeover...

2009-10-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Okay kids, I did it. I had my hair cut which is an improvement. I'm just not sure it was enough.This is the before...{don't hurl}

I should have gone shorter, especially in the back but I was chicken.

Darci called as we were calling it a night and asked me to blog my hair so after our scripture reading Randy took a few pics. I will wash and fix it myself tomorrow before we go to work. I'm hoping I'll like it better. I had a different style in mind but I haven't given up on this yet.I was in bed so this is NOT what I'm hoping it will look like after I work with it tomorrow.

Heck, anything is better than what was!

Let me know what you all think. Love, Muver

Our search for the Great Pumpkin...

2009-10-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

This is Bubba and Randy standing in front of a small country store in Maybell, Colorado. We were on our way back from Rock Springs, Wyoming. I needed a potty break so these two decided to go inside the store. I saw a Kodak moment and asked them to let me get a pic.

This is Scott in his twin steer bobtailing a pump on new end, Nabors M-11. The location isn't very crowded yet. He's just getting started. The haul trucks are bringing the rig from 21 miles away in DeBeque. You can see the mats on the ground that the rig sits on.

This is a motor that Scott is pulling off of a haul truck that he will put in place when the time is right. The mountains you can see in the background is across the valley and is Logan. I've been up there several times. What a rush!

I'm sitting about 10 miles from new location. The haul trucks would come from DeBeque and I but would take them the rest of the way. In this pic you can see the first crane on location. There isn't much there yet, or that you can see from this distance.

This is a snap shot of some of Tri States big wigs. Ryan, in blue on the left, Humday or David standing next to Ryan. I'm not sure who the man in red is, and then Mr. Bill. A pilot friend asked me if they were having a safety meeting and I replied, "I don't think so. I think it's more of a BS meeting." They're standing in front of the three generators for the rig.

This is Randy in a haul truck heading down the draw just before the new location.

These are the two cranes lifting the dog house off a haul truck. As you can see the location is getting crowded.

This is Scott again bobtailing a fuel tank. You can see part of the derrick in the background. This is the crown. The yellow on the derrick is the crows nest. The very top of the rig.

Another view of the twin steer unloading the haul truck.

This is new location before the big pieces arrive. The white truck is what Bill drives.

We had a rig that we moved up this mountain. The rig is gone now but it was on the top of the road you can see on the right. I was killing some time before a haul truck came my way so I took a pic of it. I'll post more pics tomorrow.

Garden Gulch with Randy and Aaron a few days ago...

2009-10-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

As usual I've posted these pics backwards. This is me heading down Garden Gulch after piloting the guys up to the Jackrabbit Compressor Station. This is about 1:30 in the afternoon. I came down from the top of those mountains that you can see, and I'm still not down. Gotta a ways to go yet! It's a beautiful day. I've been up here in snow blizzards.

I can't get out of my truck to take pictures so I have to take them from inside my truck.

I'm on top of Garden Gulch ready to start down. Parachute is down there...[somewhere]

This is Jackrabbit Compressor Station. This was all brought up this summer by our trucks. They're just about finished building it.

This is Randy waiting to unload at the station. I'm about one mile above him and Aaron. I'm heading back down the mountain.

This is Aaron heading up Garden Gulch for the station...you can see the road behind him that we just came down...just to head up again!

...and another view of Aaron. Randy was behind Aaron so it was difficult to get pics of him. I need to stay a certain distance in front of my loads.

These are a few pics of some deer eating in the apple orchard I mentioned. The pictures are dark because it is pre-dawn. We are told NOT to disturb the wildlife in any manner so I was careful not to startle them. They're so used to people though. People rarely faze them. BTW, I did not kill the raccoon. Tee hee! The other day I had a truck driver hit and kill a rabbit. He announced it over the CB and I replied that he killed Thumper. "Make way for the rabbit killer!" [ He'll be known and called that for the next few rig moves...tee hee..my bad.]

The deer are always in my way...

A few misc. pictures of my day...

2009-10-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Remember the horse that was in the middle of the road yesterday? This is him. It isn't a very good picture because I had a four wheeler behind me and I couldn't stop.

Just me greeting the gang this morning. They missed me or so they said...

This is one of our truck drivers transporting the A legs from old location to new. He is twenty feet wide. Bill wanted me to get some "action" pictures.

Since we're into SPOOKY and SCARY things...how about my ankle?

Actually, Cortney asked me for an up date on how it was doing. Talk about ugly...Yeah, it still hurts and it's really stiff but I have a lovely scar for a souvenir. The grandkids only got stuffed bears...nay, na, nay, nay!

"It's poop again"! Thumbs up and a wink and a nod to Cortney on this post.

2009-10-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

I hope I make Cortney proud...Today on this rig move I saw and passed by several different animals. Some of these experiences were very normal...expected. Some weren't. I saw goat farms, deer in apple orchards, cattle, wild turkeys, donkeys, llamas, raccoons, and horses. Horses are everywhere but usually in pastures. Today I turned a corner and one was in the middle of the road. I didn't get a picture of it then but on my return trip I got proof that he was there."It's poop again"!

I took a close up pic of this guy because of his stripes. They refer to this donkey as a biblical donkey.

I wonder if Cortney ever remembers seeing a dead cat on the road when we were traveling and commenting on "dragging it for a walk".
This raccoon is now ready...

This guys is grooming for his photo op.

This is Moody Girl....a girl I pilot with. You can see the rig we're moving in the back ground. You can also see a glimpse of my beautiful truck.

I really like how this guy looks. They are very friendly. The kids would love them.

See Darci, I told you they were real close to my truck. They can make a lot of noise. Anywhooo...It was a good day. Love to everyone!

The first snow in Utah!

2009-10-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

Randy and I were lucky enough to be at home when the weather decided to turn from a warm Fall to a very sudden cold Fall.I thought of Kimberly as I took these pictures for these mountains have been hers for several years. She had a beautiful view!

If you enlarge the pics, you can get a better view of the colors on these mountains. This is my first time to view the change on a more regular time schedule in Provo. I'm more familiar with Colorado and Salt Lake.

This Randy standing in front of Bill and Marcia's home in Parachute. Randy is holding a watermelon from Green River that we stopped and got on our way here today. This plant is huge from how it starts out in the spring. We have teased Bill for three years that it is his marijuna plant. It gets very large but doesn't have any flowers until the season is almost over. Then it burst into hundreds of flowers. It is fun to watch it grow.

This plant is taking over his front yard! I can't believe the radical change it goes through. It goes from ugly to pretty almost over night.

Too late for me to post anything tonight...

2009-09-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted you girls to know that I'm back in action and will blog [hopefully] tomorrow night. I wanted to use what time I had to check on your blogs. I am enjoying this new computer...just getting acquainted with it. It's going to take some time. Love to all, Muver

Here are the answers...

2009-08-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

1. Which is the best known pirate weapon: the cutlass
2. Which is NOT a type of boat pirates would use: bilge, it's the lowest part of the ship
3. What was the real name of Blackbeard: Edward Teach
4. True or false-Jack Sparrow's character in "Pirates of the Caribbean is an actual historical pirate? My source says: false
5. Put these pirate guns in order from largest to smallest: musket,blunderbuss :[I have no idea what this looks like] and pistol

MATCH THE SONG WITH THE ARTIST:
1. "Un-Break My Heart" F. Toni Braxton
2. "We Belong Together" D. Mariah Carey
3. "You Light Up My Life" A. Debby Boone
4. "Physical" G. O. Newton-John
5. "Macarena" B. Los Del Rio
6. "Smooth" H. Santana
7. "Mack the Knife" E. Bobby Darin
8. "Just A Dream" C. Carrie Underwood
9. "Daughters" J. John Meyer [a side note: Ryan took me to a concert of his. He is a favorite of mine]
10."Just To See Her" I. Smokey Robinson

Just something to think about:
If lawyers are disparred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it stand to reason that electricians can be delighted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked and dry cleaners depressed? -Virgina Ostman

Last installments of pictures of our trip to Yellowstone!

2009-08-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

This guy seems to be saying, "I'll do exactly what I want when I want, and no one can stop me!"

I don't want to mess with this dude...

This is Old Faithful beginning to spout off! I was much more impressed when I was younger.

Old Faithful as it reached its peak...

The whole thing lasted about a minute and a half. We waited about an hour to see it. Go figure...

This is some of the gang [one slightly over the hill] patiently waiting for Old Faithful to do its thing...

...still waiting...but ohhhh sooo pretty!

If Justin and Cortney could find a way to bottle just some of Kailey Girl's energy, we'd all be very rich! I LOVE her enthusiam! Her zeal for life!

McKell has her eye on a fat chipmunk and grandma has her eye on her!

A car ran into this tree and knocked it down. It was a good size tree and I really hope the people who hit it is okay. And just around this fallen tree....

...is the buffalo I was able to take two pictures of...

...before I took my fateful slip.

This is the picture I took as I broke my left ankle. Justin said he heard the snap and thought I had stepped on a branch. They were about two vehicles back from us.

This is the hospital in Rexburg, Idaho. It is just a few blocks from Giz and Nick. I don't know who took this picture but it is appropriate!We had a great time [for the most part] and I promised Darci and Don that our next family trip will be planned so they can be with us! Thanks again for the wonderful help I received when breaking my ankle!

More pictures of our Yellowstone trip...

2009-08-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Grand Tetons.

Now this is a stylin' family...[where is Caleb's sunglasses?]

Is this family made from cream cheese? How beautiful are they?

The sun was in their eyes...

Jakers wanted to do this. Maybe next year...[yeah, over Grandma's dead body}

These next few pics are some of my favorite! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED holding this boy!Excellent Lovin'!

What JOY!

This is the best that life has to offer! Thank you family for these extraordinary grandchildren!

This is one buffalo we weren't afraid of. Kailey Girl is lovin' it!

This is in Jackson. We had just arrived so we did a little shopping while we waited for our dinner reservations.

I LOVE this picture! Caleb is sooo stylin'!

Guess you could say that Kailey Girl was getting into the spirit of things! Gavin and Mckell were ordering pizza for this Brat Pack while I took this pic. The old brat pack was Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Peter Lawford. Anywho...they were the cool of the cool.. .and now they have been replaced! We had stopped at a candy store earlier and Jake and Kailey were anxious to try these wax soda bottles out. Jakers was planning his attack and asked me which one I would try out first since I used to have these when I was a kid. [It's nice to be recongized for my experiences! tee hee]

Some candid shots as we waited to head up the mountain on the tram. Some more old time candy.

Beautiful Giz and Family...Nick is checking his tickets...not picking his nose.

Grandpa trying really hard to get a good picture. It was really crowded in the tram. At fist I was a little leery that Gavin might get frighten as we climbed but not this kid! He stood up and pressed his head against the glass as we went higher and higher! Grandma held onto him for dear life though...

Jakers showing how flexible he is...

....and not to be out-done...Kailey Girl! I still have pictures from Old Faithful to post, but this will do for now.

A few pictures of our wonderful trip to Yellowstone...

2009-08-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Randy and myself.

McKell at the restaurant. I couldn't resist taking these pictures while we were waiting for our food.

Giz getting a big smile from McKell. Caleb is busy with his crayon art.

Gavin isn't picking his nose. He is showing Grandma and Grandpa where his nose is. So brilliant.

This picture is what Gavin is pointing at. I posted it backward...

Gavin was so excited and making the most darling noise! I LOVED it!

Jakers and Kailey Girl going crazy over this lady's dogs.

This is the buffalo that was walking on our side of the road. Justin and Cortney were in front of our small caravan. I took these pictures after they past. Giz and Nick were behind us. I took these three pictures just in case I could capture him. It was pretty awesome!

This is a BIG animal. Never been this close before.

An eagle and his nest.

A few candid pictures of our group.

My darling grandchildren...picking and loving the wild flowers. [forget the elk. Flowers are much more interesting.]

Randy making sure he is sucking his stomach in for his photo shoot! Gotta' love it!

Tortney heading back up the hill towards their vehicle. I'm anxious to see what pictures she took.

These pictures were taken while some of our crew had to go potty.

This is not the pictures of the bison when I fell. This guy was just before I took the dive.He ignored me while I took several shots and then...

He was walking through this grove of trees...

...and this is when I decided I had taken enough pictures. I didn't like the look he gave me!

This baby squirrel was poking his head out to check us out. We were on our way to see the fall.

He didn't seem to fear the huge mass of people that were passing by.

I have more pictures to post, but I will wait so that this post won't be too long.

A few fun pictures of our trip with Darci and family...

2009-08-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is MY Edward at the falls. It is a very beautiful place.

Colombia River.

Mt. Hood...I snapped this picture as we're traveling to Darci's.

The Colombia River.

Everyone at Seaport, Oregon. [Don looking too sexy for his glasses.] The rest of us trying NOT to get blown away!

Gripp Gripp being very patient in his swing. He is waiting for his dad and grandpa to finish their swing race. I LOVE that boy! [and Colton of course]

Thank you Darci and Don for a very fun trip. We love and miss you all sooo much!

DON'T EVER, EVER let this happen to you...

2009-08-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

What you are about to see is not intended for the weak of mind or heart...You are about to take a journey into sights too horrible to conceive or visualize. This is not a figment of your imagation and do not attempt to adjust your screen...tee hee. [read this in your Rod Sterling voice]

Actually, this mess is looking alot better. You can just refer to me as THE EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLAR WOMAN! [who can't walk and can barely crawl] For this price I was hoping to be somewhat bionic...sheeze!

Instead of collecting tattoos, I collect scars!

I must admit, I wasn't prepared for how large the cut is. I was just talking with Giz and she admits to how worried they were because of my reaction when I broke it. Don won't believe how CALM I was. [yes. really]I've had so many accidents I guess I'm getting used to it. But... I will admit to crying when the doc took the dressing off to remove the stitches and I saw it for the time. I am now the proud owner of a steel plate and six screws. [ At least the steel plate isn't in my head...difficult to tell though! hee hee] Anywho...if this EVER happens again, I will use a word that sounds like duck and then I will feel even MORE like a schmuck. Actually, just shoot me. I would prefer it.

A very heartfelt and grateful thank you to my most beautiful and handsome family. Your support in love, prayers, priesthood blessings, balloons, get well cards, visits, and poems will never be forgotten or go unrecongized. Thank you ALL for coming to my rescue.

I LOVEADORE you.

Sleeping Beauty meets Hercules...

2009-07-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at my computer with popcorn in my hand
reading Cortney's poem but not sure I understand.
Be careful, I soon reason...this could be another spoof.
Before I get too excited, I'm going to NEED more proof!
I scroll back to the beginning while trying NOT to choke
remembering how she fooled us before...her FUNNY, April Fools joke.
Read it again I tell myself. Make sure this isn't a game.
I don't want to make the "same mistake" and be in THAT hall of fame.
I hear my phone beside me, which brought me from my trance.
I needed to talk with Cortney, and now was my perfect chance!

I answered much too quickly. Barely squeaking out..." 'ello."
"Hurry Cortney and tell me! Your anxious mother wants to know."
"No Mom, REALLY...I promise...this isn't another trick.
It's true," she begins by laughing, "I've been feeling pretty sick.
I'm hoping to feel better though. Our trip I don't want to postpone.
We're looking forward to our visit and vacation to Yellowstone."

"Hilarious how you announced it," I said. "Really quite the scheme,
with Justin and you holding that HUGE gallon of ice cream!
Just set aside those pesky P-90X tapes. Giz says they're a bit extreme
and enjoy MORE Ben and Jerry's and even a Krispy Kreme.
I really LOVE you daughter and sooo glad this isn't a tease!
You just got TOO CLOSE to Justin...your big hunk...YOUR HERCULES!"

We said good-bye and love you, then I begin to look around.
I raise my voice for Randy, but he's nowhere to be found.
I jump up from the table...I'm about to go berserk!
I know I sounded that alarm! ...so, WHERE IS my Captain Kirk?
My green eyes begin to water...and I can't make them stop.
I reach for the Kleenex and wipe away every HAPPY teardrop.

So, here I am still crying, and NOT because I'm hurt
when Randy comes charging in and yells, "WHY THE RED ALERT?"
"Cortney's having another baby...which makes this number four!
Another perfect grandchild, to cherish and to 'LOVEADORE'!
Let me tell you of her due date and let's pray she isn't late.
It's the same as my father's...a way to remember... and celebrate.
February the 21st, a good day to deliver on,
plus a good time for Arizona. All that terrible heat is gone."

A smile spreads across Randy's face as he stands there in the door.
"Better NOT look like hairdresser Chris," feigning his uproar.
[I knew he was only kidding so his comment I chose to ignore.]
Besides, if I know Randy, Cortney's heard it SEVERAL times before.

Although... it got me to thinking...my mind was all awhirl.
A handsome blue-eyed bouncing boy?...Or a SPICY dancing showgirl?
"It really doesn't matter," I clap my hands and exclaim!
"We're going to LOVE and SPOIL it, whatever the out come on the name!

Okay, so it was my turn to get a little corny. There's alot of inside jokes that most of you girls will recongize...I hope! See if you can find them. I'm sure this poem needs some "tweaking", but it was fun. There's more to this poem. I just cut it a bit short for now. Tee hee, and I may finish it, but for right now I've gotta go to work.

Whose turn is it now? I think it's Darci's... "START rhyming now. I mean it!" "Does anybody want a peanut?"

A BIG THANKS once again goes to Darci for the beautiful background. It is so pretty it almost made me cry!

Precious Colton...

2009-07-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm posting a few pictures of Colton from our trip. I was hoping for some better pictures of our ride on the carousel, but this was all that turned out. I want to explain about the song,'Rainbow Connections', I chose for Colton. It is one of my favorite songs and I used to sing it as I played it on the piano. [ Although I've never heard Kermit The Frog sing it before.] I love the way this song makes me feel and it reminds me of him. If I could put into song how Colton makes me feel, this song comes real close. I LOVEADORE you, Coco!

This carousel is located in Seaside and I knew we would ride it. I just wish I had some pictures of his face as we rode. He had a great time.
As a side note: I'm glad Kermit The Frog is singing this song. It reminds me that Colton needs to work on the 'G' sound when he says frog...[know what I mean?] hee hee

This is Darci and Colton on top of Mt. Larch, which I feel I DID hike up because of my age. In-Law-Son says it doesn't count as hiking because we drove up 15 miles and then we HIKED about 1/4 mile to the very top. It is so incredibly beautiful up there, extraordinary! Darci thought she saw Big Foot, but it was only me. Actually, it's a pigeon. Colton is hanging onto his new 'Ice Age' toys that he got at MacDonalds. I'll post more pics of us up here in a few days.

This is our boy on the beach at Seaside. You can also see his good friend, Sis Winkler. We all call her Winkie. [except for me...I kept calling her Winnie, by accident.] Colton was really attached to her.

This is a caboose which is now bathrooms. Colton and I had a great time playing around, in and out! This area is close to the beach.

This kid had me in stitches. He looks sooo much like Darci. I love his expressions!

Ummm, I got INSIDE the pool because that was where In-Law-Son thought I should be. After my dunking, Darci and I played with the kids. Colton would count 3,2,1 blastoff! Darci and I would push him towards one another. It was alot of fun!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Colton. He was having a great time.

Don got both of the boys into his UN-NAMED kayak after I got out of the pool. They thought they were in a ride at an amusement park. [it was amusing]

Colton was very protective of baby brudder at first....

....and now he wants baby brudder OUT! They really are darling together.

Here he is at Multnomah Falls enjoying an ice cream cone. This is where we thought we might see

Edward or Jacob. tee hee

Anywho, we had a fabulous time with The Taylors! There's more pictures to come...

P-90X!....MY BIG FANNY!

2009-07-13T17:49:00.001-07:00

This message is for Darci and Giz.
Who's making P-90X look like a wiz!

I'm glad you're both training and getting tone,

but it sounds to me like a HUGE war zone.

I'll set aside my triple scoop cone

and go to work 'til I'm skin and bone.

You'll both be happy knowing you're not alone,

'cause I'll look like Twiggy of The Twilight Zone!

Just having a little fun. This isn't the poem I promised Cortney. It isn't quite finished because I keep getting interrupted and it is probably too long. Maybe I'll post the poem in sections. I hope to post it soon. Somtime tomorrow I should think.

Keep working out girls! You're my inspiration! [and let this picture be your inspiration! tee hee]

Who are you again?

2009-07-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

This kid can say it all with just one look! I got to sit in the back of the car with Blake as we went sight seeing and he kept me entertained for hours.
He studied me and I him. What a hoot he is! The look he is giving me in this picture is the one he gives just before he cracks up laughing. He always seems to be one step ahead of me and some of his expressions when he looks at me seem to say, "Dear woman, everything will be all right." He has great patience. I miss them all sooo much!

Smokin' Train...

2009-07-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

Randy and I we're on our way to Rifle from Parachute when we saw this train slowly traveling towards Grand Junction. The flames were all put out but they still had a big hose spraying on the train cars. It was still smoking and was moving real slow. We don't know caused the train to catch fire.

Confused on who is the clown?

2009-06-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

This ISN'T a trick question....

As you can tell, I'm having a deep conversation here.
Quite chatty. I'm getting caught up on all the gossip.

Although, after awhile, I begin to feel like I'm doing all the talking.
No wonder I find him sooo interesting!

Could this be true love?

He is the big, strong, MacSilent type. Very solid. Plus, his skin is so soft. I wonder who his makeup artist is...

I hear he's really good in the kitchen too. Wow. A man who's a good listener and COOKS! [Not sure how I feel about the orange hair though.] Plus, he does have big feet. Oh well. Ya know what they say about a man having big feet...yep, big shoes.

Some pics of our living room...

2009-06-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

I snapped a few quick shots so Cortney could see the style of the couches and to get an idea of the colors. She remembered liking them and they are needing new furniture for the family room. The back of the couch in this pic looks all washed out and faded.

The picture hanging by the front door is a picture of the Sacred Grove. Just for pondering minds...

In-Law-Son, I found a pond for you and your illustrious kayaka!

2009-06-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Now that you have practiced your famous kayaking skills, and are feeling a bit more confident, Darci and I think you are ready to graduate from the swimming pool to a small pond. You just have to share it with Daffy and the gang.

Don't worry...they don't 'flap' around as much as you do. Don't be afraid....
Tee hee!

The only drawback to this pond is, it's in Colorado and on top of a mountain.
Love ya...just having some more fun with ya!

My new pilot car...

2009-06-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

I'd be stylin' in this weener. I spoke to the driver and this

weenie can travel speeds up to 65mph. The ride is pretty high up so I'd get a really good view for piloting. Just not sure how I'd mount the headache rack .

It sure received a lot of attention while fueling up. The people driving it wouldn't let us look inside. The vehicle was on the way to California.

Hey In-Law-Son!

2009-06-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

These pictures are of the Colorado River going through Glenwood Springs Canyon toward Denver. The road is very narrow and there isn't a wide spot to pull over so I tried taking pictures from the truck.

I know this isn't your pool, but I'm sure you can handle the Colorado!

A horse is a horse...UNLESS it's yours.

2009-06-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Cortney, do you remember your visit with us in Vernal and Randy and I sitting Kailey and Jake on Jump To Something and taking pictures? This is Jump and her baby. We went through Vernal on our way to Parachute so we could see Bill's horses and Jump's baby. The weather decided to cooperate and stop raining long enough for our visit and to take pictures. Jump is almost all white now. She is getting older but she is a good mother and she has a nice looking baby. You would have thought that Bill had something to do with it. Proud parent, tee hee. Being experienced horsemen, I guess they see something I don't.

Yep. A tail. two ears, and four legs. That's a horse alright. The colt standing next to Randy got part of his ears frozen off a few months ago when it was cold.

Randy and some of Bill's horses in Vernal. We just arrived and Randy is pointing to Jump and her baby to the left in the picture.

Our Kailey Girl at her preschool graduation ceremony.

2009-06-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

"Yes. I have been told that my eyes glow like Edwards'. I'm too sexy for this frock."

"In the worlds that I create, these
graduation hats will not be allowed."

"I am going to pretend that I can't smell that."

"Being a Princess is hard work.Should I tell them that they don't need to kneel? A small bow and curtsy would be fine."

"Yes, I am marvelous! Everyone says so! Pretty is as pretty does..

CONGRATULATIONS Princess Kailey. We love you!

I left my heart in Idaho...

2009-06-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

A few pictures of our very short trip to visit Giz, Nick, and two of my perfect grandchildren. We planned on staying longer but we got called back to work. I loved bath time and bed time. I got to read a darling book about Itsy Bitsy Spider. After about the third reading my words began to slur a tad bit. Itsy Bitsy became something else. [I dropped the S and added CH instead. ACCIDENTLY.] We had a good laugh.I got to help Caleb say his prayers. He was so excited about seeing the puh-nik and "urple" flowers that filled the town.Kimberly and I were saying how bright McKell was. We then asked her where her nose was she would point to the middle of her forehead. Everytime. "Missed it by this much." Ummm, yeah...she'll catch on [and all too soon!] We enjoyed our visit sooo much!

Transformers! More than meets the eye!

2009-05-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

I imagined Optimus and the others here at Hoover Dam as Randy and I drove through it. Thanks goes to Darci for the fabulous Transformers music and the tribute to Bumblebee! Kimberly and I got a "blast from the past" as we listened to the music.

My camera bag caused this mistake. It hit the key and I can't delete it.

La Dance Hot! Look quick for this is Kailey Girl... NOT Cortney!

2009-05-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Princess Kailey with her dance class. Jedi Jake and Poppa looking on. Watching Kailey dance was like going back in time to "a galaxy far, far away" and watching Cortney dance! I loved it! Kailey is excellent at moving her hips and taking center stage. The night we arrived I was upstairs with Kailey and we we're playing and laughing and all of a sudden she through her arms around me and looks into my face and says,"You have my mommy's eyes." My heart melted into a million pieces!

My "Perfect" reasons for going to Arizona!

2009-05-24T16:18:00.002-07:00

Jedi Jake freaking out without his light saber, either that, or he just ate a bug. We played kick ball and Jakers is really good. Grandma was hardly ever up to make runs.

Tortney and Gavin entertaining grandma and grandpa while attending Kailey's dress rehearsal for her up-coming dance recital. This is another kid that loves his blanket!

My "Perfect" reasons for going to Arizona!

2009-05-24T16:18:00.001-07:00

Skip this one and
scroll down to the next...

My "Perfect" reasons for going to Arizona!

2009-05-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

Tortney and Gavin entertaining grandma and grandpa while attending Kailey's dress rehearsal. This kid is very active! He's another one that loves his blanket. I couldn't get enough of loving on this kid.
Cortney sure has her hands full with these three! I hated to say good-bye...

Sorry about posting the same pic. I was traveling when posting and lost the connection so I began again and I got double! I tried to delete the first post of this, but, no such luck....this is worth a second look anywho!

Spring is here...FINALLY!

2009-05-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

All of us working in the oil field didn't think that Spring would ever get here this year. This poem is for my family since I quote it every year. Thanks Darci for reminding me. Cortney also made a darling card using this poem. I learned this poem in the fourth grade. {That was awhile ago.}

Spring is here, Spring has come.
The bird is on the wing.
My, my, how absurd...
I thought the wing was on the bird!

I think this song that Darci downloaded is very appropriate too!
I do remember another poem about a robin...Little Robin Redbreast, sittin' on his pole...well, I won't finish it. My brother taught it to me so I don't need to say more. tee hee

Randy, H&P 274 in Battlement Mesa

2009-05-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is Rig H&P 274. I am standing on the rig pad looking Northeast towards Rifle. You can see I-70 and the Colorado River. If you enlarge this pic, you will be able to see Tri States's yard. You can see all the man camps, and Stallion's red barn, and then behind that is Tri State. I didn't realize I was getting the yard in this pic when I took it! DUH! Most of the trucks are out working so it doesn't look like there is very much to see.

You can see I-70, a train, and then the river.

Randy heading out of old location.

Okay Justin Pierce, check out the incrediable boating!

2009-05-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Cortney! I'm still trying really hard to encougage Justin to want to visit. I know he enjoys water sports. Just think of all the possibilities! This lake is up Rifle Gap but I'm unsure of the name. It has been awhile since we were there.

Some pictures of Rifle Falls

2009-05-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken about a year ago. we decided to see what the Falls were all about and Rifle Gap so we took a day and went exploring. Rifle Gap is about forty miles from good ole' Parachute. After driving to the falls, you park your vehicle and then walk up about 300 feet to reach the bottom of the falls, and then you can walk up and get above the falls, which we did. Yes, we huffed and puffed treking to the top!

This is how I spent my Easter this year...

2009-04-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

This is the rig we are moving. Today is Easter and one that I'm not likely to forget. Here's the reason why...[ I got to see some of your Easters so I will share mine!] Wish I could have been with all of you," sucking" on my Easter egg.

I arrived on the accident just after it happened. This is my view as I turned to drop down the hill, guiding my oversize who is right behind me. I helped him as he climbed out of the truck on the passenger side. I was able to get hold of emergency on my phone for help to arrive. The ironic thing about this accident is , he is the safety man on this rig that we are moving today. He is going to hear some heavy ribbing on this one!He had just purchased lunch for the rig crew and was on his way to the new site. The food started to slip off the passenger seat and he lost control and he reached to stop it. He hit the bank and the truck flipped over onto it's drivers side. My truck is right behind the over turned vehicle and then the oversize. Bubba is our truck driver of the oversize and the man on my phone is the driver of this damaged truck. He hurt his leg a little, but is okay. He is a very nice man and I'm really glad he wasn't hurt. Talk about wanting to say, "Go suck an egg!" Wish I had one of Cortney's Easter eggs to give to him.

2009-04-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Two of our truck drivers, Bubba and Travis. The man in the hard hat is Bill. I don't know why he wears the hard hat...his head is harder! tee hee... Safety procedures requires it.

Emerengcy vehicles and Bill's truck. We had two county sheriffs and a state patrol officer on the scene. Nothing could be moved unil the state patrol officer arrived. We couldn't move for about two hours, until all was cleaned up.

Some of our crew putting the truck up-right once again.

This car is a lot like me...

2009-04-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Can't decide if it's comin' or goin' or which direction to take! We saw this car as we were driving out of Texas. This was supposed to be a four day trip and it is now day ten! We will be finished today and HURRAY! We have driven about four thousand miles and last night I could barely talk on the CB. I think that Caleb may get a kick out of seeing this car. I know how he loves his "Cars".

What the...?

2009-04-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yep...We were hoping to see something that we wanted to take pictures of in Texas, and after miles and miles of cattle ranches, we drove by this camel ranch. There was fifteen of them. Who expected to see camels in Texas? Not us, but finally something worth taking pictures of...

2009-04-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

Aspen, Colorado. The snowboarding photos are for In-Law-Son. I know how he enjoys snowboarding. Most of the ski resorts are closed. It is the middle of April and not much snow now. Today the sky is overcast and the beauty of Aspen isn't really apparent this time of year.

2009-04-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Shops in Aspen.

Aspen Town Square. A place for Cortney to enjoy shopping!

Randy holding hands with a bear in town square in Aspen, Colorado. One of the ski areas in the back ground.

2009-04-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is Colorado Hot Springs.

My brother, Greg, brought me here about twelve years ago. It was in January and it was snowing. We had a great time swimming while snow was falling all around us. It was phenomenal!

This post is for Cortney. She is wanting to see more of Colorado so Randy and I went to Glenwood Springs and took some pictures.

2009-04-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

2009-04-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

Colorado River rafting

2009-04-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

This view is what the rafters are viewing as they go down the river. It is breathtaking!

Here are a few pics of some folks rafting. The river isn't as full as I have seen it at other times. These pics are taken in Glenwood Springs.

Breaker, breaker, one-niner. That's a big ten four!

2009-04-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

The man of my hour, Randy, heading out of old location all ready for me to lead over to new end." Hey Randy? Got your ears on?" He had his CB off so that he could talk on the company radio and he couldn't hear me. Or maybe he has selective hearing? Most husbands have that condition.

Cyclone 30 and Randy

2009-04-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is the rig that we're moving, Cyclone 30. Randy is down there somewhere getting loaded. Let me rephrase that...figuratively it' s not Randy that is getting loaded, but his haul truck. As soon as he heads out, I will pilot him over to new location.

2009-04-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Right now, Cortney would be saying, "What the...? This is the mutha of a storm." Well, gotta' get ta work...

2009-04-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

I am having to be out in this more than other times for I have to spot the driver. It is very difficult to see anything. The storm is in it's eighth hour and is only getting stronger. It is almost a white-out! The company man and I were out spotting the camp and he agrees that we've never seen it this bad for this long. The pictures you will be seeing were taken four hours ago so they don't show the severity of the storm. I'm soaked from head to toe! Eeeeyikes!

This storms's for

2009-04-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

OK Giz! This one's for you. We are having severe weather and trying to move a rig. In all my three years of piloting, this is the worst. You name it, and we've got it! Fog, rain, snow and slush when the sky can't decide if it wants to rain or snow. It is soooo wet! Here are a few pics of Spruce Creek. The fog and snow is keeping the mountain hid, but it hasn't stop the work or the traffic. It started raining three o'clock this morning and hasn't stopped yet. That was eight hours ago! I'm so sorry my children can't be with me...I get to have all the fun! Tee hee!

It's a topsie turvy world that we live in...

2009-03-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

We spoke to the family that was in this car and they are fine, just really shakin' up. We're so glad for the moisture but hate the havoc the weather can cause. I would like to learn how they ended upside down...

Honk, honk, rattle, rattle, CRASH, beep, beep!

2009-03-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

On the road again! Here we are, once again on the move. This is us trying to pass through Spanish Fork Canyon but there has been several accidents so we need to wait until they are cleared up. We will try once more to get through, but if the weather and roads aren't much better we will stay home in Provo. Well, as you can see by my photos, we are going on to Parachute. This trip is working my last nerve though... If I didn't know my truck and how well she does in weather and roads such as these, I would stay home. I love my truck!

Windmills at the foot of Spanish Fork Canyon

2009-03-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

We are finally allowed access up the canyon. We had to wait for about two hours while the accidents we're being cleared. Fun...Fun...FUN!

Great grandmother meeting newest member of her family...Shayley Morgan

2009-03-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Some of these people you may recongize, Stephanie, Bobbie, Chelsea and Shayley, Justin and Austin, and Randy. Justin is the father of Austin and Shayley. Stehpanie is Randy's second oldest child and Chelsea is Randy's youngest child. Hey Cortney, can you see the vase you gave us for Christmas sitting on the fireplace mantle? I love it. It is one of my favorite things.

A small Mott reunion...

2009-03-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

Randy's mother and husband came to Provo this evening for a short visit. They live in St. George but traveled to Provo today and will head out tomorrow morning for Vernal. Aunt Mabel's {Bobbie's sister} husband died yesterday and the funeral is on Monday. This is the first time Randy's mother has been to our home. It was a highly anticipated event! We were anxious to see and visit with them. It was the first time for Bobbie to meet Shayley too. The picture is of Stephanie, Bobbie, Chelsea holding Shayley, and of course, me. Bobbie took us to dinner at Goodwood. We had a delightful but all to short visit.

Yeah, I need a lot of help...tee hee

2009-03-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Oh crap, the post didn't print like I wrote it. Oh well...

We're home, we have a new granddaughter, and we're tickled "Puh-nink"!

2009-03-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Meet Austin and the newest member of our family, Shayley. She arrived on March 14, 2009. She weighed six pounds and is eighteen and one half inches long. Perfect features and blonde hair, like her mother. Austin is so full of energy! He loves to play with Poppa,aka, Randy. They are very entertaining, for when these two get together, anything and everything is going to happen. We just move out of the way and turn them loose!

We're glad to be home. We've had alot to do and still do! " Tyrone, you know how I love watching you work. But I've got my countries 500th anniversary to arrange, my wedding to plan, my wife to murder, and Gildor to frame for it. I'm swamped." I have spent the last several days going to doctors and the dentist. Ya know what they say, "Get some rest. If you haven't got your health, you haven't got anything." The good news is, is Randy and I will have our colonoscopies this Friday morning. " Now who would have thought this to be good news?" Anywho...I for one, will be very glad to get this done. As for me going to the dentist two days ago, presents to me another problem. I believe I have an infection which has robbed me of sleep. So, I guess it is my turn to be a little silly and present this absurd poem that rattled around in my noggin'!

LIFE IS BUT A TRIP

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, for I'm not that wise.

Over height and overweight makes an oversize.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, mashing on the petal.

Reaching heights with oversize and all that heavy metal.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, protecting all the crew.

Directing traffic, guiding trucks, it's my job to do.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, another chance to give,

oil rigs and company men a brand new place to live.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, protect the heavy haul.

Keepem' rollin', forging on. Never letem' fall.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, NEVER go off track.

If I do, I'll hit a tree, and then a great big WHACK!

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, what's a small detour?

Climbing mountains, down their sides. What are pilots for?

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, no matter what the cost.

Keepem' rollin', never stop...even though we're lost!

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, though the road is sloppy.

Watch for deer and huge pot holes. Driver?...do you copy?

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, what channel are we on?

Last time I knew, and you should too, is the one we're talking on.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, gettin' in the groove.

Going places meant for goats, on a constant move.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, Oh for goodness sakes.

Don't look down, we're still on ground, doin' what it takes.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, are we having fun?

Hold on tight and say your prayers , and let's getter' done!

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, wherever I am sent.

Right on through and off the edge, just because I went!

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, sixteen hours a day.

Trying hard to remember WHY? Oh yeah...we do it for the pay.

Roll, roll, roll, my wheels, trying not to slip.

Up, then down, and all around...LIFE IS BUT A TRIP!

You would think that I've had way too much time on my hands! Thanks Darci for changing my background paper. Excellent choice. As soon as I get all my doctoring done, Stephanie said that she will be glad to teach me how to blog better. I'm lookin' forward to it and then I won't be such a pain to all "of yous."

Just another day in the neighborhood...

2009-03-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

You'll need to go back to older posts to view my day on Trail Ridge and Garden Gulch. Most of my pics I take are inside my truck for I can't stop. My driver would NOT like that!

2009-03-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

I'm blocking the road from big trucks and fast four wheelers. Justin is behind me being pulled by the dozer. I hate this hill I'm starting down. It has been scary several times for me. Remember the old Klingon proverb: "Today is a good day to die". I think of it every time I go up or down this stinking hill. Dang, if some people don't get all the fun!

2009-03-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Another view from Trail Ridge heading for Garden Gulch. Over that away{tee hee} is Grand Juction. We need to get down first though...Hammer down!

Just a side note: About two years ago we were up here on Trail Ridge, and we had a real hard nosed pusher{he went by Herdbull, I called him Turdbull, for a good reason}Anyway he got right in my face and shouted to me that we were on CTR, and did I know what CTR meant? "What does it mean to you ?" he shouted at me. I looked him right in the face, we were toe to toe, and I said "CTR? Choose The Right." He was dumb founded at first and then he said,"No, it means Central Trail Ridge." I found out later that he is LDS, just not active. He no longer works here, BTW.

2009-03-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

Another photo of a rig while I was on top waiting for Justin to get loaded with the man camp. You can see High Mesa in the back ground.

2009-03-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

I'm getting off the interstate at Parachute. I'm returning from Nabors yard in Fruita where I left Justin to unload. This is the motel we have spent three years in and the mountain where the storm is, is Garden Gulch, where we just came off of. BTY, this Justin is a step son to the man that was killed last August.

2009-03-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

Justin clearing the last of of the narrow switchbacks.

2009-03-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

I have just cleared the narrow switchbacks for Justin to head down through. We are heading back down Garden Gulch and while I block traffic I took this pic. Down below is Parachute Creek and on the mountain you can see the road that is being built. It zig zags {switchbacks]. Last summer they blasted and we would need to wait on the road you can see until huge bolders and rocks would hit the bottom. It was real cool to see them flying down. I would choose a certain bolder from the rest to see if my bolder would reach bottom first. Anything to pass the time...

2009-03-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

We moved a rig on the pad you can see {truck} and then over the edge is Parachute. We are going to go down the long way, back down Garden Gulch, to Parachute and then off to Grand Juction. I could take the faster route, OVER the edge, but then I would be dead. Where's the fun in that if I'm not around to enjoy it? Roger copy ten four, good buddy?

2009-03-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of Justin and I leaving the lower guard shack at Garden Gulch. We are going six miles up to get to the top and then about thirty miles across the top. We are going to Nabors Rig 109. Justin is taking a man camp down the moutain to Nabors yard in Fruita. Fruita is about six miles SE of Grand Junction. It took us eleven hours! Most of the mountains that we traveled across haven't been maintained this winter. The roads were rough and MESSY!

2009-03-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

This pic was taken about 30 seconds before Justin got stuck going up around this corner. We were so close to getting out of the worse part of the trip too! I had to go in search of a dozer to pull him up the hill.

2009-03-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is Cyclone 30. I thought I'd show you what a oil rig looks like. All these photos I've posted today were taken yesterday and today. This rig is up on Parachute Creek which is about four miles from our motel.

2009-03-11T20:56:00.001-07:00

Rig 323 again. Look real hard and you can see it on the left of the pic. I'm across the valley taking these photos.

2009-03-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is Ensign Rig 324 on top of High Mesa. We moved it up there last spring. I have some great pics of wild flowers and running streams...give said the little stream, give o' give...

2009-03-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Randy again with a 400 and some pipe racks. We are west bound, heading out of the narrows. I get to say stuff like,"One oversize, 13 feet wide, at the stop sign heading west bound to the red barn, and then oversize at the red barn approaching the narrows,"etc. etc. Then I listen for bobtails, transports, and other oversize, heading east bound to learn where they are to see if we can continue on, or if we need to find a wide spot, if possible...mostly we keep going and they find a wide spot! tee hee!

2009-03-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is Randy with a sub section. His overhang is on the swamp side.

2009-03-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

I was hoping you could see the Colorado River a bit better in this pic. I'm on my way back to old location and this is a view of the valley going into West Rifle.

2009-03-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm across the valley and this is a section of mountain that is Cow Trail. Remember that the road runs along the edge of the mountains which is forty miles long. Yesterday there was snow only on top. Today snow is covering not only mountains but the whole valley.

2009-03-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

I'm one of the few pilots I know that hasn't hit a deer...yet

2009-03-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

Deer crossing the road and heading up the hill right next to new location. They aren't too intimated by all of us.

2009-03-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

You can see some of the road on the mountain side...This pics don't display how awesome being up here was!

2009-03-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Cow Trail...You can see the road I'm going along. This road follows real close to the mountains edge.

2009-03-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

2009-03-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

More pics of Cow Trail..This is in July and I was real lucky to go because Cow Trail wasn't used any more because of the road and the tunnel that was built on the other side, forty miles away. The road is known as Wheeler Gulch. The tunnel was shut down for ten days so we had to take the long way around.

2009-03-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

This is the camp I'm piloting. We have started up Cow Trail about two miles when I took this photo.

2009-03-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm on top of Cow Trail. It is forty miles long and it runs on top of the mountain range from Rifle to Parachute, and then some. You can see the whole valley from up here. You can see the mighty Colorado River and I-70. The direction is going east to west. I'm piloting a camp and the truck you can see in this picture is one of ours. He is waiting for me and the camp to lead us to new location. I was by myself coming back and a storm was heading my way so I didn't get to take some truly fantistic photos. I was anxious to get off the mountain for it can get really ugly, really fast. When I got near the bottom there was pea size hail covering the road that leads out. I was lucky that day. All in all, it was a great trip.