Family Photos

Since we were together (first time ever since Tony's adoption) we decided to do family photos to update grandma's wall.  Tyler took the pictures, he has a remote camera so he could be included in the family photos.

Caleb has been Framed

Caleb was actin funny one day and this is what came out.

To the Movies: ****^Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I realize it is a bit late to write a blog about the new Harry Potter movie, but I forgot to write it when we saw the movie.  So here goes.

What is not to like about a Harry Potter movie.  The only thing keeping e fro giving this movie he full four stars was the was the movie dealt with the visions Ron Weasley was having with regards to the horcrux they were carrying.  It is part of the plot but it could have been doe in a less compromising way.

The snake was extremely scary, and I jumped out of my seat.  This was very well done.

The presentation of the Lovegood residence was very good, and the explanation of the Deathly Hallows.

This movie ended very sad.   It divides the book into two parts.  There was someone in the back of the theater crying uncontrollably.  Her friends were telling her to shut-up.  I had tears in my eyes.  I don't blame her for being emotional.

This movie is great, and I anticipate the final.  Not as much as Miranda, but it will be fun none the less.  Miranda says it is due to be released July 15.

Organic Milk; What does that Mean?

http://www.mealsmatter.org/EatingForHealth/Topics/Healthy-Living-Articles/Organic-Milk.aspx

I was getting milk today, it was in a new carton, red for whole milk, but it was actually reduced fat milk--ORGANIC.  So I thought to myself, what makes this milk organic?  Is it like not synthetic, because regular milk is not synthetic.  I asked a coworker and learned that it means the cows do not eat hay which has had chemical fertilizers on it.  Another coworker pitched in letting me know the cows have no hormonesinjected into them, nor do they eat meat which might put them at risk for mad cow disease.  

I explored the website above, which verified this, but also indicated that if the cows get sick, they might not be treated with certain medicines to keep the name organic.  So organic cows might mean sick cows.  Also organic cows have to have so much time in open pasture and in the sun to be organic.  I guess that puts them at greater risk of eating weeds or poisonous plants which might not be good for me.

The article indicates that in the end, the milk in the U.S. is safe whether organic or not, and is basically the same, because of the rigid safety guidelines.

So in the end the label organic, with regards to milk, is to be able to charge a bit more, and maybe sell more to someone who worries about such things.  It does not have much to do with the quality of the milk.

Our Family Christmas Letter

Annually we do a Christmas letter to send with cards.  With the wedding I didn't get it done this year, but better late than never.

Dear friends and family,

We have had an eventful year.  The only way to make sure I don't miss anyone is to start with the oldest and work my way down:

Natalia is teaching sixth grade in Idaho Falls.  This is her first regular teaching job.  She is at Longfellow Elementary.  She and Ty are still living in Rexburg while Ty finishes up school. 

Mark is attending Utah State after returning home from Iraq earlier this year.  He was about the last of the Marines in Iraq.  He continues in the reserves and visits the Bay Area about every month.  He is studying anthropology at Utah State and is doing well. He continues to play music and write songs.

Jeremy returned from his mission late this year; just before Thanksgiving.  He served in the Denver area, Buena Vista and Grand Junction.  He enjoyed himself, but it is good to have him home.

Charity has the biggest news, as she is married as of a week before Christmas.  We had her for Christmas Eve and made her play Mary with Anthony as Joseph.  She is half way through her cosmetology school at San Jose City College.  Anthony is attending De Anza College and working as a security guard.

Miranda is a senior at Cupertino High School.  She enjoys music and is singing in two choirs.  She is also taking piano lessons.  She helps with babies.  She enjoys being the music director for seminary.

Caleb is also at Cupertino High School.  He also is into music singing in two choirs and also plaiyng trumpet in the  band.  He and Miranda now have a dog, Sparky.  He is active in venturing and attending Zion Camp this summer.

Tony is busy having "a good time."  He swings like a monkey at the park.  He was Spider Man for Halloween.  He loves super heroes.  In addition to Spider Man he likes Iron Man, Batman and the Hulk.

As for Sheri and I, we keep plugging away.  We have one foster baby who has been with us since he was born 14 months ago.  He is a cute one-year-old but he runs us ragged.  We're not as young as we use to be.  We are happy to have all our kids together for Charity's wedding and Christmas.  That hasn't happened for over a couple years.

Merry Christmas to all, and have a great new year.   Love, the Wardles

Are We There Yet?

This was written for Caleb when he was small, and suffering through a ride to Tracy to see cousins.

Are We There Yet?

"Are we there yet?"
"A" in Amoco, " "B" in buy a bear,
"Boring!"
"C" as in car repair,
I see "D" in drug store, boring, boring, "E" in exit.
"Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?"

Gameboy, Gameboy but Mark has the console.
"Mommy, Mommy, Mark won't share."
Daddy, "Mark, give him a turn,
Don't you care about your brother's feelings,
You better care... you bet."
"Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?"

Out the window--country fields, pretty sights
Ahead of us, on and on forever, nothing but tail lights.
"Are we there yet?"
Stop.  Go.  Stop.  Go.  Jerking.  In.  Out.
"Are we there Yet?
I'm thirsty.  Where's the water?"
Water's run out.
"Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?"

"How much longer Dad?  How much longer Mom?"
"Are we there yet?""Aaah, aaah... who let off that toxic stink bomb?"
"Are we there yet.  Are we there yet?"

Caleb now

"Are!!?"  "We!!?"  "There!!?"  "Yet!!?"
Shut up.  Be still.  Don't hit.  Don't ask.
Sit down.  Don't push.  Be quiet.  You just asked.

"There that hill, we are half way."
"Are we there yet?"  Are we there yet?"
"Are!!?"  "We!!?"  "There!!?"  "Yet!!?"
Then quiet, peace.
Mommy says, "I don't hear Caleb.  Where is Caleb"
Where did he go?  He has to be here..
Oh, there he is, asleep like a cherub...
I hate to wake him up now we're here."

Movie Night: ***North & South

Here is another movie I found when I was in a Jane Austen mood.  This presentation is also in the Victorian Era like Jane Austen.  This is not the "North and South" dealing with the Civil War.  It is a BBC movie based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell.  The major characters are played by Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage.  (If you watch BBC Robin Hood he plays Guy Grisbane)  I watched this four-part series on Netflix Instant Movies.  It was presented in 2004. 

It is different than Jane Austen movies as it is darker and has a more naturalistic flavor.  It is about a family that leaves the more agrarian lifestyle in Southern England, and moves north.  It presents the conditions of the mill workers in Northern England.  It is a very realistic period piece presenting the premature death of those working in the mills.

The story revolves around the relation between Maraget Hale, daughter of the family and John Thorton who owns a mill.  The relationship develops very much like a Jane Austen novel. 

I would recommend this movie to those who like British period drama.

Christmas Morning Pictures

We had to wait for Tony to get up, and then he was too tired while we opened presents.