GOOD THINGS UTAH.......

Last Monday, I was lucky enough to be invited by my daughter-in-law Shani and her mom (Peggy), her sister (Rachel) and sister-in-law (Heather) to join
them on a trip to Salt Lake to watch the taping of GOOD THINGS UTAH.
I was a little nervous about the weather, but decided I wanted to go bad enough that no storm was going to keep me home. I am so glad I went. We had a blast.
Those girls are so cute, and funny. Ragean was not there, she got stranded in L.A. and neither was Marti,she was on vacation. I watch them nearly every day, and was so glad to see them in person. They are just a cute and funny in person as they are on TV.














There was not a real big crowd in the audience, and we got front row seats.
We all got a lip balm that was made on the set that day. IT is yummy.
After, we went to Gardner Village and had lunch and then hurried home because the storm was getting worse. I was so proud of myself that I drove home from Shani's. I don't drive too often in the bad weather, but I did great.
Thanks Shani, Peggy , Rachel, and Heather for including me. You are a fun bunch to be with. Let's do it again soon.

Christmas at the Cox House

HAPPY BIRTHDAY..........

Today was Shay Lee's birthday, she turned 11. Danelle made her a cute cake, and she had a party with her friends and family










She got a body pillow from Grandpa and Grandma Cox. Something she has been wanting for awhile. She got a new coat from her other Grandpa and Grandma and lots of make-up, candy and 2 of the Twilight books from her friends. Kirk, one of her friends sister went to Forks, WA and brought her back the first book and a postcard, and a sticker about Forks. She was way excited and ended up, when most of the kids went home, up in her room reading. She does love to read!!!!

(Dancing on the wall that separates the front room and the family room)

Sydney, McKinley, Shay, ?

This is a picture of the whole bunch. What a cute bunch of kids. They danced, played Apples to Apples and Pictionary. They ate pizza, and cake and Ice Cream . Kirk wouldn't get in the picture. He is Shay's age and a very good friend. He didn't seem to mind that he was the only boy except for Colt, but I think he was glad when Stetson came. Happy Birthday Shay, We love you!!!!

We are so glad you were born into our family.

FROSTY Shame on you........

Thanks to Wneddy Sherman!

Cafe Rio...........

As if I haven't eaten out enough lately, yesterday a bunch of us decided to lunch at Cafe Rio.... It is always fun to get together and it is one of my favorite places ( but Jim doesn't care for). We had the special and talked for about an hour. Before we left, I said, " Let me take your picture for my blog" and guess it was the lucky charm, cause today, it worked!!

Thanks Trudy, Kailynne, and Diane. Deana was there too, but left early.

Tucano's.........

Monday, the guys that work directly with Jim, and a few that used to, took Him and I out to lunch at Tucano's. It was very nice of them. What a great salad bar they have. I think this is the favorite place of all these guys, they have gone here often. They also presented me with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers and a giant Poinsettia plant. Nice group!!!

They will miss Jim, as he has been a good boss, or so they say!!!!!

Retiring...................

UDOT had a luncheon for Jim's retirement. The 26th of Dec. will be his last day. This is him giving his leaving remarks.

Temple Square........

This was a great shot, everything looked so pretty, but I would sure hate to be the person to put up all those lights. Let alone take them all back down. There were tons of people there. Of course it was the same night as the Christmas program at the Conference center.

This was beautiful. A manger scene out in the middle of the reflection pond with the Temple in the back ground and also reflected in the water.

Here are Jim and I with the Temple in the back ground. What a fun night we had, and thank Heaven, it was pretty warm. That was before we started getting the SNOW!

Temple Square........

Yeah, I finally got a picture to post! This is all of us at the Tabernacle on Temple Square.

Retiring...................

Last Thursday the State had a retirement luncheon for Jim. They presented him with a plaque and he gave a little speech. It was very nice, and the guys were lined up, out the door to come and visit with him. Joe, and Todd, with Colt came and ate with us. It was nice to have some family there. Everyone else had to work. I had so many guys come over and talk to me and tell me what a great guy Jim was, and how much they thought of him. One guy said " Jim was the best person in all of UDOT's mangagement. That he did more for his guys than anyone else." Steve Acerson made him a walking stick, it is really cool.
It was a little sad to see all those years come to an end, but since Jim can't stand to sit around idle, he is on to a new profession, and I know he will make a great teacher at UVU. We went down and got his ID card for the school and met with some of the guys he will be working with, they all seem like a great bunch.
Of Course, I had pictures of this also , that I can't upload, I will keep trying.

Temple Square........

Still, I can not post pictures, if anyone can help me figure out why, please do.
Matty Jerich, do you know how? It just says " This program can not display the web page." when I try. Anyway, Erick and his family, (what is left of them at home) came up last weekend and we had a real nice visit. Sunday night we, and Matt's family went up to see the lights on Temple Square. It was an awesome sight and I wanted to share all the beautiful pictures with you. Maybe some day I will figure it out. I love having my family around. It sure makes the holiday season twice as nice.

Honors............

I have been trying to post this for the last 4 days, and I can not post any pictures. I can't get any help from blogger either, so I guess I will just tell you all that last Thursday, Jim was awarded the District Award of Merit at the District Scouts Awards ceremony. I was so proud of him. He so deserves it, he has worked in Scouts for 40 some years and has helped a lot of boys, including his own 3, to get the Eagle Scout award. Matt and his family and Tricia and her family , and Danelle and her family , were there to help honor and support him. Our family is awesome, and are always there to support us in things we are involved in. Thanks to you all, and Jimmer, I love you and am so proud!!!

THANKSGIVING......

We had a great Thanksgiving, look at all the food that was left over. How blessed we are!

After we ate, Jace showed us how to put Redi-whip on the back of your hand, then slap your arm and catch the cream in your mouth, at least he tried to!

We then played Apples to Apples and laughed until we cried,(note Danelle)

Then Kylee had a great "IDEA"

We played "Scrabble" and found out how competitive Jim and Claudia are...........

As I told you , we had tons of food left so we wrapped it up and sent some

home for left-over sandwiches.

There goes Tricia and Danelle withtheir goodies. Thanks Everyone,

And Thanks Father-in Heaven for all of our blessings. And for our

Great Country we have to live in, and all our freedoms. (which we

will hang on to with all our might) I had a lot more pictures that I

wanted to add, but my blog wasn't working right, maybe I will post

them later.

Special Holiday...........

Every so many years, in the past, when Thanksgiving came around we were able to have an extra special Thanksgiving. We had an extra special one because every few years Thanksgiving fell on Dad Cox's birtday which was also the day of Dad and Mom Cox's anniversary. This year we were able to celebrate that special Thanksgiving again, but sadly, neither one of them are here to celebrate with us. Dad would have been 95 and it would have been their 68th
wedding anniversary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you both and thank you for the good people you were. And the great examples you were to us all.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! LOVE YA

I'v e been TAGGED.........

I got tagged by Robbin.

8 favorite T V Shows....
1. Biggest Loser
2. CSI Miami
3. CSI Vegas
4. General Hospital ( still)
5. Hallmark movies
6. Good Things Utah
7. American's Got Talent
8. General Conference

8 favorite Restaurants
1. Kneaders
2. Cafe Rio
3. Magelby Fresh
4. Texas Roadhouse
5. Chili's
6. Sweet Tomatos
7. McGrath's Fishhouse
8. a little place in Missoula, Montana that Jim and I
went to a few years ago. Can't remember the name, but
it was awesome. I had crab stuffed avacado. YUM

8 Books you Recommend
1. Where Mercy Flows
2. Autumn Blue
3. anything by Clair Poulsen
4. anything by Betsy Brannon Green
5. anything by Michele Ashman Bell
6. anything by Mary Higgins Clark
7. Master by Toni Sorensen
8. anything by Kristen Heitzmann

8 things that happened yesterday.
1. went to Weight Watchers
2. finished above book, Where Mercy Flows
3. Cried
4. watched BYU - Utah game
5. Cried
6. tended Colt
7. shopped for milk
8. changed my blog

8 thing to look forward to
1. Thanksgiving
2. Christmas
3. Seeing my kids
4. losing more weight
5. Jim retiring.
6. a new adventure with Jim at UVU
7. riding my bike
8. the GOLDEN YEARS

8 things on my wish list
1. losing more weight
2. keeping my hair from falling out.
3. getting my Boob's up where they belong.
4. being able to run.
5. that I wouldn't be such a worrier.
6. that my kids would all be well and happy.
7. that I would be brave enough to do something daring.
8. one thing that is a secret, but I really, really want!

8 things I love about fall
1. the leaves changing colors.
2. the way the sun shines in my front window.
3. cooler weather.
4. Thanksgiving.
5. Our Anniversary.
6. raking leaves and hearing them crunch.
7. harvesting and storing
8. the first snow.

8 people I tag
1. Danelle
2. Kimber
3. Wendi
4. Sarah
5. Shani ( but I think you have done it once)
6. Jenny
7. Megan
8. Kasey

I CAN'T HEAR YOU............

I GOT MY EYE ON YOU........

Another year older and deeper in debt.............

Tricia and McKinley came to spend some
time with me for my birthday Monday.
they came in the afternoon and we had fun visiting and watching Oprah. Of course they brought Mac with them. He seems to be right at home after spending the weekend with us last month. They really brightened my day. Matt and Danelle's family were coming in that night, but Shay got STREP throat and I didn't want her to spread it to everyone, so we decided to have cake the next night after she had been on meds for 24 hours. So , Jim and I enjoyed a Kneader's Dinner and watched a fun movie. The other kids came the next night and Danelle made weight watcher cupcakes ( bless her heart) and we visited and watched BIGGEST LOSER, Danelle's and my favorite show. While Tricia and McKinley were here, we put a fun birthday hat on Mac. My friend Carla gave me 2 of them with a sack of goodies, so I could celebrate. What a nut she is. It was fun and I sure love having my family around. I told them, at my age, it is just another day, but they made it special!

Proud Grandparents.............

Here is a picture of Paul and Nelly. They are holding Leo, Nathaniel's newest boy. He is such a cutie. Being a grandparent is wonderful. You can spoil them and then send them home for their parents to deal with.

Isn't that the way it was intended? That is one of the benefits of having children in the first place. HA HA Just kiddin, I love my kids, and I also love my grandkids. You can tell by the look on their faces that Paul and Nelly do also.

PREPARED........

Last night I went to a Relief Society
meeting where we learned a new thing about food storage. I know we all have storage, usually huge quantities in a bucket. But we learned to make a "Meal in a Bag" ( don't you like our cute bags, our leader got them at a halloween sale at Wal Mart). You just put everything it takes to make a meal, plus the recipe in the bag and then when you need it, it is ready to go. She said you need to figure out about 14 meals your family likes and then make up enough to last you how
ever long you want to supply for. I made
two Creamy chicken soup meals, and 2
Beef Stroganoff meals. I think that it is really cool. I am going to try to make some more to put in my storage. She said you could also grab one for a Bridal
Shower ( just not in a Halloween Bag Please) or on a night you haven't figured out what to eat, just grab a bag. Or if your not home or sick, your family could do it, as it has the recipe there. Cool Huh.

Bloomin ......

Well, this may be a long story, but here goes. I have this large container of flowers on my table in the front room. I got most of them when Mom and Sis passed away. They have really grown a lot (not because of me I just ignore them, but Jim waters them and talks to them) and just recently I notice a little sprig growing up. Now today
it is in full bloom. I didn't know that these ferny plants would bloom. Guess talking to your plants works. Way to go Jim. When you get your new office at UVU you can take them down there and talk to them. ( and I can have my table back.)

I'v e been TAGGED.........

I got tagged by Robbin:

The rules are:

1. go to your pictures.

2. upload 4th picture of 4th folder.

3. post an explanation of picture.

4. tag 4 friends

Okay, this is a picture of Sydney and Sadie. Syd is teaching Sadie

how to use her new stilts that Papa Jim built for her. She is bound

and determined to learn how to walk on them. At least she was when

she got them, don't know how it went, or if she still has them. Maybe

they have been used for fire wood. HA HA just kidding.

I tagg Danelle, Shani, Sarah, Pat

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN........

Erick came up for some training and Engineer's
Conference this week and Matt and family came
in on Thursday night to visit, but as soon as they
hit the house the kids were out in the snow to build
a snowman. They did a great job, and I had a left
over Snowman kit with scarf and hat for them to
use, Don't they look cute by Frosty? I don't know how
they made it as cold as it was. After all, they didn't
come until 8:20 or so. You can see it was good and
dark. Oh Well, they are kids, and nothing bothers
them. Stetson threw a snowball and it came through
the door and down stairs and showered me with snow.
Good thing I love the little guy!!!!!!

Welcome Winter.......

We had our first valley snow storm of the year.
This is our back yard about 9:30 this morning.
Notice the sun is now out and shining and I am
sure that the snow will not last long, but it was
a pretty sight to wake up to. I know those out drivin
to work didn't think it was pretty. But ya gotta do
what ya gotta do!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING......

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have, never a lump,
May your yams be delicious,
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner,
Stay off of your thighs!

COURAGE......

I took Robbin's challenge and went to the site,
Diabeteshandprint.com and entered my hand
with the word "Moxie" on it. As you all know
that is another word for courage, and when I
think of Shirley, I think of courage. She just never
gave up, after all she went through. She was
a great inspiration to me. I also think Janae has
"Moxie". For a girl her age to go through all she
does, and she is still such a sweet, kind unselfish
girl. I hope they soon find a cure for this crazy
disease. Thanks for sharing this site Robbin.

GRAND SLAM..........

Kylee had a great day. She played two games of Softball with
her team , against Salt Lake Communtiy College. They won the
first one and then to top off her day, she hit a GRAND SLAM
to win the 2nd game. Way to go KY! your awesome.

Memories...................

While the family was here for Jim's birthday, Danelle
saw her wedding gown hanging in the closet and she
decided to try it on. After Tricia zipped her up, Lo and
Behold, she fit. She has lost 70 lbs. in the last few
months. We are really proud of her and her accomplishment.
She has worked really hard. And I know she feels better.

Happy Birthday Sweeti.........

Today was my Sweeti's birthday.

Because he likes pumpkin pie better

than birtday cake, that is what I got

him. I think it turned out pretty good.

Didn't know you could put candles in

pumpkin pie did you?! Can anyone

guess Jim's age by the candles?

I am very thankful for him and the

blessing he is in my life. The kids came and

ate pie,( and some loaf cake I bought for

those that don't like pie). We had fun, as

always when we get together. It made Jim

happy. And he got calls from Chris and Erick

to complete the night.

Keep that Pumpkin shining..............

Making your pumpkin last !!!

Apply a light coating of petrolleum jelly on the cuts. It will seal the wound and the pumpkin will last longer.

Cool Huh?

Try this, You'll like it

Ginger Snap Dip

1 8oz Cream Cheese

1 C. Powdered Sugar

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Mix together, stir in 1 C. Cool Whip

Refridgerate until ready to serve.

Serve with Ginger Snap Cookies.

Calmness in our lives......

I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives.
By follwing simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace. Dr. Phil proclaimed. " The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished."
So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bag of almond covered candy, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Xanac prescription, the rest of the cheese cake and some Doritos. You have no idea how good I feel right now.

Babysitting........

Tricia , Joe and the girls went to California over UEA
this weekend to watch Kylee play softball. They didn't
feel like they should take Mac with them, as they were
staying at Debbie and Rob's house, and they have 2 dogs
of their own. So they ask if we would keep him. He has
been a riot.

He is such a cute little thing, and is no trouble
at all. You hardly know he is around.

He loved being in the back yard too. Jim made

sure there were no hole in the fence he could

get out of and he would run like crazy, around and

around. I think he left his mark on every stick

in the yard.

Jim was so cute playing with him. But he
( the dog) spooks very easy, and any loud
noise Jim would make he would jump and run.
If he saw himself in the fireplace glass, or in the
sliding glass door he would bark and bark , thinking
it was another dog. Last night we finally had to shut the blinds so he would quit barking.
Course his little bark is so small, He
thinks he is vicious, but I don't think he would
scare much.
Thanks McKinley for sharing with us.

COURAGE

Courage does not always Roar...Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of day that says....." Tomorrow I will try again".
Mary Anne Roedmacher

Sunday Afternoon ride.........

Sunday afternoon Jim and I decided to go for a ride.
It had been stormy all day, but Jim said if we rode up
Provo Canyon, and didn't go too high it would be nice.
Of course, Bridal Veil Falls was one stop on our trip, it
is always pretty there.

As you can see, the blue sky was starting to peek

through. The leaves have turned some, but they

are not very vibrant this year, they say it is because

we didn't get enough water.

These pictures were taken up Squaw Peak, but

this one was across the canyon toward Timp. You

can see the snow level. BRRRRR ... Jim and I

decided we were not ready for winter yet!

Pretty contrast with the billowing white clouds

and the crisp blue sky.

Some of the clouds were still pretty black.

I think it was still snowing up there!!!!

Just a shot of the valley floor below us as we

stopped at the lookout. There were a lot of people

up there. We were listening to the afternoon session

of conference and figured some of them were also

doing that as we took in the beauty that God has

blessed us with.