Tags For Christmas

I'm getting a jump start on christmas 2011 with my motivational friends at Bella Creations.  I started by making tags...here is the beginning of my stash!

Green Chili Pork Stew

1 lb. cubed pork stew meat
2 16 oz pkgs. Albertson’s Frozen Italian Style Vegetable*
*(contains zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, Italian Green Beans & baby lima beans)
6 cups water
3 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 1 cup water
1 tsp Knorr chicken bouillon
3 tsp minced garlic
1 4 oz. can diced green chili’s
Chopped Cilantro (I used about 8 ends)
Brown pork in large pot. Add remaining ingredients and cook till vegies are tender…about 30 minutes.

Happy Birthday Sweet Addyson

Of all the things in life that have brought me joy, I think the greatest is having grandchildren...My heart just feels like it could burst with love when I think of them.  Happy Birthday Addyson- I can't believe you are 3 years old.  Logan- your birthday is coming right up and you'll be 1!  You both have brought so much joy and happiness into my life. Samantha, Antonia and D'Angelo- you three were an added blessing when you became part of our family!  I am so blessed.  Being a Nana is the best!

D'Angelo, Addyson, Samantha and Antonia

Logan with Nana(Me!)

There were never such devoted sisters...

Each year around June- I, my mother, my 3 sisters and 1 sister in law gather for a week of playing and celebrating life together.  It is the highlight of the year.  We have been doing this for many years.  One of the best parts of the 'YOYO REUNION' is getting all dressed up and going to the ST James Tearoom in Albuquerque NM.

From L to R- Jamie, Janice(mom), Jill, Tanya, Jody, and Janet(me)

The name YOYO's comes from our maiden name-Duncan- like the yaya sisterhood only we are the Duncan YoYo sisterhood!

Here is a poem by my sister Jamie-

FOR MY SISTER

There's no where else I'd rather be

Than with my Sisters having tea.

The fancy hats, the simple talk,

The way our heels click when we walk.

The room adorned with linen and lace,

The heartfelt joy on each one's face.

The gentle aroma of our different perfumes,

Lingers with memories that fill the room.

So much love for each other we share,

All thanks to our mother, who sits with us there.

                                   Jamie Duncan Spangle

Inspiration is for the Birds?

The inspiration for my blog title came from my love for birds.  Specifically-fat bluebirds.  I have posted some pictures of my "Bird Bath" - the room I display all my treasured birds!  The pedistal sink reminds me of an actual birdbath!

The picture of the fat bluebird came from my Sissy in law Tanya.

  The birdhouse came from my Sissy Jody.  The little painted bluebird was painted by Me at our YoYo Reunion*  and the long legged bluebird came from a little gift shop in St George, Utah.*More on the YoYo's to follow!

Just some more of my birdies...each has a special story.  I love them all.

Seeing Double!!

I went to the Doctor with Aubree today and got to see the babies...two little babies moving thier legs and arms!  You should have seen Addyson's face when she saw them.  Priceless! It is a reality- there are 2 precious little spirits! How blessed I am to be Nana to Twins!

Week 1 over

Well it is week 2 of the new year and "embrace" is seeming hard to wrap my brain around.  It seems I offend certain family members by offering advice where it is not wanted so from heretofor I shall keep my mouth shut!  Embrace the silence so to speak!
I hope to add a little creativity to my blog...projects that I am working on and maybe by doing so I will be prompted to finish them! I am also working on getting more active to increase my energy.  this is a struggle! I am LAZY!  Oh well Embrace the challenge!

New Years Eve

I have lots of fond memories of New Year's Eve- most of them spent at home with family and friends.  One that I am reminded of each new New Years is of when we visited Mike's family in Minnesota-  It was my first experience with 'Roskie Burgers' - A Benthin family tradition...yummy greasy little meatballs on a bun! Mike's dad Keith told me that "if you eat em with mustard and like em then you're a REAL Benthin.  I didn't like mustard but I tried it just for him and Loved em!  I am a true Benthin!  I think of Dad Benthin fondly every New Years as I eat my Roskies covered in mustard....Thats when I miss him the most.