MOMTA10

2011-10-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Cameron Regional Medical Center holds a yearly Health Fair. I get to participate.

Karen Joy and I put together 200 ghost suckers for handouts.

2011-10-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Ellie's Baptism

2011-04-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Jeshua and Kaitlyn

Nana and three granddaughters on a road trip. Lots of giggles and squeals for eight hours.

Chelsea had a tent set up for the cousins weekend

Breakfast

Tea Party Time - most of the day actually

Time to do hair.

I love doing this.

Sweet sweet smiles

Ellie's special day

I gave each of them a broach. I love these girls.

Grandma Balinski was a dear and provided this lovely cake.

Chelsea was reading quietly on the sofa. As each child came upstairs they wanted to be with her.

I LOVE MY FAMILY

We stopped often on the way home. This rest stop had a PLAYGROUND!!!

My 2010 Year-in-Review

2011-02-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

(With help from Karen and Amber)

Click on the picture to read the captions.

2010-12-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

Nana and girls

Just the lil women

Liz and Tony

Mischief in the making

Helio and McKay and Sam (I got to see this new grand-baby)

Mark and Amber

Dave and Suz

Helio loving Sam

A night with just the adults. Did they discuss all the wonderful things we did...no, only all the crazy things they did.

We had 36 people here with 13 adults

Every adult helped or held a child.

It was 30 degrees outside so the children rather than circling the house circled us.

It was a wonderful few days of family and more family. I love my family.

2010-12-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

This is our newest Christmas decoration

2010-12-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

Deer jerky in the oven for Thanksgiving morning...new experience

Aurora Marguerite Galbraith

2010-11-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

I drove to Maryville to see my 30th grandchild. Her middle name is the same as my mother's. She looks a lot like Hyrum.

The on going saga of that darn tree

2010-11-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

Tony came over and removed the remaining part of the tree that had continued to threaten falling on the porch, the shed and the car whenever a storm came through. Liz helped move the ladder and remove all the small limbs to the burn pile. An additional bonus has been that the birds can no longer poop on the car. Oh, and by the way, I get better TV reception.

Brotherly Love

2010-11-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Jesh had us stay at his apartment and he enjoyed showing Wil all his guy toys.

Jeshua's Graduation

2010-11-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Wil and I were able to go to Colorado to watch as Jesh graduated from Redstone.

2010-08-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Friday the 13th in Hamilton. High winds and a lot of debris. It was completely unexpected to find the tree had come down blocking our street. We did have to move debris out of the driveway to pull in. There also were lines down up the street. Now to safely cut down the remaining half.

2010-05-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Wil's at his Hamilton High School graduation with his National Honor Society recognition.

2010-03-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is notorious LIZ. She's pretty and pretty darn fast on skates. I watched her with a smile on her face take out an opponent and get points for her team.

2010-03-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Wil designed their team t-shirts. Several positive comments were overheard by other teams. On the back it says,"Back up I'm about to do SCIENCE! These were great students to spend an entire Saturday with.

2010-03-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is Wil's "bridge to nowhere" This was one part of his participation in the Olympiad event. It was smashed at contest, so this is the only evidence I have of several days of cutting, sanding balsa wood and gluing. I do, however, still have lots of balsa sawdust floating around the dining room.

2010-03-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

I went to Columbia to see Wil compete at the state competition of Science Olympiad

2010-03-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

James and his derby car. Wil was called on to weigh in the cars and then run the races. James won one race with his car named dragon!

So There is this Place Called Epic, Where all the Geeks go to Play...

2010-03-21T20:28:00.001-07:00

Wil would like to point out as often as possible how super he is...

Wilson hanging out with the Blues Brothers.

Liz with her dream man...

Overall, Epic was one crazy cool place. Johnathan really enjoys showing off how amazing Epic is. There was a player piano, there was an old fashioned record player, there was a mock up of the space station, all in all it was amazing!

We Went to Wisconsin for...Cheese? NO! For our Cheesy Family!

2010-03-21T19:58:00.001-07:00

Liz, her new daughter Autumn, Amber, Wil, and I went to Wisconsin over the weekend to see the Balinski's new baby boy Asher blessed.

This is him in his blessing suit, and we got to go with Chelsea to help pick it out!

This is Miri looking her Sunday best in her brand new dress.

Talmadge, looking dapper and ready for church.

Ellie in her dress that matches her sister Miri.

We had a wonderful time (even with the 8 hour road trip each way), and were really glad to be able to see Chelsea and Johnathan and reconnect with them.

And the award for best travelling baby goes to ... AUTUMN MANLEY!!! She was such a doll, and was happy go lucky and charming the whole way (to the pleasure of all of her carmates).

Wil's Robotics Awesomeness

2010-03-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth, her kids, and I went to Wil's robotics competition down in Kansas City at Kemper Arena.

This is him and his roommate (the one on the far right, Alex) trying to get the robot up and running.

They were so excited when they could finally pass inspection!

This is Wil's entire team (from top left to right down) Junseok Oh, Matt DeBlieck, Connor Douthat, BreAnna Jahn, Jason Wallace, Margret Steele, Michael (Jemimah) Maples, Nathan Harris, Alex Mannion, Wilson Pipkin, and Jacob Tuia. They placed 28th out of 58 teams at the Kansas City First Robotics Regionals.

2010-02-22T09:55:00.000-08:00

Enough already

2010-02-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

We have 9 inches of snow! Look at how nice Jacob did on my walks.

2010-02-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

I was up early and cleaned the walks and the car. It was still snowing so I cleaned them again. Since church was cancelled, Jacob came over and he cleaned the walks a third time. Then he came again on Monday morning and said, "It doesn't even look like I shoveled yesterday. So he did it again and even took out the embankment left by the road grader. He doesn't just give me a single blade path. He cleans to the neighbor's and the drive way too! I love this young man. Whatever would I do without him.

2010-02-22T09:32:00.000-08:00

Verity told me how to make chocolate mice for Valentines Day. So, Karen (my beloved and talented granddaughter) came over and helped me make 21 of them for our "Single Awareness Dinner." And they were a hit!

2010-02-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

The first storms of winter produced beauty that I appreciated. Reminded me of winter in Utah.

2010-01-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

After Anne's blessing there was an open house at the Stradley's. Uncle William and aunt Charlene were invited to the party. The Stradley's were excellent hosts! They provided accommodations for the Monteiro's and me. Thank you children for providing this opportunity for me!!! Well, now you know, the rest of the story...

~Susi Pipkin

My Trip To Utah Pt. 2

2010-01-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

Mckay and family went to Deseret Industries to shop while Shiloh, Andrew and Anne went to the emergency room at Primary Children's Hospital. Anne had started eating less, and it turned out to be acid reflux had burned her esophagus. Originally it looked like we were going to have a baby blessing in the hospital! However, she was allowed to come home late Saturday. Sharon Jackson took me out to lunch at Applebees.

My Trip To Utah Pt. 1

2010-01-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

My first challenge Friday morning was waking up WAAAAY BEFORE the crack of dawn at 2 am. (It was a tid bit nippy) Challenge numero dos was finding a place to park at the airport considering they had snow drifts over a foot tall around the parking places. Challenge number three was that the plane had to be deiced before we could take off. My fourth challenge was finding my way around the Salt Lake Airport...it was a bit of a maze. Shiloh & CO. picked me up and took me to Stradley's. The Stradley's had their own traditions of things to do on New Years, and I just sat and enjoyed the fun.

Sandra Stradley is to the left, and she and her friends got up at 6:30 am to power walk 4 miles around the mall!!! I thought it was a good idea to join, but only ended up walking a mile...except mine was more of a walk-and-gaulk.

The Eagle (at last!)

2009-11-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

Today was Wil's Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

It's been a long final stretch, that paperwork was a beast.

Here are my two Eagle Scouts:

2009-11-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

During deer hunting season this is one way to protect your yard decorations

2009-11-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Wil performing at the "Academy Has Talent" night and also MC'd the event wowing his Mom!

2009-11-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

For all of you who are far away and missing home...I love you and here are reminders

2009-11-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

2009-11-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

2009-11-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

2009-11-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

2009-10-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Autumn decorations!!!

2009-10-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Went to work, and the leaves were on the tree.....came home....and they were on the ground. Can you locate the sidewalk??? Neither could I :)

2009-07-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

and the following month in Idaho I accompanied McKay to the Rexburg Idaho Temple

Family Reunion 2009

2009-07-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

The highlight of the 2009 family reunion was to accompany Verity to the Winter Quarters Temple

Valentine Surprise

2009-02-15T17:02:00.000-08:00

A gift from Karen Bezet in appreciation for my dedicated service to Helping Hand

Freedom Riders

2009-02-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Honoring Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley

2009-02-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

Protestors came to Cameron to protest the war. They left after a brief appearance when they could see the enormous community support. Jesh and I along with Amber and Phoglets stood along the route to the cemetary waving our flags. Jesh found a Vietnam War Veteran and shared his large flag. There were 300 Freedom Rider bikers there to escort the funeral procession and a thousand people from the surrounding counties waving flags in support along the route. Fire trucks were lined up at the police department from all the surrounding communities with their lights flashing. Jesh said he needed to see this kind of support for our troops. We live in the heartland and we appreciate the sacrifice our soldiers and their families make to provide us with our daily freedom.

Small town Bill-of-Fare

2009-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

If you are an adventurous eater, I know this place fifteen minutes away where we can eat out on Friday nights.

2009-01-25T13:08:00.000-08:00

Just keep thinking... just keep thinking... just keep thinking... thinking... thinking.

2009-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Susannah, Nana, Karen Joy and Wil went to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum on January 3rd. This is Karen and Wil "holding up" a shuttle cock. Silly kids. :)-

Trans Siberian Orchestra

2008-11-30T06:28:00.000-08:00

On the way into the concert a wine-o waylayed us and insisted on hugging me. I backed away saying I did not do that. Then he bear hugged Wil. Wil's didn't want to hurt him. I quickly grabbed Wil's sleeve and said that we needed to hurry so we weren't late to the concert. Thankfully Wil took my arm and moved us quickly. The wine-o walked in front of us all the way saying loudly with his arms outspread that he was the king! Wil and I both checked to make sure we had not been pick pocketed.
After enduring the Kansas City night life, the concert was (insert teenage positive adjective here) and was three hours of visual and aural delight. (this is now wilson talking) The first thing that happened in the show was three ovular metal riggings flashed on and rose above the stage. Then they played a song and then the violinist, guitarist, and bassist came down from thos riggings on mini stages that had LED screens on the bottom flashing trippy images. The whole show proceeded to have crazy flashing lights, AWESOME pyrotechnics, and wailing guitars...a recipe for delicious.

I love my small town

2008-11-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

One afternoon I saw a family ride into town to the local Subway Sandwich. They sat right down on the sidewalk and enjoyed their meal. Only in my town could I get this candid shot

Lord prop me up on my leanin side.

2008-11-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

You see it is like this...There is an old shed out back. It's been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old shed. I've been around a long time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop me up on my leaning side. Sometimes I get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward a lot of things that I shouldn't. So I pray to stand straight and tall again.

Playing with the big boys

2008-10-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

I went to Maryville to watch the NWMSU homecoming parade because Wil was marching in the band. Here he is, the high school Junior marching with a University band! Suse and Ruth followed Millie and me so she didn't get lost. We met up with Mark and Amber and their kids to cheer and catch candy.
The NWMSU marching band was first, so after they got to the end of the route, Wil walked back and stood with us to wait for the Penny High band, because Karen was marching and playing her flute. The Penny High band was the last band in the whole parade!

How to not serve the wedding cake

2008-09-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

My life has a crescendo. It all was leading up to Shiloh's wedding in Nauvoo and reception in my backyard. There was Wil's eagle project of painting 81 fire hydrants in Hamilton. McKay having a baby, and stress over the car, reroofing the house, outfitting Wil for the Missouri Academy for science, mathmatics, and computing and then suddenly the children were gone.

Mr. & Mrs. Stradley

2008-09-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

My seventh and last daughter is now married.

2008-08-24T16:58:00.001-07:00

2008-08-24T16:53:00.001-07:00

Those who tell their own story, you know, must be listened to with caution. Jane Austen

The much acclaimed gazebo on reception evening

2008-08-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

2007-12-11T15:04:00.001-08:00

Ice storm - enough said.

2007-11-04T16:22:00.000-08:00

Wil was a centurian soldier. It was cold here and he made it trick-or-treating with the grandchildren from David's home to ours before calling it quits.

2007-10-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

But Mom all the guys on the football team are getting mohawks. Please...

I promise to cut it all off after homecoming. Please...you know you want to. Please...

Yes family, I did cut his hair into a mohawk

During spirit week they had one day to dress like a rock star. Hence the blue spikes. Another day you were supposed to be your favorite animal. He green spiked his hair that day and told everyone he was a lizard.

Saturday the barber told Wil that he would need to wear a name tag to school so people would know who he was. A family friend said that football must be good for him as he had lost so much weight. I said football or the barber!

Wonderful Summer

2007-09-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Such a wonderful summer. It really started with being able to go to the Temple to see Tony and Liz sealed for time and all eternity.

That was a very memorable part of our family reunion.

Then Amber, Wil and I drove to North to see little Miri (grandbaby #21) blessed. Some days are simply magical.
Jeshua came home on leave and we are so very pleased with him.

The Dodge Intrepid stopped on out on the highway, never to go again. Thankfully, Tony had a trailer and moved the car and Wil and I to the safety of home. Charles is purchasing us a Honda Accord. Again, much gratitude here.

Anthony has arrived, and has red hair. Grandmother Wilson must be delighted. Then Tony blessed him and again, you can't get more perfect than that.

I now take an occasional Tuesday off. That is very rejuvenating. I actually find time to do something I want to do. Even cleaning the shed pleases me, because it is done!