Paisley Circle Chronicles

Elder Clement

2010-12-20T09:39:00.003-07:00

Ross is currently serving a service mission at the Riverton Family Search Library. All dressed up and ready to go to work!

An Obsession

2010-12-16T23:24:00.003-07:00

Most of my Navities!!!

2010-10-01T01:47:00.002-06:00

September Sampler

2010-09-13T09:32:00.010-06:00

September 3, Mitchell's birthday. He got two cakes because Taz licked the frosting off the first one. Becca's had done a great job of lettering Star Wars on the cake and Taz ruined it with one big lick!

Zachary was baptised and confirmed by his Dad on September 4.

Labor Day we went to Promontory Point for the reinactment of the "Golden Spike". Fun to see the steam engines in action.

Display of two of Ross's paintings at a recent Stake Fair. It was fun to watch the people as they viewed the entries and listen to their comments as they saw these paintings. Lots of "WOWS"

All the Bishops and their wives of the Glenmoor 7th Ward since it was organized in 1977. This photo was taken after a fireside which honored them in conjunction with a ward reunion. From left to right: Howard and Kathleen Freiss, Sue Brown, Alan and Nina Seegrist, Jack and Sharon Jenks, Craig and Barbara Romney, Ross and Susan Clement, John and Louise Hall, Doug and Bonnie Norman.

Lots of Grandkids

2010-08-25T12:59:00.002-06:00

Steve and his family came to town. We had a little gathering and of course Grandma had to take a picture. From left to right: Hailey, Caleb, Mason, Zachary, Mitchell, Jenna, Alexander, Olivia, Benjamin. (Mitchell is holding Jenna slobber side out! and Mariss was fixing her hair -- she had just come from swimming.)

Weekend In Idaho

2010-08-08T21:55:00.005-06:00

Grandpa Wirkus had the two big Lindon Trees removed from his front yard. It looks pretty bare naked.

We visited Grandma's grave Saturday morning before driving to Tetonia for the Egbert Renion.

All of my dad's children and their spouses.

Summer at Home

2010-08-01T01:06:00.004-06:00

This is how the flower bed looks after having to cut out the flowering cherry tree that was dying and killing off the flowers underneath.

While I was in Boston, Ross built this little rock wall by the plum tree and hauled away 1600 pounds of rocks from the base of it. Now it is covered in bark and the grandkids are going to have a hard time doing their rock disappearing act into the hedge!

Catching Up

2010-07-09T19:22:00.011-06:00

I have been making beaded spiders -- just my latest obsession. One day Caleb came to play and lined them all up to go to pre-school.

David had his 38th birthday. He is now a year older than me.

Joseph's 6th birthday. All he wanted was Legos. Please note his interest in the birthday pie versus his gifts.

Tim started back to school after his two week summer break. He needed to get all spiffed up. This was before the haircut.

After the haircut

Two brothers at the pool. Trevor and Timothy

Trevor has to have his fingers in his mouth when he eats. This is a two finger bite.

Bona Fide

2010-06-07T21:30:00.003-06:00

Our son Nate is now a Bona Fide Pathologist and will be moving to Lakenheath Air Force Base near London to use his skills -- unfortunately he is taking our four little grandchildren with him!!!

The Sacred Grove

2010-06-05T23:13:00.003-06:00

Ross's latest painting is now complete. If any one wants a copy please let us know. It has to dry for about a week before it can be digitalized and printed. Jeri Albrecht ordered the original.

Pink Ribbon Project

2010-05-26T17:26:00.006-06:00

I haven't taken many pictures lately but I do have a couple from my little Pink Ribbon Project for BYU Women's Conference. You may recognize some of the ladies in the group picture, and I am still finishing ribbons to be given to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Just Some of the Ribbons

Pink Ribbon Team at BYU Women's Conference

More Fun

2010-03-29T06:56:00.007-06:00

We met Steve, Heather, Alex, Ben and Olivia at Temple Square last Friday. After walking around there we had lunch at the new food court at the City Creek Center. Red Iguana ---yummmmm!

Who could resist Olivia's big blue eyes?

Mitchell, Caleb and Benjamin playing with the Thomas Train Tracks

Be sure to keep reading as there is another update to follow!

Catching Up

2010-03-21T11:44:00.035-06:00

We have been very busy since our last post. Shortly after returning from Boston the Sorensen family moved into their new home. Becca came back and filled over two sacks with Taz's deposits.

We did some painting and carpeting in the basement.

Jenna was blessed on March 14

We had lots of fun with Steve, Nate and their families in town.

Grandpa and Jenna took a little break from all the fun.

We made Smores and ate Smores

Olivia and Luke

Three grandchildren all wanting to sit with Grandpa

Olivia and Great Grandpa

Jenna and Great Grandpa

Uncle Nate gave all the boys cap guns to remember that they have an uncle in Texas

Lots of "La La Boom Boom" with Great Grandpa Wirkus

Brothers -- Steve, Dave and Nate

Luke, hamming it up for the camera

Cousins - Hailey and Kaelyn - had a lot of fun together.

Grandpa and Luke

More From the East Coast

2010-01-26T10:19:00.005-07:00

Tearing out the flower wallpaper from the pink bathroom. Look at that happy face. Hopefully we can get it ready to paint before we leave.

Making spiders - a new project from our bead store.

Brothers taking a morning nap. Trevor in his swing and Timothy in his stander. Timothy seems to tolerate his stander much better since his surgery. Perhaps he was in pain before they fixed his hip.

Sweet little Trevor

SNOW!!!!

2010-01-18T09:12:00.003-07:00

We woke up to bunches of snow this morning so Ross and Alyssa went out and built a George Washington snowman -- wooden teeth and all!!

We Are a Happy Family

2010-01-17T10:44:00.003-07:00

Trevor Jason Poulsen

2010-01-17T09:31:00.006-07:00

Trevor was blessed today. He is only two weeks old so his clothes are bit big.

Alyssa loves to hold and tend him.

Debbie was kind enough to share her extra fabric and pattern from Luke's blessing outfit so we have matching cousins.

We were thrilled to be able to be in attendance.

Trevor and his mom.

The Last of 2009

2010-01-01T13:13:00.008-07:00

This is how Grandpa and Grandma tend when mom and dad go out on a date. I don't know what they were watching but it was good!

Nate showed us his new head of hair -- I don't think Luke is too sure of it.

Jenna Rebecca Sorensen is now living with us along with her mom and dad and brothers. It is fun to have an infant in our home again. She is a sweetheart.

New Years Eve Clint made a big pot of Low Country Boil--Potatoes, Sausage, Corn, Shrimp, and Crab boiled with special seasonings and then drained and poured out on the table. This is something he had on his mission and we were grateful he was willing to share. SUPER YUMMY

A Visit to a Ranch

2009-12-26T18:51:00.004-07:00

Today we visited a Texas ranch that was built originally as a movie set. We saw lots of animals. The kids got to ride a horse and they sat on a longhorn steer. Grandpa and Grandma were too old and heavy to sit on the steer but we had our picture taken with him.

Grandpa and Grandma had to go to jail.

And so did the whole Clement family.

In Texas With Nate

2009-12-23T08:12:00.005-07:00

We went to the Nature Center in Austin where the kids buried Luke
at the Dinosaur Dig.

Luke,Kaelyn, Ian and Annika built a fairy house.

Our New Little Dolly

2009-12-21T15:31:00.004-07:00

Jenna Sorensen, born Sunday, December 20. She was a bit early but mom and baby are both doing fine. She was a nice surprise.

Christmas Came Early

2009-12-12T10:36:00.004-07:00

Knowing how much Becca LOVES? the Twilight books, Katherine custom made some very special shirts for Becca and Clint for Christmas. Andy had a layover in Salt Lake following a business trip to Idaho so he was able to hand deliver their presents. He then had to explain the joke. I am not sure these shirts will ever be worn in public but they are awfully cute!

Clint's shirt has a picture of Jacob with the caption that reads "He's always in the way". Becca's shirt has Edward with the caption "A Girl Can Always Dream".

Becca is hoping Jenna will also be a "Twilight" fan

Caleb just wanted part of the action.

Olivia and Heather Came to Town

2009-12-06T21:32:00.002-07:00

It was fun to get to spend a little time with Olivia and her mom. Look at those big blue eyes!

Once There Was A Snowman

2009-11-25T21:16:00.002-07:00

And a Grandpa

And Two Little Boys

Before and After

2009-11-07T16:50:00.004-07:00

After living in this home for almost 33 years, we finally have a bathroom in the basement.

This is what it looked like before and after.

Preparing for Hogwarts - Halloween

2009-10-22T20:30:00.008-06:00

The Poulsen Home in Belmont took on the scene of much activity as Harry and Hermione prepared to attend Hogwarts ( Halloween ). Mr Ollivander was commissioned to make their wands.

Hermione Granger and Harry Potter watch as Mr Ollivander carves their wands to the exact specifications required. The project took on great seriousness as the instruments of magic were designed, carved and finished.

Ollivander and the grateful recipients of his wands.

Harry Potter aka Joseph Poulsen

Hermione Granger aka Alyssa Poulsen

More In Belmont

2009-10-14T10:34:00.005-06:00

Andy and Ross went fishing off Cape Cod with a co-worker. They caught lots of Bass and just generally had a good time.

Andy and Frank

Timothy Totally "Loopy"

It is good to be home.

2744 Miles to Belmont

2009-10-07T18:39:00.007-06:00

We took the northern route to Massachusetts stopping at Mount Rushmore and - - -

Niagara Falls

We got here the day before Timothy had his surgery.

Our Bags are Packed and We're Ready to Go

2009-10-01T22:38:00.001-06:00

Olivia June Clement

2009-09-21T15:42:00.002-06:00

Olivia June has a name as well as some very proud grandparents.

It's A Girl

2009-09-18T09:30:00.003-06:00

Baby Girl Clement was born Sept 17 and came weighing 10 lbs, 7 oz and is 23 inches. There are no "bird legs" on this girl.

Her big brothers adore her. I am sure that there will be lots of help for mom and dad.

This little girl will be well loved

A Busy Fun August

2009-08-24T11:38:00.009-06:00

The day after Katherine, Alyssa, Joseph and Timothy came to Utah we attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House.

On our way to the Wirkus/Egbert reunion.
The outfits weren't planned!

We took Hailey to Idaho with us to keep Alyssa company.
They really had a good time.

Taking a little break at the Wirkus family reunion.
One of my favorite pictures.
Grandpa Wirkus, Timothy and Katherine

Our sophisticated daughters.

A Little Wii Time

More Wii Time

It was fun having three of our five children in the same place.

Family Time

2009-08-24T02:48:00.007-06:00

Following a are few samplings of August adventures.

David got a cool new phone. Seems it's a guy attraction.

Caleb and Mason wanting to play with Timothy

Alyssa and Hailey enjoyed spending time together. This is a sampling of the "sparkle and glitter" projects that they did with grandma.

We have all spent time snuggling with Timothy.

Here is the new tub in the beginnings of the bathroom.

It's a little hard to tell but this is the status of the new bathroom in the basement.

Bryce National Park and Grand Canyon

2009-07-25T20:34:00.008-06:00

This has been a trip of "firsts" for us. Ross and I have never been to Grand Canyon and although I went to Bryce as a youth, we have never been there together. We have totally enjoyed the last two days. And, we found one advantage to getting old -- a lifetime pass to all the national parks!!! A bargain at $10.00!!

Ross at Bryce Canyon National Park talking to Katherine at Plymoth,MA

Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon

Standing up on the rock formation at Angel's Point, North Rim of Grand Canyon. Ross was not going to let go of that rock for anything!

Ross and Susan at North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Bits and Pieces in July -- A Little Here and a Little There.

2009-07-22T21:04:00.031-06:00

A Weekend Getaway
On July 10 we went with Albrechts, Hansens and Deb Wooley down to Fremont to Karl and Jeri's retirement home.
While there we bottled 84 pints of strawberry shelf jam.

Besides canning jam, Karl took us to the Petroglyphs at Capital Reef and to Fish Lake for dinner.

Clement Gathering
On July 14 we were able to gather with all of Ross's brothers and their wives. There were also quite a few cousins that were able to attend. We enjoyed being together with everyone and wish that this could happen more often.

Lots and lots of kids

Lots of kids

Lots of kids that had on name tags -- now I can't read the tags. HELP!

Aunts and Sister's-in-law.

Clement Family Get-to-gether July 14, 2009

SHAWLS FOR THE OQUIRRH MOUNTAIN TEMPLE
Stake Relief Society Presidency just before delivering the shawls to the temple matron. Left to right. Carolyn Cammack, Karen Livingston, Susan Clement and Deb Woolley.

Twenty three temple shawls made by members in the Glenmoor Stake to be donated to the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

A Day at the Zoo with the Clement Family
Marissa was very brave and touched the snake.
Marissa's legs are just about as long as the giraffes.

I'm looking for Hailey on her tiger!

Marissa on the Carousel

Mason on the train

Zach on the train.

Ross And Susan --- A Trip of Firsts
Found Orin Porter Rockwell's cabin preserved in Eureka, Utah

Went to Cedar City to a Shakespeare Play and had dinner with the Paul Wirkus family who we found wadering the streets of Cedar City.

Pine Valley Utah
July 22, 2009 Pine Valley Utah Chapel. This is the oldest chapel in the church still in use. This is where Dorinda Goheen attended church. They have a memorial to her with her picture and description of her quilts and awards as well as the wooden quilt chest that she brought with her from Texas.

This wall is devoted to Dorinda with her wooden quilt chest featured as a prize artifact.

This is the wooden chest that Dorinda brought from Texas to Utah. It is in a prominent spot in the Pine Valley Church.

Ross found his great grandmother's grave in the weed choked Pine Valley Cemetary.

Mountain Meadow Massacre
The Church has erected this monument on the site of the Mountain Meadow Massecre where the remains of 29 were found.

Mountain Meadow Massacre Monument that overlooks the sight of the horrible atrocity.

Our last stop for the day is St. George - In & Out Burger for supper!!

A Day at the Farm

2009-07-02T16:18:00.009-06:00

This morning Becca and the boys went with us to Thanksgiving Point Children's Farm. We had lots of fun petting and feeding the animals and riding the horses. After we left I thought that I had lost my camera so we went back to the parking lot. My camera wasn't there but we did find Ross's sunglasses just sitting there in the dirt. After we got home I found the camera in a box of crackers in my bag!!

Caleb wasn't too sold on learning to milk a cow.

The boys LOVED the animals.

Mitchell and Caleb petting the horses.

Caleb riding a pony.

Mitchell feeding the goats

Caleb feeding the goats.

June 2009

2009-06-28T16:52:00.019-06:00

Following is a summary of the month. I haven't taken many pictures but this will give you a glimpse of some of what we have done.

I loaded the photos with the latest events first. This is a picture of the Glenwood City Cemetary. We took a day trip with John and Judy to visit Glenwood, Utah, home to some of the Heileson ancestors. This cemetary has no vegetation. All the plots are surrounded with some kind of cement or brick border and filled with rocks. One plot was actually all covered in cement.

This is the orginal city cemetary where dad's great grandmother is buried. There are very few markers left and absolutely no grass -- all dirt.

I loaded this picture twice and can't get it to go away!!!

This was a store owned and operated by the Heileson family.

We celebrated Dave's birthday and almost burned the house down! Now Dave and I are the same age.

I made 36 sling bags for the girls and leaders going to our ward camp. They all had "Princess" embroidered on them except for the two camp directors which said "Queen" and "Lady in Waiting".

Philip Wirkus left for his mission on the 17th. This was at their home the Sunday before leaving. He will serve in the Mexico Culiacan Mission.

This picture should come after the next one.
On our way to the car Ross tossed their newspaper back to the house. It landed on the roof. Becca had to climb on his back to reach it with the rake.

One morning as Ross and I were on our way to the Draper Temple Becca called with a plumbing problem. After the session we stopped and Ross fixed it. I wonder how much a "white collar" plumber should charge.

Our stake was given the assignment to furnish 20 shawls for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. This is a sampling of what has been donated.

< THE END

This and That

2009-06-01T19:40:00.011-06:00

I have not taken many pictures lately but thought

I would share a couple of things. We went to Idaho for Memorial Day.

This is Grandpa Wirkus at the Ammon Cemetary

where his parents are buried.

Mom's grave at the Lincoln Cemetary
This photo was taken of a picture in a book
of a quilt made by Dorinda Moody (Ross's Great, Great Grandmother).
The following pictures are also from this book.
She made all these quilts totally by hand
plus she wove and dyed the cloth to make them.
We took this picture at the Pioneer Museum.
This is a quilt also made by Dorinda.

We enjoyed having Velma and Johnny visit with us

while they were in town.
We went to the museum with them and Velma
owns the copy of the quilt book.

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!!!

MORE IN TEXAS

2009-04-21T22:05:00.003-06:00

Ross and I took a day trip to Houston where Robert and Julie Sorenson took us out to lunch and then Ross spent some time at Rice University checking out some family history. Apparently one of his great grandfathers had dealings with Sam Houston before Texas was even a state.

I Loved getting to spend time giggling with Julie

Nate's real birthday isn't until tomorrow but we had a cake a candles for him before we left.

Arches

2009-04-21T21:01:00.003-06:00

During our trip to Texas we decided to take our time and visit some places we had never been. Arches was the first on our itinerary. The next day we spent some time in Santa Fe and enjoyed it so much we stopped there again on the way home. We also stopped at Carlsbad Cavern. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of the Caverns or Santa Fe.

If you look very closely you can see the delicate arch in the background of this picture. We did get up closer but the wind was blowing so hard it made picture taking a challenge.

April in Texas

2009-04-20T22:42:00.010-06:00

Just thought you might be interested in a little of what we have been doing this month. We will start with the last.
We were able to drive to San Antonio to spend some time with Nate and famly. Ross and Nate did some remodeling to their kitchen ceiling. This is Grandpa and Ian doing some work together.

We also had a chance to get to play with the kids. Here Ian is holding his new "little" brother Luke.

And here is Kaelyn holding that same sweet "little" two month old baby.

We celebrated Debbie's birthday with cake and a near house fire!

Nate brought her tulips. What else would you give a wife from Holland?

We all spent a lot of time cuddling and playing with Luke Emil Clement.

He was blessed on Sunday, April 19th by his father Nathan Floyd Clement.

Grandpa and Grandma had the most fun playing with the kids and visiting with Nate and Debbie.

This is the morning of Luke's blessing just before leaving for church. What a fun little family!

April Showers Bring

2009-04-05T19:52:00.008-06:00

April brings a third birthday for Mason. We were out of town for the actual day but here is a picture of the birthday boy. We also had two of our favorite boys from Oregon come to visit.
Steve and Alex and Ben came for conference Saturday. Unfortunately Heather wasn't feeling well enough to come by.

Becca and Darci also have birthdays this month and we hope to post something regarding their birthdays later.

Our Own March Madness

2009-03-27T17:11:00.009-06:00

Caleb came to play while Becca and Mitchell went to the

Draper Temple open house.

He wasn't tired and he didn't want to put his head on the pillow.This is the morning of the Draper Temple Dedication.

Becca and Clint had to be at the meeting by 7:00 a.m. so

Mitchell and Caleb had a sleepover and got to eat breakfast

while watching a movie.

Life is good at Grandpa's and Grandma's.

Ross climbed the apple tree and took out tons and tons of wood.

Hopefully if this is our year for apples we won't have quite so many windfalls.

Susan and friends went for a pedicure and then out to dinner.
Picture five women with their pants rolled up
penguin walking into a restaurant
in matching bright yellow flip flops.

Can you tell which one is Susan?!!!

Emma Visits South Jordan

2009-03-27T06:36:00.014-06:00

Emma recently took a trip to South Jordan

where she attended an evening in her honor.

"Elect Sisters in Zion --

an evening with Emma Smith"

at the South Jordan Glenmoor Stake Enrichment Dinner and Program.

She was thrilled with all the wonderful things that were

said about her.
The Decorations were beautiful.
The food was delicious.

Almost three hundred sisters were in attendance.

And they were all humbled to be in her presence.

What is Wrong With This Picture

2009-03-14T12:29:00.002-06:00

Ross and Susan recently made a trip to Idaho Falls

to borrow something from Grandpa Wirkus.

Can you tell what we took?

February Flew By

2009-03-01T15:07:00.018-07:00

Timothy was so excited that we were coming to see him--

he put on his dancing shoes!!!

After a long miserable January somehow February just

FLEW BY!!

I spent some time making quilt tops

and starting hand quilting one of them.
Ross spent more time on his painting.
I think it is about done.

We had an impromptu birthday celebration for Caleb

before leaving for Boston.

Where we had a wild and crazy time!!

Joseph and Grandma turned themselves upside down with the camera.

Timothy showed us all his new equipement

and was frankly quite bored with some of it.

He did show off really well for his music therapist.

We spent some time at the science museum where Alyssa

got to touch a real sheep's heart and lungs.

We did our own science experiments at home with

Alyssa's science kit.

We spent a lot of time loving Timothy.

And loving Timothy

Grandma made Alyssa a dress for when she is baptized in June.
(She is not allowed to grow between now and then!)

Ross and Katherine took on a major project in the basement.
They pulled out some old paneling and put up sheetrock.

They spent a lot of quality time together.

(note all the dust in the air)

The end result looked really good.

AND NOW IT IS MARCH!!!!!

Family Fun

2009-01-21T10:37:00.017-07:00

Steve, Heather and boys came for a visit.

Alex had me put some extra stuffing in his dogs.
Monday night was family home evening.

Afterwards Zach and Mitchell took and bath.
Apparently Caleb wanted one too!

Becca gave the lesson.

We learned that our body is a temple.

It was a night for brotherly love.

And more brotherly love.

We had an early celebration for Alex's birthday.

He got to decorate his own cake.

We were entertained a bunch by Ben being Ben.

And Ross continues to work on his painting.

Happy? New Year

2009-01-11T16:27:00.005-07:00

Happy new year to all.

Ours has started out with lots of snow. Susan has had strep.
But Ross has had lots of time to spend on his latest painting.
And it is looking really good!.

Silent Night -- Crazy Day

2008-12-25T10:00:00.020-07:00

The day before Christmas started out with Ross going to his last day of work.

He took some gifts to the staff and turned in his keys and computer.

Thus end 36 1/2 years of employment with LDS Family Services.

And then we celebrated Christmas Eve
The family that live in town came for our traditional dinner
but this is a time when we miss have the rest of the family with us.

We ate,
(Heather note the vinyl on the wall)

and we ate,

and we ate.

And then we celebrated the birth of Christ

with our own version of the nativity.

Marissa was the narator.

The kings (Clint and Dave) are still in the east.

Hailey was our angel.

Becca was Mary and Rupert Shane was baby Jesus

(Caleb was a king but came early to visit)

He has had a cold and has found a way to save on tissues.

Zachary was Joseph

Mitchell was our sheep.

Mason was the perfect the shepherd.

Following our magnificent production and singing of carols,

we had chocolate cake and the choice of egg nog, sparkling cider or sprite.

And then every one left and it was just the old folks at home.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Happy Birthday Ross

2008-12-23T18:23:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was Ross's birthday.

Every other year he has received at least one new white shirt.

Now that he doesn't have to wear a clean white shirt every day to work,

he got a new set of sweats and a windbreaker for his walks.

Here he is talking to one of the kids on his big day.

Wirkus Christmas Party

2008-12-22T08:36:00.006-07:00

Sunday night we went to the Wirkus Home for their annual -- much anticipated and much loved--Christmas party. We ate German food, read the Christmas story and sang songs. Mostly we just enjoyed being in their home and visiting.

Andy, Janice, Paul, Emma, Phil, Tim, Jessi

Ahlstrom Family:
Marta, John, Camille, Annie, Sam and Hannah

The Sorensens:

Clint, Caleb, Becca and Mitchell

And the Clement family

Dave, Marissa, Hailey, Darci, Mason and Zachary

(Maybe Dave had too much to eat!)

Ross and Susan were in attendance but they were the picture takers not the takees.

Gingerbread House

2008-12-14T21:08:00.002-07:00

Alex, Ben, Grandpa and Grandma made a gingerbread house.

It was hard to not eat all the decorations.

Snowed In

2008-12-14T13:35:00.005-07:00

We are currently in Portland playing with Alex and Ben.

Steve and Heather have run away for the weekend.

We had planned to go to church today--but

everything is cancelled due to the snow!!!!

This is not Utah!

Tis the Season

2008-12-07T20:07:00.007-07:00

Friday afternoon Ross and I went to the Festival of Trees.

It is truly amazing to see the variety of displays.

Saturday morning Hailey was baptized.

Dave dressed (in)appropriately for the occasion.

And then he repented.

Hailey looked like a little angel

A Thanksgiving Tale

2008-11-28T08:30:00.014-07:00

Over the river and through the woods

to their grandparents house they came.

They ate

And they ate

And they ate

Then Grandpa washed the dishes

While the boys watched tv

Till they saw a promo for a movie -- and left!

Then the children could have quiet time

Before the shopping plans began.

The end of the story--

till the

traditional turkey and cranberry sandwiches Friday morning.

Best Husband Ever

2008-11-18T18:47:00.002-07:00

Obviously there is not much going on at our house

if this is all we have to tell!

One morning Ross got up quite early and not wanting to wake me

put on his shoes to go get the paper without turning the light on.

What a guy!!!

This and That

2008-11-02T19:09:00.003-07:00

This is a new project for the newly retired and his daughter.

A piano duet!!!! That is Zachary in the very first pile of leaves with
many, many, many yet to come!

It's a Done Deal!

2008-11-02T18:05:00.005-07:00

It is official. Ross has retired. This is picture at his openhouse held Oct 31. What a wonderful experience. This a picture with Scott and Lynne Peterson. Ross and Scott worked together when Ross was in Provo.

More Fun

2008-10-19T18:43:00.014-06:00

Here is a pictoral recap of the past week.

Last weekend I went with Jeri, Shelley and Deb down to Jeri's new home in Fairfield, Utah -- about 3 hours away. We had a great time giggling and watching movies. The Albrechts have a beautiful new home down there. They will use it as a retreat until Karl retires.

Last Monday night we had Family Home Evening at our home. We had a small pumpkin harvest -- just enough for each of the children to have one. We had them draw numbers to get their pumpkins and then the parents helped with the carving. Here is Mitchell's first reaction to pulling out the pulp and seeds.
Somehow Calab ended up with the largest pumpkin! We had quite the variety. After pumpkin carving we made spudnut donuts rolled in sugar. After everyone went home Ross and I swept and mopped the floors -- pumpkin pulp and sugar all over the place!

On Thursday Ross and Susan drove to Idaho. While we were there we took a ride up to the Teton Valley. This is a view of the Tetons from the Cache Clawson Cemetary. We also stopped at the Victor Emporium and had Iron-port with Cherry drinks.

Grandpa Wirkus and Ross visiting at the cemetary. The weather was incredible.

We also took a ride out to Roberts. This is the Clement homestead.

Emily Jenkins Murray and her five children came to see Grandpa Wirkus while we were there. Grandpa took them all for a ride in his trailer.

Susan followed along behind the trailer on a bicycle that Grandpa Wirkus found in the dumpster.

Then we did an archeological dig and found names carved in the cement step of the playhouse. There was also a date showing that the cement was poured on 16 May 1953.

Maryan, Susan and Annette were the only children when the playhouse was built.

Then we found the same names and foot and handprints on the cement in front of the fireplace.

This shows that the fireplace cement was poured on 25 April 1953.

The footprints and handprints don't show up quite as well.

Now we are home again.

Ross goes back to work for a couple of weeks and then retirement officially begins!!

Not So Bad

2008-10-08T17:20:00.003-06:00

Before

Keeping the ice on
The morning after

I don't look nearly as bad as Ross did!!

Conference Weekend

2008-10-08T17:05:00.003-06:00

Typical conference weekend weather -- Caleb dressed appropriately

Girls night out has turned into
stay at home while the men go to Priesthood
and keep the kids busy

Look at the new temple. The stone is actually finished on the south side.

More Adventures

2008-09-29T07:26:00.014-06:00

Since the last time we posted--

Zachary had his sixth birthday

celebrated with a soccer cake

Mitchell had his fourth birthday

with a baseball diamond cake

Ian turned five --
chocolate cake with chocolate frosting

Grandma got to spend two weeks in Texas with--
Kaelyn the Coker Cub

Ian the T ball player

Annika the Princess

And Nate the garden king
(for those of us who live in the frigid north, he is planting his winter garden!)

And then Grandma went home

To find that Ross had been very busy making a path around the house

And preparing the patio for more concrete.

Now we are counting down the days until retirement. Last day of work scheduled for October 31. This is no trick -- only a treat.

Summer Fun

2008-08-24T18:53:00.010-06:00

Ross and Susan drove to Portland to spend time with Steve, Heather and boys.

We played ball and went to the zoo where we ate elephant ears and rode the train.

We went to Kami Clement's wedding.

We went to Cannon Beach -- but it was too rainy and cold to play in the sand. But not to cold to eat ice cream!

Then we came home to tend Caleb,

Mitchell,

and Mason!

Partying to Portland

2008-08-10T22:18:00.005-06:00

Last week 'Bonka' alias Grandma Suans got to drive back to Portland with Alex, Ben and Heather. The boys were great little travelers and Heather and Susan enjoyed the chance to visit.

A scoop of ice cream along the way made the time fly just a bit faster.

Once we made it to town Alex and Grandma Suans had a fun time with Alex on his bike at the park.

Next week Grandpa and Grandma will drive to Portland to spend some more time with these cute boys. Grandpa needs

to be sure to remember to take his mitt. Playing catch is a must!

More Pictures

2008-08-07T22:12:00.006-06:00

Wonderful, Crazy Days of Summer

2008-08-04T11:32:00.015-06:00

Since last posting much has happened to the 'old folks at home'. Susan spent a week at girls camp. There will be no pictures posted to celebrate this event. They may scare the children -- young and old. She was also sustained as stake Relief Society president -- once again no pictures!

We were blessed with the visit of Nate, Debbie and family. During the week that they were here we had lots and lots of FUN. The events have already been posted on the Texas Clement blogspot as well as the Sorensen family blogspot. I will share a few pictures.

You can tell a Texas van by the horns.

Trying to get a picture of all the kids together!

Steve, Heather and boys came the day after Nate and family left. Steve was only able to be here a couple of days. But we were able to spend some time with them. We had a late fourth birthday celebration for Benjamin.

Swimming in the tub.

Happy birthday Ben.

Adventures in Belmont

2008-07-13T08:31:00.006-06:00

We feel very blessed to have been able to spend two weeks in Boston with the Alyssa, Joseph and Timothy. Thankfully we were both able to be there as it took two of us to do what Katherine usually does by herself. Joseph and Ross were best buddies.

Alyssa and Susan spent lots of time together. Timothy just got tons and tons of love. We did venture out a bit thanks to "Lucy" our GPS system. We spent one day at the Boston Children's Museum and one day at the beach. Actually we spent one day driving through Rhode Island to end up at a beach in Massachusetts -- long story. We also spent lots of time at the Belmont pool, watching movies, playing on the computer and doing projects. The kids had more Dunkin' Donuts and slushies at the nearby variety store than they are usually allowed -- but it is our job to indulge!! Joseph had his 4th birthday while we were there and we were able to participate in all of Timothy's therapies. We even got to observe his Perkins School for the Blind preschool.

Happy Birthday David

2008-06-17T16:38:00.003-06:00

Happy birthday David. I don't think that he looks very happy but maybe he is realizing that next year he will be as old as his mom!

New Toys

2008-06-12T16:03:00.005-06:00

Please note the new toys added to the Clement home for the entertainment and enjoyment of all visiting grandchildren. In case you can't tell the first picture is a little sandbox. Remember our old sandbox and the hours and hours of fun?! (The sandbox is just a small pond liner from Home Depot with a couple of bags of sand. I should have saved the pile of sand we found under the carpet pad just inside the door of the bedroom. It was pretty significant!) We do have a cover for it so the cats can't get in.

The other is a little table and chairs from Ikea. I have wanted one for quite a while to put down in the toy room with the dishes. So far it hasn't made it downstairs -- it's just too much fun for two little boys having a sleepover.

Family Home Evening

2008-06-11T10:30:00.005-06:00

Each second Monday of the month we invited family members for family home evening. We rotate responsibilities but I alway fix the meal. Monday we had leftover smoked meat and fruit from Tim's luncheon. Then I fixed onion rings, french fries, and a green salad. David gave a message about fathers, Becca brought chocolate chip cookies for the treat and grandpa and grandma organized a rousing game of hopscotch which turned into a lot of chalk art all over the place. We always have a lot of fun and wish that you could all be here.

Tim's Wedding

2008-06-08T22:13:00.006-06:00

Just thought that you would like to see a few pictures from Tim's wedding. The flowers were so pretty and the garden setting was beautiful. The guests were able to enter through the garden, greet the bride and groom and then go inside for the reception and visiting.

I didn't get very good pictures at the temple and I didn't get any at the luncheon. I was just too busy! All in all in was a great experience to be able to be involved.

2008-05-30T07:48:00.004-06:00

Just thought that you might like to see a few photos from our Church History adventure. We had a great trip and it was fun to be with Great Grandpa Wirkus and Brent and Ann.

Spring Flowers

2008-05-26T21:40:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago I took these pictures of our front yard. The flowers and trees were just so beautiful I couldn't resist.

I Did It

2008-05-26T18:12:00.003-06:00

This is Grandpa Ross hula hooping on the Wii.

Happy Memorial Day

2008-05-26T17:44:00.004-06:00

I have been trying for the past hour to upload some pictures. It seemed easy when Rebecca showed me how but for some reason it is not working. So you just get words. Since coming home from our trip to the midwest Dad and I have just been trying to get caught up and adjust back to the real world.

Our trip was wonderful. We really enjoyed having Grandpa Wirkus with us. He is such a wealth of experiences and knowledge of Church History. We had lots of wet weather but any time we were seeing sites that were outside the weather cooperated. Grandpa is so energetic we certainly didn't have to ever wait for him! In fact at times we struggled to keep up!! Thanks to him we got to sit in on a rehearsal for the summer riverside program as well as a lecture on the communities on the outskirts of Nauvoo. As soon as we checked into our hotel he wanted to run to the Visitors Center to see if there was anything going on -- and that is what we found. We did all the regular stuff in Nauvoo and Carthage. We also drove out to Ramus where we found Katherine Smith's grave (Joseph's sister). We also drove through Missouri visiting sites. We were able to get into Haun's Mill. Grandpa had never been there so that was a bonus for him. Branson was fun. The shows we saw were very well done. It is appeals to the geriatric population -- but I guess "if the show fits..."!

Today Becca and Clint invited us to brunch at their home. If I could get the computer to cooperate I would show you a picture of Grandpa Ross hula hooping on the Wii. Once he had proved himself an expert we went to see Ironman. Indiana Jones was pretty much sold out but we enjoyed Ironman a lot. It has rained and rained and rained today so outside activities have been prohibited. Hope that you all have had a good holiday.

Starting Out

2008-05-22T21:27:00.002-06:00

This is a whole new experience but I will give it a try. Be patient -- and don't be afraid to send suggestions. I can use all the help I can get.