Changing the view...

I've recently re-arranged my office. It's something I like to do now and again when I need to jump-start my creative self. Somehow by moving things around, I sort through my collections, eliminate the rubbish, and end up with a feeling of excitement and renewed energy! There's definitely something to be said about a fresh view and the ability to see things from a different perspective! Sure could use some of that at the moment!

Niven Reunion 2010

The kids and I were in charge of the reunion this year, and let me tell you, that's a lot of work!

We had fun though, and many came from great distances to join us! I think there were more grandchildren and their families than the original Niven 9! The day started out warm, grew quickly HOT, and ended in a tremendous thunder and rain storm! In fact, we all ended up in the basement drying out for the closing activities!! Here is a sampling of some of the fun for those who couldn't make it there! A huge thank you to Grandpa and Grandma and everyone who made it such a fun day!

Making potato babies...

Ashlee loved her potato baby so much she carried it most of the day...

Ethan's shows his cyclops baby...

One of several games, wheelbarrow races to collect "Buffalo Chips"...

John and Jared putting the potato babies to nap...

Afternoon water play with cousins...

Carolyn manages the hose for a while...

Plenty of visiting time in the afternoon...

Rescuing the potato babies from the burning wagon...

The rain began to fall about now, and Grandpa began the bartering with information concerning his spinners...

Testing out Grandpa's spinners, and the reversible method...

Family flags...

The first time many had seen Will since he returned from Afghanistan...

Plenty of hugging of course...

Cousins, nieces and nephews getting to know each other again...

A final sweet baby face by Kiley Kunz, held by her mum, Hailey. Bye everyone!!

"I AM SPARTACUS!!!"

Ok.. not really... but tonight I feel almost as mighty!! You see, my garbage disposal, or more professionally known as a "Food Disposal" broke the other day, and we've been gingerly rinsing dishes so as not to get any more stuff down it until I could figure out what to do. I've been working up the courage to either call a plumber or see if it's a do-it-your-selfer sort of job. In the last 7 years, I've had a bit of experience with doing things myself, so I had it in my mind that perhaps I could pull this one off too!

Working in the non-fiction collection of the Springville Public Library has given me plenty of opportunity to get a firsthand look at many of the "How To" books available.. most likely my age, but I still tend to trust tangible instructions rather than cyber ones! Anyhoo, today I found this great book:

Amazing! Why, this book is filled with every single do-it-yourself project you might come across, and clearly written for even the most humble of repair persons, like myself!

Just take a look:

A futuristic space cylinder? Nope! Your average Food Disposal in a cross-cut illustration! It's mind-boggling isn't it?! I would have thought so too, had I not experienced it first hand...

Yes, my friends... you too can be as Spartacus! Just look what I did:

and it purrs just like a kitten!!

Happy Birthday to Me

Yesterday I filled my 52nd year! Thank you to all who remembered and honored me with your sweet thoughts and gifts, and to Beth for my heavenly cake!

Teagan's Blessing Day

Sunday July 4th, 2010, William blessed his second wee daughter, Teagan Alexandria Black. She had to wait for her blessing as Will was in Afghanistan until just a month ago. It was fun to see her in their arms looking up at their faces... not asleep as many babies are when newborns, or fussing, but quietly and contentedly being gently bounced while her daddy named her and offered a lovely blessing. Afterwards, family and friends gathered at our home for visiting and a brunch.

When most of the guests had gone, Libby and I observed nature in the front yard in the form of "Rolly Pollies".