Friday, June 3, 2011

MEMORIAL WEEKEND...

This is the kind of weather we have been getting this past week...not so nice.
It's been cold and super windy and we even got some more snow! Funny
how snow is so delightful in December and so awful at the end of May!


I baked a Cinnamon Roll Cake...wow, it's so good...

And some Cranberry Yogurt scones....

And all of our family got together to celebrate this sweet lady...
She is my mother in law and she was having a birthday...98 years!

Here she is telling us stories about her life. She said; "No party!"
But we didn't listen to that, we all got together to show her our love
and appreciation and to honor her...a lovely 98 year old, beautiful lady.


Also this weekend, our county was filled with these guys...The Mongols
motorcycle gang...there was over 300 of them here for a biker rally. Also here,
were lots of extra policeman and law enforcement and FBI from all over. They
kept a super tight watch on the gang... divide and conquer, and they did it well.


Out in front of our place, 4 law enforcement pulling over a couple of bikers.
They roared up and back past our place and everywhere else continually.
It was so loud, we decided to take off for the rest of the weekend, get out and
away from the cold and the noise.


We took off heading south towards St. George where it's always warm
and nice, with beautiful scenery all the way...we just drove, ate, talked.



A store built right into the face of a rock mountain.

Beautiful red rock country all the way.


When we got to St. George, we stayed here. A beautiful place surrounded
by palm trees and pretty gardens...it felt like we were in Hawaii.





It was so relaxing staying here, soaking in the
hot tub and sitting out in the gardens.



Just before dusk one night we went to see the Mormon temple. Built by
pioneers so many years ago. I can't tell you how peaceful and how lovely
it is, the grounds are full of flowers...tons of roses, and it smells so good.

The sun was just starting to set and the sky
behind the pure white temple was breathtaking!


I took this the next morning from our motel...the white temple against
the red rock is so striking! We went for a jog/walk early that morning and
it was so pleasant and quiet, and at 3,000 ft. (compared to our 7,000 ft.)
it is so much easier to breath full breaths. After we had a yummy breakfast.


Some of the roses that surround the temple...I had my little nose
pressed into everyone of them, inhaling deeply their heavenly scent.
I so miss roses... they just don't grow here very well where I live.

A truly beautiful place...where families can be sealed together forever.


Painters have been painting this temple for years...

And I can see why...gorgeous!


On the way back home, we stopped in to see our youngest daughter
and her husband Michael. This is their new, first home and they are
so excited because they get to move in this weekend.


They are all so excited...even Sophia... I think she thinks the sink is hers!
It's a really nice home with about 5-6 bedrooms, it's really nice through out.


Lindsey had packed a picnic for us with everything you can think of in it.


We sat on the ground on a blanket, my favorite kind of a picnic. Some
of us laid on the grass and watched the clouds for a long time.

And some of us napped in the warmth of the sun..for a long time.


The river that ran past us was full and rushing...not to be messed with.
All the rivers in Utah are like this, we have had so much snow and there
is some flooding through out the state too.


Daddy supervising Sophia who loved splashing her hands in the water.

Lindsey..making mom just a little nervous as she
perches on a rock at the edge of the river.

Yay...she found a rock to play with.

Charlie Brown and Tinkerbell love to retrieve a stick together.


And I loved playing with Sophia on the swings.

We were growling at each other, playing..."I'm going to get you!"

And both of us laughing so hard...so much fun!


When we got home, we went to the cemetary.
It was so pretty with all the Veterans flags.


Along the way of our little 2 day get a way, we stopped at an antique shop
and I found these. I love bees, so I was tickled to find two little bee skeps,
and a metal candle stop that is a bee hive with a little bee on top of it.

This is a real Bee Skep. They were used since 1820 to house bees.
It's an old fashioned bee hive that has been replaced by a much better
system with the box hives.

They used to place the skeps in niches like this. I
just love them and am looking for a big one.

I love this old saying too...

A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay.
A swarm of bees in June is worth a silver spoon.
A swarm of bees in July isn't worth a fly.

I hope it warms up here, some of the farmers haven't even
been able to get their crops planted yet. It's been the wetist
and coldest spring on record ever.

Have a great week my friends...
sending you all my love and
gratitude for just knowing...YOU.

66 comments:

Karie's Chic Creations said...

Hi Julie, A lovely post. Beautiful pictures and most of all a beautiful message. Words carry so much. Always enjoy visiting your blog. Hugs to you, Karie

Connie said...

The St. George temple is beautiful. We were there about 10 years ago to visit with my son-in-law's grandparents. They were temple workers at the time. It was at the end of August and the heat nearly drove me insane. I am not used to those high temps being from the Pacific Northwest, I felt like I would wilt, (not to mention that I was a wee bit cranky).

Debby said...

Great pictures. Have seen other pictures posted of St. George. It must be a great place. Love the pictures of Sophie. Like the one with her mouth wide open. She looks like a fun little one to have around.

Cherie said...

I think you hit the nail on the head - Snow delightful in December and not in May or June or July - ha ha.
You looks like you had a delightful weekend - The St. George Temple is definately beautiful against those red rocks - you got some great pictures!! It's nice to get away!!

Those bikers look kinda scary - glad you got away from them!

Connie said...

You were wise to get away. Great pictures of the temple! I had never heard the old bee saying.

Love that cute grandbaby of yours!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

What a beautiful place to visit Julie! The pictures are truly outstanding! And of course I love seeing pics of darling little Sophie! She is such a happy, cute little girl!
I feel bad about the snow. We had a long, cold crappy spring too but all of sudden we have summer. 80 today and 90 again by Friday.
And I am not complaining at all.
Hugs,
Cindy

Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) said...

I'd want to get away from all those non-recreational bikers too. That raging river would make me nervous too! Their new home looks lovely. The Toronto, Ontario Mormon temple in Brampton, Ontario is right across the street from the hospital I had surgery and several appointments at these past few weeks. It is beautiful also and the grounds look so park like and perfectly maintained.

Barbara F. said...

Such beautiful photos, Julie. I especially love the one with the temple and the gorgeous mountains. The colors look unreal. Belated birthday wishes to your lovely MIL. It looks like you had a wonderful weekend. I hope it warms up for you. xo,

Julie said...

Another super duper post full of love and GREAT photos. I love the first, and the tattooed head, it literally gave me the willies....ack... and the babies and fur pups! smiles! and the cemetary...RAH! Thanking God for those who gave all...praying for their families...and 98 years old -wow- a possible centennial party approaching!!! Loved it all Julie, and closed my eyes to the cinnamon roll cake! No.NO> NOOOOO!!!! sticking to my discipline guns.... :-) :-)
HUGS HUGS to you!! ENJOYED!

Eileen @ My Evergreen Place said...

Beautiful scenery and beautiful family! We have had a very wet and cool spring too. Our rain is usually gone by May but here it is June tomorrow and we are looking at 10 more days of showers and cool temperatures. The East Coast looks more like what we should be looking at. Crazy weather this year!

Leslie said...

What a great holiday weekend! Happy 98th birthday to your mil.
I love the photo of hubby napping.
Have a fantastic week Julie.

Ann said...

snow in May? YIKES :)
Aside from that a totally delightful post and you sure had a great weekend

LDH said...

What an action packed weekend! You are having cold and we are having unseasonably warm temps ~ 93 yesterday, 94 today and 90 tomorrow. That's 18 degrees above normal. Hope it isn't what the summer is going to be like.

Blessings to your daughter and family moving into their new and first home! :)

jules said...

I think all of your weather comes straight to us. We also are having a long cold spring. The farmers around here haven't even started to work in the fields yet.

That temple is absolutely gorgeous!

Garden of Egan said...

Beautiful!
The St George Temple is stunning. I've only been to St. G a couple of times but it really is such a nice place. ESPECIALLY with snow in your neck of the woods. It was a cold weekend.

Congrats on the daughters new house. AWESOME!

Hope warmth is on your way!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

What fun Julie! You always have so many wonderful photos!

WomanWhoRunsWithHorses said...

Gorgeous pictures, Julie! Utah is really a beautiful state. Sounds like you all had a wonderful weekend and what a beautiful first home for Lindsey and Michael too. My 'first home' was wood frame with no a/c and no heat! But I have fond memories of it.

The Mongols look kind of scary but sometimes looks are deceiving. When we lived in western Colorado, the Rainbow Family used to come for a month in the summer. Little towns like Paonia and Ouray really dreaded that month. Many of them were nice and respectful ...many were not. Unfortunately, it's the ones who misbehave that give all of them a bad name.

Mildred said...

Hi Julie, That temple is just extraordinary and your photos are beautiful. How I wish I could smell the roses! Congrats to your daughter on her new home - very pretty and Sophia looks happy to be there! I love the photo of you swinging her. I also love the bee skeps - I've seen them in magazines but never for sale around here. Glad you could get away to such a peaceful and relaxing place. Have an enjoyable week.

Saimi said...

I love this post! So much fun going on, family time together, sight seeing, darling grandchild, beautiful temple and yummy food!

I think you covered it all!!

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Julie it sure looks like you had a wonderful weekend! How wonderful to be celebrating a birthday for your mother-in-law and to have family and oh such yummy goodies! I love St. George too. Hubby's parents lived there for years and yes, the St. George Temple is so sweet. One of my favorites. :)

Hugs,
Maryjane

Tracy said...

Looks like a great weekend. LOVE all of your photos!!

I can so relate to all of the cold and wet weather. It's been flooding here too!! The sun was shining yesterday and hopefully today too!! :-)

Jeanette said...

Wow you guys even got snow! I'll stop complaining about Michigan now!! I guess it's a small price to pay for living in such a beautiful place!! Nice pictures of your nice little get away!

BEAR's Mom said...

what great pictures Julie
the white temple looks lovely against the red rock background
looks like your little impromptu weekend getaway was awesome :D
BEAR HUGS
~victoria~

Cheryl @ The Farmer's Daughter said...

Looks like you had a perfect weekend with family and fun all in a beautiful setting, too. Your photos are wonderful and I always love seeing pictures of your beautiful state!

Scrappy Girl said...

A new home is so exciting. My BIL and SIL are moving into their new home this weekend too.

I love all the scenery you share. So different from my neck of the woods. Your furbabies are so cute. Looks like they enjoyed the trip too.

Liesl said...

Hi Julie! Oh, oh,that white temple with the sunset behind it was just too beautiful! I am so glad the FBI and police were onto those horrid bikers! I am glad you got to get away and enjoy yourself! I hope the warmer weather will be there soon!
xoxo
Liesl

Happy@Home said...

There is always something interesting happening at your place. I always enjoy my visits here. Happy Birthday to your dear Mother-In-Law. How lovely for her to be surrounded by family on this special day.
I will happily trade weather with you for a few days. We are headed for 97 today with high humidity.
I think you were smart to head out while the motorcycle gang was in town. Looks like a beautiful spot you chose to visit. Thanks for sharing.

Sharon said...

Thanks for taking us on your tour, it was sure beautiful.
It sure looks like your kids got a beautiful new home.Did they build it?
We are having the worst spring here also with damaging storms and flooding over the Memorial weekend.
Hugs

Joycee said...

Loved the scenery on my mini trip this morning! What a beautiful place to be... and that Sophia is CUTE! Do the bees ever try to build in a skept?

Kerin said...

Such beautiful pictures of the St.George temple!
Looks like you had a wonderful Memorial day weekend!
How fun for your daughter and family to be getting a new home. I'll bet her head is swimming with decorating ideas :)
Hope your week is a great one !

laurie said...

what an exciting post,, a little bit of everything,, the photos are just breath taking to this northern girl,, wow how lucky you are.I love the store built into the red rock,, you know I love to paint and I love rocks,, I have also painted the temple against the rocks as a practice piece,, long ago,, your daughters home is lovely as is your grand baby.I'm so glad you shared this wonderful time with us,

A Vintage Chic said...

Beautiful post, Julie! So glad you were able to get away for the weekend! The temple looks gorgeous this time of the year--thanks for sharing your photos!

LOVE beeskeps, too! Yours are wonderful!

Wishing you a lovely day, my friend--hope it warms up soon--we'll be there in a few weeks!

Julie

Kris said...

I could had enjoyed the C.rolls and I know what you mean about taking a two dy get away to St.George - the backdrop is beautiful - and to beable to talk and talk - and to have a Temple there is a blessing - your daughter's family sweet photo. My daughter is having issues with the snow it just keeps coming - Last year june 11th we had snow in Garden City -crazy weather -- well keep warm and be safe..

bj said...

Wow..this post is jam packed with goodness, Julie.
Love the photos..love that cute baby..love your picnic..love those bees...love it all.
Gotta go back and see if you left a recipe for that cake.:)
xoxo bj

Cindy said...

Hi Julie,
What horrid weather for May! I sure hope it warms up for you.
Sounds like you had a truly delightful time with your hubby and then your children. You have a beautiful family.
Hugs, Cindy

bj said...

oops, HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY to such a lovely, 98 year old lady. Wow..that is some feat, to live to be that old. AMAZING.

NanaDiana said...

What a wonderful post. Scary bikers -kinda! I'm sure there were some pretty good ones in the group too-at least you hope so!

I love your daughter's new house. How wonderful. She looks so happy with hubby and baby in tow.

Many years ago my daughters and I visited the tabernacle to hear the choir practice. It is a beautiful setting-very peaceful and lovely.

And, of course, my favorite part of your trip was watching you interact with the little Miss! Love her to pieces! xxoo Diana

no spring chicken said...

What a precious time (not to mention gorgeous hotel)!

We spent memorial day weekend at a conference at the coast. It was mostly chilly and sometimes wet. When the sun did decide to delight us, we ran for the beach! Great time...

Blessings, Debbie

Lucy (aka rharper) said...

What a great few days. I wanted to be at every single photo. Not in. Just at. I'm coming up to Utah on the 16th. Got to go see my dad in Idaho so I'll be driving past ya'll some miles. I've never seen the Escalante part of Utah. One of these days. You'd think I'd have hit that at some point in my life.

Le Chateau des fleurs said...

Oh sweet. You just make me smile from beginning to end!
Love ya!
Hope you will enter my giveaway :)
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Karena said...

Julie what great images and I can see you all had a terrific time!

Family time is the best!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Come and enter my Giveaway from Tracy Porter

Betsy said...

Lovely trip, as always! And congrats to Lindsey and their new home! How very exciting for them!

Susan B said...

Hi Julie,
It looks like you had a fabulous weekend! St George is beautiful, looks like a wonderful place to stay. Congratulations to Lindsey and Michael on their new home! Sophia is just a little doll. And Happy Birthday to your MIL..98, how wonderful!! :)

Maria said...

Hi Julie!
You photos in this post are just gorgeous. the one of the temple with the roses in front view is stunning. The contrast of white and red is breathtaking!
Baby Sophia lives in a very pretty home ~ so glad you got to see your daughter's family.

I was thinking of you over the Memorial weekend. Chris and I stumbled upon a program about dirt-biking {not really interested in that}... What caught my attention is that the location of the racing looked just like the backdrop of your blog title photo!
Those beautiful red hills!

Wishing you a sweet and lovely weekend, Julie!
*blessings to you always, Maria

blessedmom's simple home said...

Your family is beautiful Julie! I always enjoy seeing photos of them. Happy Birthday to your sweet mother-in-law!
I have a bit of an abnormal fear of bees, so swarms always make me a little nervous :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Amy said...

Oh this was a wonderful post! I am a tad disappointed you didn´t post your cinnamon cake recipe or the scones recipe!! However, I can see if I can google it, otherwise I will be back to haunt you for the recipe...how does that sound??? hehehehe....I guess I could try asking nicely for the recipe too....would that work?? ;-)
I miss spending quality time with my family in the states, I think it is the worst thing about being an expat, being able to hop in a car and drive to my family. Looks like you had a lovely visit and your grand baby is so cute! I would have been nervous also had my children sat out on a rock by a flowing river also....and they would have done that too...what is it with kids thinking they are invincible???
I have to be honest that I am not that familiar with Utah so I love seeing your landscape photos of the countryside. And the store built into the rock wall is totally American and totally cool. What kind of store was it??
Have a wonderful day!!!
Amy :-)

hoLLy said...

my very best friend lives in the st. george area(hurricane to be specific). it is just gorgeous!! and the temple there is truly beautiful. i love the simplicity of it. thats where she and her husband were sealed. every now and then i get to travel to utah and st. george is where we go!

i'm having a "yea me! i've written 1000 posts" giveaway if you want to hop over and enter. i don't have a huge following so your chances are high! :) its for icecream!!!! here is the post...
http://mykidssayimsilly.blogspot.com/2011/05/1000-posts-and-my-very-first-giveaway.html

thanks!!

Life with L said...

This is beautiful. Sophie is adorable. Family is always the best.
Thanks for sharing these special photos.

Wendy McDonagh-Valentine said...

Your photos are wonderful!! Congrats to your daughter and son-in-law on their new house. Such an accomplishment for people so young!! God bless. : )

~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Deila said...

I love this little travelogue--you do such a good job of blogging and sharing. I feel like I was there almost. I would love to try bee keeping sometime, I love the symbolism too. Great weekend.

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Sounds like an awesome trip! Great celebrations- your m-i-l's birthday and then your daughter's new house. Your life is exciting and fun. You are blessed!

retrorevival.biz said...

What a weekend fun weekend you had, Julie! I have a secret...I've never been on a motorcycle, no desire to, and think they're quite loud and noisey but I'm addicted to a show called Sons of Anarchy! Fascinating drama but glad I don't expereince it for real like you did! Good thing you were able to escape to beautiful places:)
~Cindy

Val said...

Your posts are always so informative and lovely! I love St. George!

Cindy said...

I had to come back and tell you that I made the carrot oven fries that you had on your side-bar and my goodness!!! I love them!!!

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Great photos!

I love St. George and go there a lot, except in July, August & September!

Tracy said...

Oh my gosh, Julie, the temple is so beautiful and you're right, against the backdrop of the mountains and the sky; just superb!
Thanks for sharing your weekend and those bikers look pretty scary...they could be very nice people, but I'll meet them another time and place...
I love the pictures of Sophia...what a sweetheart!

Valerie said...

I love St. George!
You took some gorgeous picts. of the Temple.
I'm ready to escapt to somewhere a bit warmer too!

Barb said...

Hi Julie!

What a fun week-end! Loved, loved your pictures . . . I really need to get away! I love St. George! My oldest daughter and her family are thinking of moving there in the next few years - I so hope that they do, then I can go visit them!

The pictures of the temple are so beautiful! How blessed we are to have temples so close to us!

Of course, Sophia is adorable! The bee skeps are so interesting - you have such a fun blog!

Happy late birthday to your beautiful mother-in-law, what a wonderful day for her!

Hugs,
barb

Bluebirds and Butterflies said...

Hi Julie,
I loved your post today...loved all of it. You have so many blessings in your life that are evident right there in your posting. First of all, Happy Birthday to your mother-in-law. 98 years young!!!! A blessing right there! Congrats to your daughter and her hubby on their new home! What fun it looked like you had with them visiting and on the picnic. You look so happy swinging the little one! The items you baked look scrumptious! Yum! Looks like you had a great trip. The unique shop front is so interesting and love the little bee houses you found! Always enjoy visiting you at your blog. Have a wonderful day! xoxo Kim

Bonnie said...

Just beautiful, Julie! Love the temple shots especially that one that is shot upwards with the red flowers in the foreground. Just gorgeous. it is such a beautiful peaceful place. Please order some great weather for the middle of this month when we will be in Sundance is a big house with all our kids. Cannot wait!

Love, B

laurie said...

thankyou for visitng tonight,, I love the bee skeps,, boy they are hard to find,, Susan Branch had some for sale but sell out fast,, have a good night,,

Midlife Mom said...

What lovely pictures! Palm trees...ahhh....makes me think of white beaches and crystal clear water!

How about the recipe for the cinnamon roll cake it looks just delicious!!!!

That is nice that you got to get away the weekend of the biker invasion. Kind of scary so am glad there were lots of police on hand!

Congrats to your daughter and SIL on their new home! What a thrill to get your first house!

SNOW?????? You have my sympathy!!!! xoxox

Gloria said...

Hi Julie,

Looks like some fun family visiting. Sophia is just as cute as a button, well more cute than a button, you know what I mean..:) My daughter and I enjoyed looking through your recent photos of seeing how much she has grown, and how adorable she is! :) Congratulations to your daughter on her new home. It is beautiful!
We are so excited because our youngest daughter Beth (and her baby Sophie, and husband James) are closer to us now (in a new apartment). What a blessing these grandbabies are!!
Your photos look like familiar country! My mom was just sharing with me that she used the St. George Mormon temple as a beautiful playground during her childhood. I kid you not! :) The joys of growing up in St. George for her. Fun memories for her!

Happy belated birthday to your sweet mom-in-law! What a blessing she must be.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo...Gloria

Kathy said...

Hello Julie - lovely scenery - that temple is amazing! My son rides a motorcycle - not with a gang like that - Mongols? Interesting name!! I told him how beautiful it was where you lived and he should consider riding out that way some time!
Sophia is so precious!
Love that name - can't wait - can't wait until I am a grandmother!
Joy to you,
Kathy

Kathy said...

Hello Julie - lovely scenery - that temple is amazing! My son rides a motorcycle - not with a gang like that - Mongols? Interesting name!! I told him how beautiful it was where you lived and he should consider riding out that way some time!
Sophia is so precious!
Love that name - can't wait - can't wait until I am a grandmother!
Joy to you,
Kathy

Marie said...

You live in such a beautiful state. My husband's first cousin and his wife moved to St. George near Zion Park a few years ago. They were back in NC for the birth of their first granddaughter and came to visit us. They shared beautiful pictures of the view from their home. The pictures were breath taking.
Thanks for sharing your great pictures.
Love,
Marie