We've Been "Boo-ed" and Sick Doggie

Hi, Darla! We are so glad you are feeling better! You were a pretty sick little gal!----This is Darla Kelly Duffy. She got her name because she reminds you of Darla from the Little Rascals. She is a dark apricot toy poodle. We don't cut her like a poodle, more like a little stuffed animal bear. She is spoiled rotten, but deserves every bit of it! She GIVES so much! Shhh...don't tell her, but she really is a dog. She doesn't know it though. She thinks she is a human!

Monday night we were "Boo-ed" . That means that the Halloween Phantom came to our house with a 'treat' and rang the bell and ran! Now we have to do the same for 3 other families. Here are the instructions:

Since this is the time for goblins and bats,

For Halloween spirits, for ghosts and cats,

For weird happenings and witches' brew,

These are the things that I wish for you...

May the only spirit you chance to meet

Be the spirit of love and friends warm and sweet.

May the only goblin that comes your way

Be this Neighborhood Phantom you must give away.

"Tis much better to give than to receive" goes the old verse

And something this easy won't empty your purse.

It's your turn to pass along a treat and a BOO

Because now the Neighborhood Phantom is little old YOU!

So by this time tomorrow, pick three friends sweet,

And give to them each a Halloween treat.

You have only one day-so you'll need to hurry--

Leave a treat on the doorstep, ring the bell and then scurry!

Signed,

The Phantom

1. Make 3 copies of this letter and a phantom ghost picture for each.

2. Post the phantom on your door or in your window until Halloween. This will ward off the phantom from returning to haunt you and yours.

3. Then take a letter, a phantom, and treat and deliver them to 3 houses that do not have a phantom posted.

Well, as you can see, our bucket was filled with some delicious treats, many of them CHOCOLATE. Darla became very sick during the night through noon the next day. She had decided she didn't want to be left out of having a treat and it was clear she had eaten some candy. Chocolate is VERY bad for dogs! I spent most of the day tending to her, and she finally rallied in the evening. Thank goodness. We are dog-lovers, and when our 'baby' is not well, it is a family matter.

Lourdes y Rosie

I'd like for you to meet Lourdes and Rosie. They have been cleaning our house for 5 years now. They are the sweetest gals. We just love them. I took this picture today in the bonus room upstairs.

They have a very hard life and yet smile and try to be happy every day. Rosie left her 3 year old daughter in Mexico with her parents so she could come here and work. She sends money to them every week. She misses her terribly. Lourdes has a very abusive husband. We have tended to her on a few occasions. She feels she is not in a position to change the situation yet.

They make the BEST tamales! They make them for us at Christmas time. Oooooh, are they good! We usually buy 2-3 dozen and scarf them right down and it gives them extra cash.

I cleaned houses to make ends meet for us since I was 12 years old. (and did daycare in my home.) Now that I am on the other end, I remember how good people were to me and I try to be that way with Rosie and Lourdes. Over the years we have helped them, and loved them, and prayed with them, cried with them, rejoiced with them, and they with us. Rosie has been taking an English class this last year and her english has really improved, but so has my Spanish! They love it when Josh is home and he can talk spanish really fast with them!

Program Practice

Just one of our CTR 4 classes. Sister Carolyn Baun with l-r: Kaylia, Liam, Anna, and Russ. Russ is a twin and is one of our little autistic sweethearts. He has SO much love and has come so far. We have probably learned way more from him than he has learned from us.

Sister Mikki Earl, on the left, our fearless music leader! What would we do without her? (who coincidentally is related to Ashley Earl Boice! Mikki's husband, Cordell, is a cousin to the Earls. They have a family history bound book that shows the relationship, but I can't remember it exactly. It's something like Cordell's father is a cousin to Ashley's grandfather....???)

One section of the children. They were practicing the standing up and sitting down for singing the songs. We are going to have some unique things this program. We let our music leader have a lot of say in the music and it's presentation. We collaborate, but it is her stewardship. She has added chimes that the children will be playing with some of the songs, we are marching in from the rear of the cultural hall, the children who can play the piano are accompanying certain numbers, some of the older activity day girls are leading songs, they are holding up large pictures during certain parts of songs, sign language, etc. We have worked it so the children truly have ownership of the program and they respond so well. It really is their program to share what we have learned this year.

One of my favorite songs is Love Is Spoken Here. I have loved that song since it was first introduced in the early 80's for a program. I've already told my family that they have to sing it at my funeral! In primary, it has been dubbed the 'goose bump' song, because Sister Duffy gets goose bumps when they sing it! So one of the barometers for singing time is when the children ask if I have goose bumps yet! They do so well with it, that everyone will have goose bumps!

To All The Pumpkins In My Patch!

People are kind of like pumpkins...

God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.

He opens you up and touches you deep inside and then scoops out all the yucky stuff--including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.

Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.

I send my LOVE to all you pumpkins in my 'patch'!

BYU vs. UNLV, Frozen Towels, Saturday Soccer

Bryan Kehl running it back after intercepting the ball. He's leaving UNLV in the Vegas 'dust'!

I'll start with: GO COUGARS! Whew. After a weak start with so many turnovers, they pulled off the win 24-14 with UNLV's last touchdown coming just right at the end. We were going to drive up to the game in Vegas (just a four hour drive for us) but it ended up not working out. The best we could do was listen to a live stream by KSL on the internet. So parked ourselves in the bonus room for most of the game. Do you see what I mean when I talk about nutty, die-hard, fans??? Who would spend their Saturday night sitting in their bonus room listening to a college football game? Duff had to get up and 'pace' around the room and down the hall during that first quarter. hahaha! Anyone who has been with him for a Y game knows he can't take it when they aren't doing well. He has to get up and MOVE!

Next week Duff and Mike will be going to the game 'in person' at Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo, and the week after Duff, Me, Christine, Mike, Adrianne, the Steele's (next door neighbors) and the Evan's (from AZ) will be in San Diego for the game.


The famous 'Frozen Towels' for the soccer games. Now you may be wondering: what are 'frozen towels'. Well, we started this a few years ago. Our autumns are always pretty warm for the fall sports. And the girls are dying from the heat by halftime. So I take bar mop towels (small size from Bed Bath and Beyond) , run them through a regular wash (with bleach after a game) and spin them out on slow to keep a little water in them. Take them out of the washer, fold them in 1/2 once and then in 1/2 again to form a square and place them on a parchment lined large cookie sheet. You can get six on the first layer. Put on another piece of parchment paper and layer again, repeat for as many players as you have on a team. I put them in my garage freezer, freeze overnight, and take them out and put them in a small cooler. Snap it shut and put it back in the freezer for the next game/practice.

At halftime, or injuries, or sitting out a quarter, each girl has an ice cold frozen towel to wipe down with and cool off.

Christine in the center with the silver cleats. She was playing sweeper this quarter. We had had quite a bit of rain during the night and clear up until the game. We were really surprised they didn't call it off. The league is usually very protective of their fields. So it was on the wet side.

The Diablos with coach Quinn getting their instructions during halftime. The victory went to the red and black. Skunked them 2-0! Christine is #12.

This was a VERY aggressive game. Both teams were mixing a little 'football' in with their soccer! We saw just about everything. Luckily no yellow or red cards. I love watching this level. They are at a place where the concept of the game is finally clicking. No one hogs the ball, they play as a team, positions, strategies, etc. Christine had some nice head butts, and chest passes, and some great defensive 'boots' out of the backfield. Those girls played their little hearts out!

TGIF with the Browns

Larry and Wendy with David at TGIFriday's. The temple session we attended was at 8:30 pm, so we decided to go to dinner before instead of after. (Good choice). We met at 6pm in San Bernardino at the tgif. Look at Larry and Wendy's faces. They are so happy.

Their friend, Doreen Shields, Wendy, and me.

The "men's" side of the table: Duff, Larry, and David. Scott Shields is taking the picture. Notice where we are sitting: By the TV. The guys had to keep up on the baseball game! Playoffs are important, we know this! (hahahahaha)

Congratulations Larry and Wendy!

Larry and Wendy Brown in front of the Redlands Temple doors.

Wendy and Larry. Redlands Temple. Friday, October 12, 2007. 11pm.

Wendy with her youngest brother, David Walgren.

Wendy Brown, David Walgren, and Me--Cindy Duffy. Cousins!!!

What a great experience tonight was. Duff and I drove out to Redlands to go to the temple with Larry and Wendy, my cousin. Wendy is the daughter of Bob and Rita Walgren. Rita is one of my mom's younger sisters. Auntie 'Tia' and Uncle Bob, and Larry and Wendy live in Wrightwood, CA, a darling mountain town. I loved going there as a kid growing up. Living in the city all my life it was fun to 'get away' to their home in mountains. We have a LOT of fun memories there as cousins. Sleep overs, the triple bunkbeds, chili for dinner (oh the after-effects.....)games and laughter. Snow in the winter, and hiking and gathering pinecones in the summer and fall.

Larry and Wendy have had many challenges in their married life. Most recently, Wendy's battle with breast cancer for the last 9 years. They have worked HARD to overcome their trials and it has paid off! Last night, Larry went to the temple for his own endowment and Wendy went back to the temple for the 1st time in 25 years! It was a beautiful experience. Duff and I and her brother David, were the only family that could be there, but they have many very good friends and a great bishop who were there loving and supporting them at this crossroads of their life.

We had our 'happy tears'! (Wendy and I were prepared with our tissues. We held each others hand during the session. It was a 'sweet' connection between cousins.) Such a long road to get where they are now, but SO worth it.

It was a long day--we didn't leave the temple until 11:15 pm and then had an hour and a 1/2 drive home, but the feelings and Heavenly connection are still lingering.

Wendy and Larry--We love you and are so proud of you! Way to go!

Howdy Partner!

The Daddy Daughter Date for Young Women was on September 26, 2007. But I've just learned how to scan in a picture and post it so even though I wrote about Duff and Christine's date in my journal about the piano (see 9-27-07 entry), I'll just give a quick review.

It was a western theme. Christine didn't have boots, so she wore her Rainbow sandals (as did many other girls...a popular flip/flop here). They decided soon into the evening that neither was a good footwear choice. They did races, relays, dancing, etc. Had yummy food and an overall great time.

Don't they look cute? Christine was beaming when she came home. Good job, dad!

And The Oscar Goes To...Christine Duffy for Good Works!

Here is Christine with her Hollywood Movie Premier Poster. Didn't she do a good job? True to character--glitter. Notice 3 different colors of glitter on her name! She is holding her Mrs. Butterworth's Oscar. (How do I rotate a picture??? Just when I thought I had this picture thing down.....)

Giving her acceptance speech. l-r: Sister Burton (as the 'good fairy' presenter), Stephanie Steele, Brittany Steele, Christine, Kristen Herrscherr, Valerie Kinnison.

What a gala event on Wednesday evening! Duff and I escorted Christine to the YW Oscars In Excellence evening at the FAMOUS Santa Margarita Stake Center Cultural Hall. It was a once in a lifetime for us, and we couldn't have been more proud to be there with our STAR! The red carpet experience was a little nerve wracking with all the cameras going off. But Christine was a natural--so poised with a beautiful smile.

She was wearing a "Patti Peterson" original: brown satin, tea length gown, with a brown lace overlay bodice and a deep blue sash. Jewelry was by "Meredith Duffy" (bridesmaid gift): sweet pearl necklace and bracelet. Sequined clutch bag by Mom. Sweet Pea body spray by Bath and Body Works and make-up by the famous Tar-get!

The tension was high as they read the nominees. When they called her name, she calmly stood and blew kisses as she walked to accept her Oscar. She crafted a clever acceptance speech:

"Oh, I am so happy for this award!

I would like to thank the Academy of Young Women Leaders for this recognition.

I'd like to give a big thanks to my Producer: Bishop Larry Gregson.

Also, thank you to my director, Sister Cheri Taylor. [YW President]

I have the best supporting cast and crew: The Beehive Class (oh yeah!), and Beehive Leaders: Sister Steinert, Sister Pingree, and Sister Dement. I couldn't do it without you!

My managers are awesome. I learn so much from Don and Cindy Duffy and am grateful to them for driving me to the class.

And last but not least, CHOC Hospital, for the inspiration for the Safe Sitter Class in the first place, for believing in me that I could be a great babysitter, and giving me instruction so I can show "Good Works" when I babysit."

Here are the things she tested for to earn her Safe-Sitter Award:

First Aid

Child and Infant Behavior Traits

Child Behavior Management

Child and Infant CPR

Choking Child and Infant Rescue

Child Care Essentials

Injury Management

Preventing Injuries

Safety for the Sitter

She had to take practical and written tests. She has a nice certificate and card she carries with her when she babysits.

The Oscars boasted a new MC: Sister Lisa Spice, who was a combination of Billy Crystal and Ellen. Special appearances by the 'Dixie Chicks' and 'Earl and Mauss Girls' with NO lip-syncing. This was the 'real' deal! Music by conductor Leigh Hrabik and her ipod boom box.

We attended the Cultural Hall after-party with cuisine by Stacey Taylor and Victoria McDaniel who gave Wofgang Puck some serious competition in the dessert department!

We opted not to stay out ALL night, and called it an early evening at 9 pm, came home and studied for a major science test the next day. But her Oscar and poster are on the kitchen table for all to oooh and aaah over!

Congratulations to you, Christine! Your family LOVES you and supports you!

I'm Catching The Picture Bug!

Here are a couple more. Gee, this is pretty fun. Watch out, I just might get the camera bug...........!

Patti, Megan, Meredith, with Katherine and David in back sitting at the table.

This is one of my favorites. Meredith with baby Christian having a BIG yawn! Mere, you look like a 'natural'!

More Pictures From the Weekend!

Okay!!! Newsflash!!! I read through my camera instructions and figured out how to put pictures on the computer! This is BIG news for me! So now I'm having a lot of fun posting them. I've probably spent way too much time on the computer today. But scroll back through my blog and see what I mean! More to come.....

Nerts in the background, Natalie asleep, Christine, Katie, and Braydon. Oh--Darla too (check her out by Nats)

Natalie and her new BYU LAW sweatshirt with Darla-do! Notice Darla is all decked out for Halloween with her scarf. Is she spoiled or what!?

Getting ready for another round of Nerts. Everyone else sits, but Cherise and I get too antsy--we have to stand. It goes soooo fast!

Christine with Patti holding sweet baby Christian.

Wednesday--Where Has The Week Gone? Sunday Re-Cap.

Here are some pictures that I 'borrowed' from Megan's blog! (Thanks, Meg.) I'm finally getting brave and learning how to do pictures. I wanted to post these in the text, but haven't figured that out yet! (Top: Megan (Mere's sister) and Josh proudly wearing BYU. Notice the BYU pillow on the piano. We named the cabin: Cougarhaven! Fitting! Middle: The Peterson family, missing: Erik, Kristen and Brent and soon to be baby boy in December, and Julia. Bottom: Baby Christian David Peterson in family blessing gown.)

I can't believe it is Wednesday already!

This is a crazy week for us. So much going on. Tonight is YW in Excellence for Christine. She has to finish her poster for it this afternoon inbetween school and soccer practice. The theme for the evening is like a hollywood premier with a red carpet, etc. 'starring' the girls and the YW values. It sounds like it will be cute and fun. We have to dress up 'glitzy style'. Hmmm. I don't have anything like that! Maybe my outfit from the wedding...

Then tomorrow the bridal shower for Jessica Hobbins.

Friday, will be a very special day. My cousin Wendy's husband is going through the temple for the first time. Wendy has had quite a few ups and downs in her life--most recently the recurrence of her breast cancer which she has been battling for 9 years. She will be going back to the temple for the first time in 25 years. She and Larry are sooo excited to be at this wonderful place in their lives. Duff and I are going with them. Redlands Temple. I'll post more about this after Friday.

I want to recap last Sunday for my journal:

A day to be remembered. It started out with 'conference quiche' in the oven, and a sleepy family in pajamas and sweats with pillows and blankets gathering in the great room for the morning session of conference, which was awesome:).

The Blairs loaded up their mini-van and headed back to Idaho Falls after the first session. We sent them off with the traditional Duffy Wave from the front porch. Then got beds made, showers, and dinner prepped. The Petersons (Mere's family) were coming up to bless David and Kat's sweet new baby boy, Christian.

After the afternoon conference, they dressed the baby in a blessing gown. Patti had made it for all of her children to be blessed in and now the grandchildren are being blessed in it. It is a very old fashioned and beautiful English gown. All the names of the babies blessed in it Patti has embroidered inside on the slip. One day Josh and Meredith's babies will be blessed in it too! What a great tradition.

We had dinner after the blessing and pictures. Everyone pitched in and helped. It was pretty simple, but delicious. Pork tenderloin, funeral potatoes, fresh asparagus, salad, rolls, butter, and homemade jams. This was all very nice--BUT--the most wonderful thing happened after that!

Since Duff and I don't have the blessing of having most of our family geographically close to us, we have been trying lately when we are together, to set aside some time for some 'spiritual bonding'. FHE, scripture study, gospel conversations, priesthood blessings, etc. SO, we were going to have priesthood blessings that evening and talk about the Family Proclamation. (In the RS broadcast the week before, we sisters were counseled to go home and make sure our families knew of our testimonies of that proclamation and that this is our goal as a family, recommitting each of us to do our part of being a forever family.)

Well, since Meredith had her dad there, she wanted him to participate in the blessing before they had to leave for the airport to go home. Josh gave her a beautiful blessing with Richard, David, and Duff assisting. It just mushroomed from there! It ended up that each father blessed each child, each young husband blessed their wives, and Richard and Duff blessed Patti and I. ( I need to mention that Christine asked Josh to give her her blessing--she has missed him so since he got married! It was a tender moment for all of us, but especially for a brother and sister.)

Now one of the things that I want to remember from this is this: All of us there are in different places-- in our lives, the church, our testimonies, trials, choices, circumstances, etc. But once the spirit was 'invited' it just became stronger and stronger, until everyone desired and was given a blessing by and witnessed by those who loved them the most in this world--our FAMILIES! Father in Heaven's love for all of His children was felt deeply and it was expressed there that day. Hugs, kisses, the physical affection between family members (also talked about in this last conference) was sweet and tender.

The Peterson's left with just barely enough time to catch their flight, and then David and Kat had to get on the road back to Rexburg and BYUI, but the feelings and 'high' stayed with all of us.

We realized after, that the father's probably would have liked a blessing themselves, so Duff asked Josh to give him a blessing. That was great too, to see a son bless his father.

We ended the day with a rousing game of dominos and pizookies for dessert realizing that the 'real frosting on the cake' came much earlier in the day!