The Leavitt Ranch

Happy Birthday James!

2011-07-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

It is My son-in-laws 30th Birthday today! Happy Birthday! James is a very good Father, Husband, Son, In-law, and friend. We miss seeing him but hope you enjoy your day today! We love you!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUTCH!

2011-07-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Can't believe that Butch is 5 today... He is my oldest Grandson.. What a cutie and he is all BOY!! I love him and miss him a lot.(he and his family moved to Ill.) He is very smart, fun, happy, loves Transformers, Cars, bacugons(spelling?) trucks, tractors, animals, football, Chicago bears, and his family..What an awesome grandson. Happy Birthday Butch! Grandpa, and Grandma, and Aunt Heather love you!!!
I love this picture. Butch looks so grown up. A little out dated but still cute.

All boy. Boots , P.J.s and a tractor, What else is there.

New Happenings

2011-05-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

Baby Richard riding the wiggle cars!! This was a fun day!

Hyrum Gus Dudley and his mommy playing at the ranch!

Heada took Hunter, Lindsey, and little Richard on a Ranger ride!More of the chicks eating. Aren't they so cute?? This is a shot out to Butch and Rocky because we know you boys would be in the pen chasing those chickens!! We love you boys!!!!!
Lindsey Kay playing with the geese and chickens. She loves to look at them and get the eggs.
We got chickens at the ranch and a lot of them! They lay eggs and the grandkids love them! Hunter is afraid of them, and says ," If those chickens try bite me I'll Kick their A**.. " We don't know where he got that from.. but its so cute!

Heather's Spiral volleyball team had a banquet. And we love her the most out of all of our kids so we went and supported her!

Happy Birthday Jo Jo Butt!

2011-02-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Well we are having another Birthday in our Family. Today is Joleens Birthday. She is a wonderful Daughter, Mother, Wife, Sister, Friend , and Aunt. Hope today is a good one and we love you more today than ever You are awesome!
Here is jo with Her newest little boy Duke.

The only picture we took on our little trip to Reno last year. What a couple of goof balls we had fun running to catch our plane....
Jo with Rocky. ( sorry jo don't have to many pics of you on my computer but tons of the kids)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Another Birthday Shout Hooray!!

2011-01-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

Well it is Heathers aka. (Head of lettuce) 17th Birthday on Friday!! She is a great daughter and alot of fun. It is never dull with her around, She is always making someone laugh. She loves to play volleyball and is pretty good too. We love her and wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!Head of lettuce is #9

Happy Birthday Calli!

2010-12-31T06:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday! Today is Calli (aka guppies) Birthday What a great daughter! A very Beautiful daughter, Bride and Mother. We love you Calli and wish you a very Happy Birthday! Calli was born at 2:00 a.m. on the 31st. We joked because we got to claim her on our taxes for the whole year. We always tell her that everyone parties on her birthday!

Happy Birthday Forrest!

2010-12-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's Forrest Birthday today what a great son. If you know Forrest you know he loves animals and loves to hunt. Here he is riding in to get Buck and his Big Horn Sheep.Here he is with his Mountain Lion.
Happy Birthday we love you!!!

It's about time!

2010-12-03T05:50:00.000-08:00

Well it has been awhile and I thought that I might need to catch everyone up. Not a lot happening just normal stuff but life is good. Here we went to the Veterans Day parade in Apache Junction it is a lot of fun short and sweet and just right for the kids. After we head out to the ranch to eat lunch. Kids think it is so fun...This is Meagan and Daylan(Ariannas brother) and Joleen.
Here we have Arianna, Shalice, and Andy.
Here are the kiddos just waiting for all the people to throw candy.
My Baby girl Heather went to Homecoming. WOW! I can't believe she is that old. She looked beautiful. I remember when it was like pulling teeth to get her to wear a dress to church and white socks with lace. Oh my she has come a long way! She is a wonderful young women.
This is her friend Khaled. Nice boy and very cute too. They had a blast. p.s. I know her hair is black. Isn't it crazy? She likes it it has taken some getting use to but oh well it is just hair right?I have lots more to put on but that is it for know .

A new addition!

2010-07-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

The other morning I went out and there was something swimming in our pool. A stinkin frog! Every time i tried to get it in the net it would dive down and swim away. I really don't like frogs. Wish Heather was here to get it. Zoom in on it so you can see it. (gross)
Our Watusi had a baby thurs. night it is way cute! I love the spots here is all the kids petting her. boy what a difference from the baby buffalo the mom is ok with you touching and petting it.
This is the mom.
I think we are naming her Jessie (like jessie in toy story doesn't she look like her chaps?)
Lindsey has started dance classes and she loves it and looks way cute in her leotard and spandex. She loves to show you what she is learning. Watch out so you think you can dance!

2010-06-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

where have the last 2 months gone?

2010-06-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

My dad had eye surgery a couple of weeks ago. Poor guy has had 7 cornea transplants and none took so last resort is to take the eye out. So they did... He has had a really rough time but is finally feeling a little better. This is the day after surgery and it looks way better then it gets but he is a trooper and still kept us laughing even when he was in a lot of pain. I love my dad he is a great man he has endured a lot of physical painful stuff in his life but has bounced back and enjoyed it to the fullest. He always has time and had time for us kids and we did alot together, Hunting, fishing,water skiing, sports, and he never failed to be at every boring dance recitial and everything. He taught us to love our Savior and raised us to love and live the gospel. I love you dad and have a early happy Fathers Day!! You are the best.
Butch and his teacher Miss Jenna.
The Grad and his family
Butch loved school because his bff Easton was there too.
More of Butches graduation he loved school

2010-06-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Butch graduated from preschool. Such a cutie!
Lindsey loves to ride her bike. Such a big girl.
Here is Spiral 16 black at the Region tournament in Ariz. We won the 16 open. We are going to Nationals in Reno. June 29th
Spiral 16 blacks did very well took 5th.
Joleen and I took a really quick trip to Reno to watch Heather play volleyball .

snow in april?? not in mesa

2010-04-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

We went to Conference the 1st weekend in April. It was a lot of fun. The weather was so crazy but it was neat to see something different. Here is Ron cleaning off the snow so we can drive to Salt Lake.
Our car with a little frosting Sunday Morning.
After being spiritually feed and up lifted. The snow had melted and it was beautiful. We went with friends Ron and Paula Knight and Hoke and Diane Holyoak. It was a way fun trip. Thanks to the Rojas Family for letting us crash in their basement( we really had fun with them glad you guys are moving closer)
On Saturday look what showed up at Grandmas house. yep Buck and Lindsey and Hunter on their cart and pulled by none other than Super Y. (Every animal that lindsey gets she names Super Y ) Aren"t they cute. Buck says they get a lot of looks and smiles, and thumbs up on the road.

oops!

2010-02-10T14:09:00.001-08:00

I don't know what happened but these got left out. Here is Rocky he doesn't really like Santa yet.
Hunter doesn't like him either boy will that change in a few years.
Butch and Lindsey being wise men in our Nativity.

Here is our Vegas trip. Really had alot of fun and totally can't wait until we do another girls trip.

2010-02-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

Heather's new club team Spiral 161. They won second place at the Fiesta Classic.
Something new they make them walk out and wave something they do at nationals so they have started to do it here.
Fo's engaged.
Meagan and I got pressure canners for Christmas...here we are canning Chicken
Christmas
Buck had a Helicopter ride everything was fine but needed to make sure, had a tussle with a mule.

Sterlings Big Horn Sheep

Well as you all know I am a big slacker so I will try to stay on top of this blog and keep it updated. Alot has happened in our mundane lives Calli was married, Christmas came and went Forrest is engaged and is getting married on the 20th. Heather is playing club and track Sterling got drawn for big horn sheep and shot one yea! I got to go on a girls trip with my sisters and girls and nieces and sister in law to Vegas it was way fun and way needed so I am going to put a few pics up and hope it will catch everyone up.

Bronze Champions!

2009-09-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Heather's School Volleyball team played in the !st Nike Tournement and after a rough start on Thursday they pulled through on Saturday and Won the Bronze Division. There were teams from Utah, California, Nevada and Washington and alot of really good teams. Way to Go Mt. Lions.

The Bunny is home!

2009-09-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well I totally did this backwards, but oh well Forrest couldn't wait to jump in the pool but he waited untill the Monday after he returned and here he is taking a swim.
Doing a cannon ball We built the pool right after he left on his mission.
This is Bro. Marriot and was the ward mission leader and a very awesome man and a dear friend to Forrest. We stayed Sat. night with him and went to church on Sunday and Forrest spoke it was very wonderful to visit his wardf and feel of the spirit of Forrest with this wonderful families.
Here is the church building, some people drive 11/2 hours one way to church every Sunday. Their Stake is one of the largest in the continental U.S. The Stake Pres. lives 3 hours away and put 72,000 miles on his personal car last year for church service. Wow! We live in such a different world here and it really put things in perspective for me. We really had a great time and it was awesome to spend a few days with Forrest as a missionary what an awesome Spirit that he has. We also got Calli married that weekend but don't have pics yet but will soon and post those later Thanks to all who helped with everything especially family we had a busy week and appreciate all everyone did fore us Thanks again.
We picked up Forrest AKA( the Bunny) Here we are with his Mission Pres. Howell and his wife.
After we picked him up we headed to the Mall of America wow! it was huge I absolutely could have stayed there the whole time but we saw what we needed to and then we were of to Duluth.
Duluth was very bueatiful and here we are in front of Lake Superior. We next went to Ashland Wisc.
Here is his Apt. For the last 6 months and here is the veiw from his apt. Never once heard anything about this view or the lake. (boys)
Isn't it beautiful was very chilly also I kind of wished I brought my thermals it was about 60 degrees and people were swimming in the lake crazy!

What Up?

2009-08-16T13:00:00.001-07:00

Well I am so a slacker and have not updated for awhile but here goes (get ready for a long post) This is in backwards order starting with the most recent. Heather started High School on Mon. She feels like she already went last year because she played Volleyball on the High School team so she knows alot of upper classman but she likes it and has all really good teachers. Isn't she bueatiful?
Sterling and I and some friends the Knights went on a quick trip to Las Vegas to a convention thing for the trading blanket it was busy and fast but a lot of fun. (Sorry Cassi that we didn't hook up) Here is a pic. of the new bridge going in at hoover dam. Only picI took
Sterling and Buck and some good friends and family went to Texas on a hunting trip Sterling got this Sheep.
One day this last month my cousin invited us all over to her house to swim and visit it was a great time we had a blast. My grand kids loved all the new and different toys got some good ideas for Christmas. It wa fun to be with family we have so much fun when we are together.
Rocky, Joleen, Ryland, Parker, Jamie, Meagan.and Hunter
Ayla, Julie and Lincoln and Butch and Bradens backs. Thank you Cindi and Carol Lu it was a blast.
Sterlings Uncle Henry died and all the cousins pretty much came from every where and we got a group picture. It was an awesome funeral for an awesome man. Well, now we start a whole nether busy couple of weeks so I better post know or I never will. We leave on thursday to go and get Elder Leavitt from Minneapolis and return on Monday can not wait. Then on The 28th Calli and Richard are getting married. (what was I thinking ) oh well it will all come together and be wonderful.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

I know it is a little late but what the heck. We celebrated the 4th right here in our backyard and ate and swam and watched fire works it was a lot of fun just relaxing at home.
Butch and Lindsey decided to be human basketballs and kept going through the hoop.
This is Lindsey but she went head first. My grandchildren are the biggest fishes even Hunter who screamed all through ISR now he loves the water and loves to swim and float on his back.

Happy Campers!

2009-06-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

We just returned from Girls Camp at Camp Lo-Mia and it was very fun. We were the cooks assistants and it was a lot of work. We really ate good and I think we all gained a few pounds. It was really nice weather (I froze the whole time) Here is flag ceremony one morning. Calli was the Staff cabin mom. She did great and that is her in the back with the black sweatshirt folding her arms.
Breakfast one morning we had biscuits and gravy. Calli, Kayla,and Cammie.
Heather and her friend Marley.
The goofy cooks but we really had a good time and are glad its over. The theme was Incredigirls finding the Power within. We were the Super Chefs. All the classes and programs were amazing good job Staff and Tacey the Camp director.

It's official!

2009-05-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well Calli got engaged yesterday to Richard Gurr. He invited her to Colorado and asked her there. We don't have any dates yet but will keep you posted. She will return home on thursday so untill then spread the word.

May Happenings!

2009-05-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well a lot has happened this month already and it's not over yet but, Heather had her Softball Banquet and received Co- MVP and was very surprised. She hasn't really played organized girls softball before she has played boys baseball(little league) But had an awesome year and really enjoyed the team and coaches.
Heather also received the Outstanding 9Th grade math female. Another surprise .She also was on honor roll and received the Presidential award.(which is honor roll and scored above average on the Aims test. So she has been working hard all year and did a great job.
Sterling got released from the2nd Counselor in the Stake Pres. and put back in as 1st. Counselor.
On a sadder note our really good Friend Joey Mortensen passed away on the 15 th of May and we are really going to miss him. There are not enough words to describe Joey and the lives that he has touched. Some might know him as Trader Joe or Larry, but to my kids he was Uncle Joey and brother to Sterling. He was amazing and our hearts and prayers go out to the family . We love you all.
It's been an emotional couple of days with Mothers Day, Joey's Passing and Sterlings Birthday. I am so thankful for the Gospel and the Atonement in my life. For a very Great family and friends that are so giving and Christ like. I am truly blessed.
(oh and before I forget Thank you Cassi you are the greatest. I absolutely love it)

Diamond Backs!

2009-04-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

We went to a Diamond Backs game this week. It was alot of fun. Although they lost against the CUBS but we srill had fun. We set in the Home Run Porch It was a blast only a couple of steps for the crip to hop up and down and we had free food and drinks all night. It was fabulous.
Hoke and Diane went with us what a bunch of goofy guys (not Diane ) I snapped this just as Hoke had to cough but it was the only pic of Diane so sorry Hoke.
I think Sterling and Hoke ate 3 or 4 or 5 of everything on the menu. You can tell. Hoke just relaxing yelling for the CUBS! Load em up hit a dinger.
Sterling enjoying the nachos! (they were good)
And of course anybody who knows me knows I love cotton candy so I had to get one. Our sweet waitress ran out and bought me one so I didn't have to get up. What a doll! Oh and we rode that tram thing that was an experience in its self but it was fun met some new people and had a great time. WE picked it up at Sycamore and Main and rode all the way to the ball park. The fun was riding home with everyone else and there dog. I think all of Mesa rode this that night. All in all we had a great time but next time I think we will use the parking pass.

Fire!

2009-04-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! Never a dull moment at our house it seems these days. Wednesday evening a knock came on the door as Sterling was preparing to leave for meetings that the hay stack was on fire. Needles to say it was. Sterling called the fire department and they came and watched it burn. There was 3 squeezes of hay witch was our year supply for the animals here.
This is the pile burning and the fire trucks head lights in the back ground. I didn't think to take pics when it was light out sorry.

After about 3 hours of watching it burn Sterling was in patient and did n't want to wait another 6 hours for it to burn out, so him, Buck, James, Bill, and Bob all helped spread it out while Hoke went and got the water truck and doused it in water . In about 1/2 hour the fire was out. I am so thankful that it was just hay and not our home or animals or anybody else s. The wind was blowing pretty good and amazingly no embers blew any where. This is Buck on the tractor pulling the hay out and I think the tires might be a little melted. Oh well thank heavens for good family and friends for helping. Thanks for the blessings that we have had in this last couple of months. The animals are being moved out to the Ranch, so that will be a bummer not having Cordell, and the gang here.

Accidents!

2009-04-09T17:57:00.001-07:00

Well we are having enough accidents at our house. Tuesday Sterling was riding one of his mules and it in a gallop and went down head first and Sterling went with. He put his hands out to catch him but with all the force( and with a 1200 pound mule rolling on you also ) He came out with 2 broken elbows. So her he is he can't feed himself, scratch his nose head or anything, can't hold the phone to his ear,but he can laugh. We both just look at each other and laugh. 2 cripples taking care of each other.
The injured. I hope that we are all done with these darn breaks.
Grandpa with 2 of his boys. Butch and Rocky. Everyone has been very helpful and we appreciate everything escp. Joleen and James , Buck and Meagan. Calli and Heather, and Gina for all the meals and help, running to the store and just being SLAVES. Thank you and we love you!

General Confrence Sunday

2009-04-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

We have a Tradition On General Conference Sunday Before the !st Session Sterling cooks waffles on the camping waffle iron. YUMMY! They are so good so here are some pics from that.
James is cooking some eggs.
Lindsey blessing the food and everyone and everything. She is the best prayer giver.
Spilled milk! And Grandma and Butch and Lindsey watching Conference.

Hello! We are still alive.

2009-03-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have posted and I apologize. I had my second surgery and got all that metal taken out and can semi function as a human being. I still can put no weight on the leg but I am doing o.k. I really appreciate all the thoughtful phone calls and visits, and all the dinners that have been brought in thank you very much.
Rocky loves to ride on his grandmas wheels.
Our Stake had a preparedness fair on Sat. It was really fun my grand kids loved it free hot dogs, Rootbeer, nachos and COTTON CANDY ( my fav) They had these blow up slides and jumpy things they were so cool. (thanks to my neighbor) well Butch wasn't sure if he liked the big slide but he went down.
Lindsey on the other hand loved it and kept begging everybody to take her down( even me) She must have went 20 times.
It was fun to get outside and out of the house for a little bit. I was looking forward to going to Gen. Conference this next weekend and getting out but my doctor won't let me go. Something about blood clots oh well I tried maybe next year. (sorry Paula)

OUCH! Its Broken

2009-03-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

I broke my leg while going mountain hunting this weekend. I get to wear this neat contraption on my leg, but all is well and I'm actually feeling better. Friday I go in to the doctor and then Wednesdays my next surgery!

Having Fun

2009-02-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would let everyone in on whats been going on at our place. We have had Miss Bailey getting some fine tuning and she is almost ready to come home for good. We have been taking her out to the Ranch a little and riding in the arena but yesterday Sterling said lets take her out on the trails. We went into Usery Park which is real close to our house and Sterling bought a couple of new mules and wanted to try them out as well so Buck went with us and we had a good time. Bailey did awesome. I was really amazed at how well she did. We got back and some kids were here for play group and they got to go for a ride also. I'll post those pics later.
Heather finished her freshman year in basketball and is now playing on the softball team.(girls)
Last friday we went to the zoo. It was lots of fun. The grandkids loved it. Rocky and Hunter were the best and really enjoyed being outside all day. Butch and Lindsey loovveed it. Sterling's sister got us in for 3 dollars and was well worth it.
This picture you can't really tell but there is a monkey on the other side of the glass and Butch and Lindsey loved it they would touch the glass and the monkey would too. Quite funny but maybe you had to be there to enjoy that.
They are checking out the giraffes eating it was a beautiful day and glad I got to go and enjoy my grand children.

Happy Birthday! Joleen

2009-02-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday JoJo! She is 24 today and what a sweet daughter, wonderful mother and a great wife. I just want her to know that we love her and wish her a Happy day!

update

2009-02-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

Well what have we been doing? I really don't know but I got a new horse and she is really fun. She is a Dunn, Quarter horse she is 17 so she safe and a lot of fun to ride. This is a picture of Calli we went out to ride one day and she was up by her head(the horses) and I was saddling her and as I cinched up the saddle she turned and bit Calli right through her shirt it hurt but it is funny now. If some of you remember Red Bucks old horse he bit Calli too on the stomach so we think she is just to sweet.
This is the horse no name yet any suggestions?
Joleen and Rocky

We had pudding one night after dinner and I guess Butch wasn't hungry but not Lindsey she ate hers all up. I think Butch thought it was finger paint. I have been working on my Africa scrapbook and it has consumed a lot of my time I don,t think I am even half way yet. Heather is playing Basketball and it is over this week and then she moves on to either track or softball. She is still playing club volleyball and gets to go to Hawaii in March.

A Very Merry Christmas!

2008-12-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone yet another year. It has truly been a great time of year. We had alot of fun on Christmas Eve with my family. Then Christmas Day with our own family and later with Sterling's family. Here we are on Christmas Eve. Joleen and James were home spending Christmas Eve with James Mom from Illinois. We missed them and Butch and Rocky.
Lindsey was a Wise Men in the Nativity. She is by far the cutest I have seen. Thanks to my Sister Gina who made all the cute Nativity costumes. You are the greatest.
What a true boy. Outside Christmas morning with the new tractor in his pj's and boots.
This is what Santa brought me. The cutest little Yorkshire Terrier ever. I named her Gracie . She looks like my Bessie that died not to long ago. She will stay little and not weigh over 3lbs. She is so sweet. I hope everyone had a great Christmas as we did and really enjoyed every ones company through out the holidays.

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

Well in our family I can not remember a Christmas Eve that we didn't get together with my moms side of the family and had a big dinner and open a present. On a Saturday in Dec. We get together and make some of the food. This year it was at Clifford and Kelli's and they are in charge. Oh well we have a lot of fun doing this(I don't know when we get together that we don't have fun) Here is one of my favorite sisters Gina she is cutting up meat but I think Paula Dean better watch out.
This is Kayla and she is sporting a very festive apron and looks way to cute.
This is another favorite Sister Shanna she had the baby duty and did a very good job.
Here is Marcie and another favorite Sister Pommie and Julie and Meagan they worked very hard.
Here is another but my big brother(only brother) just had to be in the picture. We really have a great family and I love them all.

2008-12-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

Well for those of you who know Hoke (enough said) he is just airing something out I guess.
All of us girls after stuffing ourselves.
Arianna, Heather and Calli ready to go for a ranger ride.
Butch and Lindsey ready to ride.
Jo and Rocky all bundled up. We really had a great time we were unsuccessful in the Hunt but what do you expect from a bunch of GIRLS.

Thanksgiving and Elk Hunt

2008-12-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We (Me, Calli, Heather, And Meagan) got drawn for Bull Elk in unit 4b. That is up behind Forrest Lakes. We had a blast! not only did it rain but it snowed. We had some friends who went to help us track the big bulls. The Holyoaks and the Knights. This is were Buck and Meagan slept.
This is where Everyone else slept.(except the Holyoaks and the Knights). Thank goodness for a Trailer it has a Toilet and a shower and a Heater. Arianna went with us also to help Joleen babysit all the little kids while we were hunting. Thank you so much Arianna we couldn't have done it with you. You are the greatest!
Here is our Thanksgiving Feast. It was Fabulous. We were camping but we had a great meal with all the fixins.
Meagan keeping little Hunter warm.
This is what we woke up to Thanksgiving morning. A White Thanksgiving it was awesome.

Lifes Greatest Blessings

2008-11-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Pictures of my darling little grandchildren I just love them to death. They are such a joy in our lives. Truly sweet spirits from our Heavenly Father. A great Blessing to us. This is Lindsey and Hunter.
This is Butch and Rocky.
Here is all 4. We have been greatly blessed this year.

End of the Season

2008-11-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

Heather had her Volleyball Banquet Friday night it was very fun. Here are two of her team mates Catlin and Kate. Everyone on the team has been so good to the" little Freshman". She had a great first year on the Varsity level. Her team did really well and ended up at the play offs for State. They only played 1 game but did real well against Xavier (who ended up winning it all). Heather made Honorable mention for All-Region and also received the Lions Award from the team. We are so proud of her hard work and dedication. Now we are on to BASKETBALL!

Twilight!

2008-11-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

We did it also as many of you did. We went to the first showing of Twilight. It was very good I enjoyed it greatly. I was very pleased by the outcome. I was also very pleased that I stayed awake. Calli,and Arianna,and Meagan went about 9:oo and got right in the theater and saved little ole me an awesome seat I showed up about 11:30 and enjoyed the movie. Idid find out something I really don't like reading the book first I totally knew what was going to happen. But,all in all it was a great movie.

Having fun at the Ranch

2008-11-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Butch and Lindsey love to go to the Ranch and play. We have a barn and they love to climb up the stairs and jump out the Hay loft to Buck. They just love running around and getting dirty.
This is a random picture of Hunter and Rocky. They are getting so big.

This is my favorite picture of Grandpa and Butch just talking and looking at everything.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

I had forgotten how much fun trick or treating is when you have little ones around. Butch and Lindsey really enjoyed it this year. I can't wait to watch them next year. Here is Hunter a Dalmation Dog and what a big boy!
Lindsey is Raggedy Ann and she loved the swings at my cousin's place (the Claires)
Butch and Rocky Butch a Rodeo Clown and Rocky a Pumpkin. They had a blast.

Great Grandpas

2008-10-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Heather had a volleyball game and Grandma and Grandpa Rogers both came to watch. Butch got a little restless and Gpa took him out to buy some candy. Isn't that the most precious pic.
Here they are just enjoying the game. We sure do love gpa and GiGi they are the best great grandparents ever . Don't you think?

Elder Leavitt

2008-10-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well it has been forever since I have updated I don't know why I haven't but here is a post on our Missionary. Forrest loves being in Askov he loves the people and the Branch. He really loves being out in the country. Here he is with Elder Taylor . I got a phone call from a Sister in the Askov branch telling me that Elder Leavitt is getting transferred on Friday the 3rd. I guess a couple of Missionaries are going home early so they are closing down the Askov area and sending Elder Leavitt to Eden Prairie and Elder Hunter(who has been Elder Leavitts comp. for 1 week) some where else. So Elder Leavitt is on a new adventure. He is doing well and really enjoying teaching the Gospel. He says to tell everyone Hi! and I love you all.
Elder Leavitt says that he has seen a ton of Deer. He can't wait to go back after his Mission and hunt. Already has a couple of good tree stands staked out.

Labor Day Swim Party!

2008-09-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

We had a little impromptu swim party on Labor Day. The neighborhood was outside talking jo and james came over Buck and Meagan came by so we had a barbeque it was fun. We had to do it for lunch because everyone had football or Volleyball practice the kids loved it. Rocky and Hunter enjoyed it the most.

I just can't believe how Butch and Lindsey love to swim. They are really fish. They love to be thrown and will come back up saying again.

Volleyball

2008-09-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well the Volleyball season has officially started. Heather made the Varsity Volleyball team at Red Mt. High School (she is only a freshman) So now my life gets a little bit busier. She plays every Tuesday and Thursday nights and has a few tournaments on the weekends.So here is to Heather #9 Go RED MT.

Everybody likes to watch Aunt Heather
Arrianna and Calli and A's Sister Shalice and Jo and Rocky are there too.
Hunter he is getting big.

Another Boy!

2008-08-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well never a dull moment. Saturday we were leaving to run some errands and saw that our Buffalo was laying down and giving birth. We thought she was pregnant but we weren't sure but I guess that proves it anyways she had a healthy bull. We haven't named it yet but are thinking about a name from Thomas the train. Butch loves Thomas. The other baby buffalo was born on Sterlings dads birthday so it is named( you guessed it Laurel). All of our animals are named either from the movie Man from Snowy River or Walker Texas Ranger except the Mules are named after my mom and dad. So we might name it Gorden, or Henry. Butch wants us to name it James.
This is it's dad giving it some nudges or love taps.
Here is Rocky getting ready to come home from the Hospital. What a cutie!

James gave G-pa a bubble gum cigar and he was being silly.

Baby Rocky is here!

2008-08-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Just awaiting for Dr.to arrive.
Patiently waiting
He is here! He arrived at 12:34 p.m. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 1 1/2 oz. and 21 inches long. Looks a lot like big brother Butch. Rocky James Verenski.
HAPPY FAMILY!

Bessy

2008-08-18T14:52:00.001-07:00

Well there is always something going on at our house. This time it wasn't fun. My sweet little Bessy the mother to all the puppies.(Buster and Duke,and Sadie) well she ate a Poisons frog on Friday night and we didn't know that till Saturday afternoon and it was to late she died later that night. She was such a sweet dog but she wasn't very sweet to rabbits, frogs, snakes ,squirrels etc. She was a good mommy to all her pups too. We will miss her.

2008-08-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is an Water Buck and is the last animal for Sterling to shoot.
This is a Dieker. I shot this animal. It is another little one and very hard to shoot at. Sterling had hunted for 3 days and didn't get one but, I took care of it for him. It was an awesome experience and when we go back I am shooting more. It's not my first animal to kill or hunt so it was a piece of cake.Oh and when I got back to the lodge they told me that it is a MONSTER Dieker. It is so big. well i think they were just humoring me but I guess it's really not to bad of a dieker.
We had to pay at some places for toilet paper.
Africa Sport Hunting Safaris the outfit that we were with does a lot of giving back to the community and they ask that if you want to you can donate money to be used to help the town school. We are in the town of Tolve. The school has 1st through 8th grades. Most kids don"t go any farther than the 8th grade if they go to high school the have to live there at the school which is about 11/2 hours from this one and cost about 1200 dollars(American) . So not very many have this money. So Kylie Matthews owner of A.S.H.S. is trying to set up scholarship funds and help this school. So we donated some money and she bought Track Suits for the whole School. It is winter there and most do not even have jackets so here are some pics of us handing out the suits. It was a very humbling experience .
Aren't they cute. Well that is all I am posting about today We spent three days in Kruger Park and will update about that later. Loved every minute there and missed my family back home. I truly can't wait to go back.

2008-08-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is hunt day 6 and Sterling got a Gems Buck. They look alot like an Orax.
This is an Impala. There are millions of these everywhere in Africa I guess they are the big staple for all the meat eating animals.
This is an Stein Buck. They are small and hard to shot because they are fast. Hunt day 7
This is also an Impala. Sterling thought it might be bigger than the 1st one he shot. Hunt day 8
Hunt day 9. This is an Bles Buck.

2008-08-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

This is still day 2 a Red hearta beast.
Ilene and I went on a Ladies breakaway which we did some shopping and site seeing while Neal and Sterling were hunting for the Big Cape Buffalo. We went to a Palm Tree farm it was really cool this is the only place that this Palm Trees grow and they were not planted. Just came up on there own but they are really cool
We had a dinner in the Bush and it was amazing these are some South Africans doing some songs and dances of there culture.
The Awesome Cape Buffalo
A Bush Buck

We are back safe and sound!

2008-08-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Well we made it back home. It was the most awesome vacation ever we had a blast. I am apologizing now for the many post but I don't know how else to do this so here goes a condensed version of our Africa Safari. We left July 14 Th and flew into Washington D.C. We actually thought we would do some sight seeing but everyone was beat from getting ready and so we just went to the air and Space Museum it was so cool . We left the next afternoon for South Africa and flew for 18 hours. We arrived about 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and arrived at the lodge at 1:00a.m Thursday got settled in at 2:00 a.m and got up at 7:00 a.m. which was 4:oo p.m. Wednesday our time(I got so messed up on the time difference thank goodness for sleeping pills.) Our hunt started with a Wilde beast that is what is pictured.
Then a Kudu I was glad to get to tag along for these.
Then an Eland. These are big and beautiful.
This is an Warthog Disney really portrayed them right in Lion King they are so funny. This Hunt day 2. I was off at a Spa getting a wonderful treatment.
This is an Zebra so beautiful in real life.

Good Bye!!

2008-07-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the day is here we leave in the morning (mon) for Africa. We have been planning this for a while and I can't believe it is already here. We actually stay a day in Washington D.C. so we can do some touring there then off to South Africa. I will post more when we get home and if I can while we are there I will try so stay tuned. I hope our plane makes it and we do return home if not just want to let everyone know we Love You! See ya in 3 weeks.

GRADUATING!!

2008-07-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Calli is graduating today from Beauty School. She has been going to Turning Point Beauty College since 8/14/07 so almost a year. We are so proud of her and love her. We love the great job of hair cuts, colors and perms that she does on all of us. CONGRATS CALLI!!!

2008-07-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Summer Irriagation

2008-07-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

We got irrigation the other day and Butch and Lindsey love to go and play in the water. It's a lot of fun to watch them also. It brings back a lot of memories of going irrigating with my dad but we would swim in the ditches.

Mr. Butch Verenski

2008-07-01T06:59:00.001-07:00

I am very fortunate and get to babysit my grandson everyday he is starting to go through his terrible twos stage (I personally think it is never going to end with him it will be his whole life.) but anyways he went into Aunt Heathers room and found her mascara and had some fun.
Heather also painted the trim for her room and had a little help. I don't know if more paint got on the trim or Butch. (thank goodness I took his clothes off first.)
Happy Painters!

Girls Camp

2008-07-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

We went to Girls camp June 14th to the 18th at Camp LoMia it was an awesome year. Our theme was Oh the places you'll go. It was all Doctor Seuss every ward had a different Dr. Seuss book.(I didn't know that there was so many.) We the Stake Presidency was assigned a book it was And to think I saw it in mulberry street. So we changed it to And to think we saw it on Value Street.(We teach a few Value classes there) Well it was a lot of fun we decorated the Presidential Compound with things you would see on Value Street. First we had a Street sign, street light and a fire hydrant. Then a couple of Missionaries. These are our Missionaries that are out serving Here is a life size photo of them ,(we love having it at home we feel like Forrest is always with us.) Her we had our flag and a picture of Christ.

The Golden Plates. And we also had the Temple which lit up at night. and a wedding dress behind. We had a few other things like the armour of God, and a poster of a Ruby. We even got to do a skit this year it was a lot of fun and I think the Girls all felt the Spirit and enjoyed it.

Laurel Hunter Leavitt

2008-06-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Introducing Laurel Hunter Leavitt arrived June 12th at 12:08 p.m. weighing 8lbs. 3 oz. and 20 inches long What a cutie. Mom and Baby are doing well.

WORK! WORK! WORK!

2008-06-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

This is Sterlings vision of fun. He gets us up at 5:oo a.m. and has us split and stack wood. It really wasn't to bad actually it was fun. We got to spend some time with him. We split and stacked it all. (now you know where we get our big guns-arms) you thought it was from working out at the gym.
Butch had the best time he drove the tractor everywhere.

This is just to cute not to show. Lindsey and Grandpa and Aunt Calli at Heathers v-ball tournament.

It's been a while

2008-06-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

This is Heathers last tournament. This video doesn't really portray the awesome player that she is but her mom is not a good video person and forgets to record when the good stuff happens. Her team which is Molten Black took 4th place out of 160 teams they did great. She leaves for Nationals on June 15th in Florida. Good Luck!

2008-06-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

We picked Sterling up at the Airport and I knew he would want to go straight to the 5 acres because we got water at 3:30 and he arrived in at 5:00 so Buck and James had to irrigate for him. This is the weekend that it rained for 3 days straight. Needless to say we had fun I almost got stuck in my truck and had to put it in 4 wheel drive that was fun.

Heather and Butch enjoying Cheetos and watching Walker.

Alot has been happening!

2008-06-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sterling's birthday was May 18th and he went Bear hunting in Montana. Happy Birthday to you!! Well he actually had a great time and got a Black Bear. Isn't it awesome. I would have loved to have seen this allI can go on are the pics. He left it in Montana at a Taxadermy's to be stuffed can't wait.

2008-05-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Elder Leavitt got his first Baptism on May 3rd. His name is Ishmael he is 10 yrs. old comes from a part member family and his sister is taking the lessons also. In the scriptures it says "An if it so be that you should labor all your days and bring ONE SOUL unto me unto the kingdom of my Father, How GREAT will be your joy. And now if you should be great with ONE SOUL you have brought unto me, how great shall be your joy if you should bring MANY souls unto me. We are so full of Joy just as Elder Leavitt is. Keep up the good work Elder. He just Emailed me and said he got transferred out of West St. Paul, to a Branch out in the sticks. He will love it right up Elder Leavitts alley. The whole Mission got to go to a Twins game and look who Elder Leavitt found. Yes, that is Elder Gurr his best friend. He said it was so much fun to just sit and talk the whole game.

We love to swing!

2008-05-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Lindsey and Butch love to swing. They could sit there for hours and swing and talk. I took some video of them and i thought that i would share that also.

2008-05-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sterling always comes home with something fun. Well, he brought home wiggle cars and they are a blast.(all ages) they hold 320 pds. So even sterling can ride . you move the steering wheel back and forth to go. Butch cheats as you will see . Expect more videos as we use them.

2008-05-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would show ya all what a green thumb my husband has. Here is his little garden. This particular plant is my favorite zucchini squash I can't wait for them to ripen up. This here is his radishes and carrots. The radishes are really good the carrots haven't gotten big enough yet(I don't know the right word for that)

These are his famous Tomatoes just kidding his dads were famous and he learned everything from his dad so his will also be famous. These are Cherry Tomatoes. Maybe if we have an abundance we will share.

Grandpas have the best toys

2008-04-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Sterling bought his dads tractor and him and Butch have been putting it to work. Butch loves to ride on the tractor (I think tractor was his first word) This totally reminds me of Buck with his Grandpa Leavitt on the same tractor 20 yrs. earlier.

This is Butch's Favorite video to watch. He says again, again.

Grand kids

2008-04-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

I have two of the cutest Grandkids I know everyone does but I just truly adore this two . Butch is giving Lindsey a kiss.
We went swimming last week in our new pool that we haven't got to use much we are so excited for it to get warm so we can swim. They really enjoyed the oranges that we ate.
The other day Butch fell asleep while eating his lunch. He is so cut even when he is sleeping.
Butch and Lindsey are taking the ISR Swimming and these are his swim diaper so to speak we think it looks like a little Speedo and so we took a picture before he put his swim trunks on.

Elder Leavitt

2008-04-17T10:29:00.001-07:00

This Elder Leavitt and his District at the Temple . Elder Leavitt and Elder Jemmett having Fun
Forrest Found a cool street sign. (check out the snow)
This is St. Paul Minnesota where Elder Leavitt is serving.
This is some deer in their backyard.
We love and miss Elder Leavitt but we know that he is where the Lord wants him to be. He loves his new area and is teaching a few people. He saya he is going to be the best Teacher when he returns home.

Our Ranch is expanding!

2008-04-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well, last night Sterling added some more to our little Ranch he saw a Chicken sitting on some eggs at his moms house and thought Butch and Lindsey would love them so he brought them home. That night 4 chicks hatched and Butch and Lindsey loved them.
Wow! A Chicken and Baby Chicks.
What is that Grandpa?
He also brought home a Watusi an African Cow it is totally awesome. The horns are huge,this one is 1 1/2 yrs. old and is a Steer.
This an 6 month old one so we are in for a new adventure. These are way nicer than the Buffalo.

Our Little Ranch

2008-04-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our Buffalo. That is Mom and Baby.
This is Miss Bailey our Horse.
This is one of our Mules, We have two they look pretty much the same.
This is Butch my oldest grandson touching the Cow.

Butch and Lindsey just love being outside and checking out all the animals.They love our little Ranch.

Taking Forrest To MTC!!

2008-04-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

We took Forrest Aug. 15th 2007 to the MTC. My favorite cousin Steph took us to Elder Bednar's house. We had a great visit. He is truely a prophet of God. It was an experience we will never forget. This was at The Roof. His last dinner:(
This was at the MTC just before entering. He is going to Minniapolis Minnesota. We sure do miss this boy. But we know he is doing what the lord wants him to do.