Logann's Birthday

You have a Birthday, Shout Hooray! You are 18 years old today and I still think of you as that little 5 year old in the photos.

We'll celebrate tonight! I cannot believe the time has gone this fast and that soon you will be "on your own". We love you.

Ish Correction

The genuis and resident authority just explained to me that I posted the wrong image for the So American species. Sorry about that.

This is the Ishkabibble.

Ishkabibbles-background and documentation

Ishkabibbles (as referred to in my previous post) are the creatures that now have found refuge in the valleys of the cattle guards. The ones that I am most familiar with dwell in the mountain ranges of northeastern Arizona, the White Mountains. Because our family has been very careful to protect the species, I would venture to say that we probably have the highest population of these creatures on any on the several Nicoll-Naegle properties.

As stated in the carefully documented research provided recently by Kevin Nicoll, (doctorate in crap folklore, tasteful, tactful and dedicated artist of the strange things he sees in the shadows of his mind) posted here, we are not sure where our conservatory had its beginnings. Was it 1st, second or third generation (of AZ Ranchers) that taught us the careful rules of protecting these precious beings? We will never know, but it is what it is.

You will notice that due to the fact that I now live closer to the border (again-thanks for reminding me of that, Marla) than most of the family, I use the true South American spelling of the is creatures name.

I do wonder though if the new and glorious president-elect (with all of his heaven-sent, glorified and annointed powers) would consider helping our plight by placing these wonderful creatures that guard our cattleguards on the endangered species list.

You decide. Just remember though, every ishkabibble you save from extinction helps put a star in you crown. Mom must have a full crown because she is the one that taught us how to do it.

We've Moved!

Kicking and screaming all the way, it is just about completed.

Shawn has worked so hard to move all of us. I admire him so much and appreciate everything he does. He is always willing to help his family and friends when they need anything done and because of his work schedule, he's available more than a lot of men. He is one of those special men that don't come along too often-kind of a renaissance (hope I spelled that right) man. And I am especially greatful for the kind and loving way he treats my daughter.

In fact, I am really a blessed woman because I actually have 2 wonderful sons-in-law. Kelly and his brother and dad came out to our new house last week and created a wonderful sewing room for me. Lisa brought her kids out and painted the room for me and an extra hand for moving. I really appreciate this wonderful gift from Kelly and his family. The new room really big but have no fear--I will run out of room soon.

Oh, and a special thank you to Kelly's mom, Pat for the carpeting. It is perfect for this room.

Did I mention that I am the luckiest mother-in-law/mother/grandmother in the world.

So other than the little issue of adding 25 miles a day to my commute, moving to QC hasn't been too bad. Oh, the other good thing-I have the downstairs bedroom. NO MORE STAIRS!

As soon as I get things sorted a little more, I will post some pictures of the new house, new sewing room and oh yeah-another good thing about being way out here is the wonderful views of the sky. It's almost like being at the ranch because there are no street lights in our neighborhood.

So if you are ever out here, be sure to stop by. It's the 3rd house on the right.

For now though, I will try to determine if the ishcabibbles around here are Northern or Southern.

Congratulations DD2

Yes, that is rain on the windshield in the Valley! Yes, that is DD2 driving!

For those of you close to my family, you will understand what a wonderful event this is. DD2 got her license to operate a vehicle yesterday! We are all very happy for her and for me, her patient and loving husband, her sister and anyone else that has been there for her over the past 22 years (since she turned the legal age to drive.)

Why did it take so long you ask? Well, by the time she turned 16, there was one vehicle and 3 drivers in our family. It was easier for her to just be the passenger. Then she married wonderful husband that continued to be her driver and patiently wait while she did her shopping and errands. I guess you could say we enabled her to continue to be the passenger.

In the next 2 weeks, we will be moving to QC and that means she will have to be able to drive as no one will be availble to do it for her. It is DD2's time. She did it and I am very proud of her. Now she has to learn how to read maps and the big test....the CANYON!

For All His Creations...yes I know Heavenly Father Loves Me

We spent Thanksgiving morning taking millions of pictures of my grandkids. Thanks Kristi and Shana, I can't wait to see your pictures!

Am I not the luckiest grandmother in the world!

Today was an absolutely wonderful day and the kids really did a great job (well, most of the time) of co-operating.

You will never guess what I am most grateful for. It's pretty hard to guess isn't it?

When we finished taking pictures, we stopped for breakfast at McD's and of course we had to get a couple more pictures.

What grandmother wouldn't be proud of these:

Yes, those are French Fries stuck in his ice cream cone!

Welcome to the Family, Danica

Danica's Baby Shower, November 22, 2008

Patty and Nikki

Beth and Aunt Charlene

Aunt Charlene and Anne

Wonderful luncheon!



Aunt Shirley displaying the levi bag made by Patty

Last Saturday we had a Welcome to the Family shower for Danica (Shanan was invited too!)

She is a beautiful baby and it was a treat to get to hold her for a few minutes. Cousins, Aunts and friends gathered to get to know her a little better and because we love getting together we got to talk and catch up. It was great to see everyone. Hope you had a good afternoon.

“Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.”

-David O. McKay