Wallace Family de Albuquerque

The Graduate takes a Vacation

2010-06-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

We made the quick trip to Thatcher to see Carleigh graduate from Eastern Arizona College with her Associates degree. It's hard to believe a 12 year old can get a college degree?

WAIT!

The kid is almost 20 years OLD!

What the...... When did that happen?

Truly, we are so proud of her. She had fun at school with some really great roommates, classmates and friends. But, she also worked very hard and got very good grades.

Congratulations Carleigh. We love you.

Grandma Keeter and Art, Kara, Garrick, Rylee and Jadyn and new baby Haymore (hum, I wonder......), Ryan, Hannah and Casey, Uncle John and Aunt Jan all attended.

While there, we were able to go through the Gila Valley Temple open house. It was special because Garrick's Mom & Dad got to be our guides through the Temple. They did a great job!

Memorial Day Weekend!

We spent the weekend in Durango, Colorado. One of the most beautiful places on earth, (at least in my opinion). We stayed in a resort between Durango and the ski area. GORGEOUS VIEWS! We got up early on Saturday and made the trek to Silverton to see the finish of the Iron Horse bike race. Family friends Shawn Snelling and Kevin Kapp were the tough guys while Dad entertained the womenfolk.

I think I got the better end of the deal!

We ate breakfast at the Brown Bear, walked around Silverton, watched all the "Characters" and then cheered as the riders started coming in at the finish. If you don't know, the Iron Horse is a really tough bike race. 50 miles of mostly uphill, some really steep uphill, riding.

We also got to hike up to Potato Lake. Along the way, there were a bunch of beaver dams and beaver lodges. Some really pretty views too.

Following are pictures of Shawn finishing in 2:47. That is fast for this race! Also, a picture of Kevin, Kiley and Makenzie Kapp. The Kapps are some of our dear friends who deserted Albuquerque for Zion, (Utah). Just kidding. We love the Kapps!

All in all, a busy, fun May.

Easter Presents????????

2010-05-02T15:00:00.001-07:00

The Easter Bunny decided that our house needed POULTRY instead of Candy or chocolate. So, we now have Denzel, Chompy, Zippy, Chanticlare, Libby.

Don't ask me.... I didn't name them!

The "Chicken Nuggets" as they have come to be known at our house, spent the first couple weeks in a box in the kitchen. They would get daily periods of FREEDOM to roam in Lisa's front courtyard. That lasted about a week until they realized that the petunias tasted really good.

ENOUGH of THAT!!!

They have now graduated to the plastic castle on the backyard. Sahara loves to stick her head through the windows of the castle and look at them. They are not afraid of her. In fact, one even got to play COWBOY on Sahara's back.

Caden really likes to hold the nuggets. His uncle Zach told him how to hypnotize them, so he tried to put this one to sleep.

We are now officially Suburban Farmers.

Carolina Dreamin' (South Carolina that is)

2010-03-15T21:49:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Chem-Dry Convention was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this year. We had been hearing for the previous several weeks about how this was the coldest, wettest winter the east coast had experienced in many years, but we were SURE it would be nice and warm by the time we got there.

Well, we knew that was not going to be the case when we checked in at the convention and they gave everyone sweatshirts. DANG!

It was beautiful looking out off of our hotel balcony. Myrtle Beach has some really great beaches. Lots of white, soft sand. And very clean.

We didn't let the weather hinder us though. On Monday, we made a trip to Wilmington to tour the battleship North Carolina. Lisa and Uncle John on the deck. That was one BIG SHIP! Very interesting tour. Life aboard a battleship was a life without privacy, but amazing the technology built into a ship over 70 years old.

Lisa and I checked into our room at the convention on Monday evening. The girl at the desk said, "Oh, you have the 3 rooms." I said, "No. We just booked one." She didn't say anything else. Just handed me our keys to the room. When we got up to our room, we knew something was up. The door to our "ROOM" was double doors. When we walked in, it was the biggest hotel room we have ever been in. HOLY COW!!!!!!

The convention was fun. Lisa got to do some POWER shopping with her new friend, Margaret Mortensen and old aquaintences, the Nancy Andrus and Tamara Tanavana. One of the highlights was Thursday evening at the closing session formal dinner where they hand out the awards. We were able to present the 2010 Chem-Dry of the Year award to our good friends, The Andrus's and Tanavasa's from Oregon.

AND.... on Thursday afternoon, Uncle John and I decided we could not come all the way to the east coast, on the beautiful beach and not go for a swim. The picture is of a guy telling me that the water temperature was 46 degrees. I knew it was cold, but I really didn't need to know it was 46. Well, we still went in, genius's
that we were.

It only took about 10 minutes in the hot tub afterwards to thaw out.

On Friday morning,(the best weather since we arrived), we went for a walk on the beach. We noticed a bunch of seagulls gathering and realized they wanted us to feed them.

We took a couple of granola bars, broke them up and tossed them to the birds. It was kinda like the Alfred Hitchcock movie, "The Birds". They were everywhere. Lisa got one to eat from her hand while it was flying. We were throwing pieces of the bars up in the air and they were catching them before they even started coming back down.

All in all, it was a very fun, tiring, trip. EXCEPT for the ride home. We booked with Delta airlines and chose our seats, (I thought), way back in January. Well, if you read the fine print, it says that your seat assignments are "Subject to Change." Well, change they did!" We got to the airport and ended up with the seats in the very back of the plane for BOTH flights. Thanks DELTA. I over heard several years ago two flight attendants talking, (Not DELTA). One said to the other, "What is the best way to survive flying DELTA?" Answer - "Don't Even Leave The Airport!"

You know, I think she was right.

The Reunion is in ..... where?

2010-02-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

Yuma Arizona!

You know. The place that is always listed as "The Hot Spot in The Nation" on the evening news. Well, let me tell you, Yuma in February is GREAT!

Especially when you get to see relatives you either haven't seen for years or some that we'd never even met.
We started off Friday and met Kara in Tucson, had a quick Eegee's, (Lisa can't get within 10 miles of an Eegee's and not stop to get a sub), and then headed off to Yuma. We arrived, checked in at the hotel, and went for dinner at the local Mexican Restaurant. The food was OK, and the company was fantastic.

Saturday morning, Kara, Ryan, Uncle Dan, Harry, Kevin and I all ran in the 5K race along the parade route. We ran with Ryan for about the 1st 50 yards and then he left us in his dust. Kara was nice enough to stay with the old fat guy, (Dad), and I finished with a personal record of 29:30. Personal record because I had never run one before:) It was fun and I would like to run some in the future, especially if Kara will be there to keep me "pushing on". After finishing the race, we met everyone at Clymer's Park. This park is the site of the boarding house where Mom and Dad met, Harry Eastlick grew up, Aunt Virginia "Ginger" owned and lots of other family history happened. The Clymer Boarding House is no longer there but the parade goes right by the park that is now in it's place. The parade was fun and Rylee scored a sweet hat, courtesy of Grandma Lisa.

After the Parade, we met back at the hotel and were briefed on the "Scavenger Hunt". Team "GREEN", (Lisa, Pat, Hannah, Grandma Keeter, Ryan, Carleigh, Rylee and Jadyn) was READY! We had visons of Survivor and The Great Race. After some trash talking to the other teams, we were off to: solve our puzzles and get pictures of specific locations in Yuma.

One place was the church where Mom and Dad were married.

Grandma and the girls in front of the Dark Cell at the Yuma Territorial Prison (no longer operational)

And the highlight of the hunt was we found an In-N-Out Burger-Animal Style! Ya, Good Stuff!

Jadyn especially liked it!

Ballet in the park? Rylee was into it. See her right in the middle of things.
We capped the weekend with dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Park's house and a beautiful Arizona Sunset.

What a great time with family. It was so fun to see people we hadn't seen for years. Why do we wait so long? How about next weekend in Albuquerque?

OK, maybe next month.

Oh Ya. As for the scavenger hunt.... we finished in last place. So much for Survivor and The Great Race. It was a lot of fun though.

El Tour Weekend

2009-11-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

The family was very patient with Grandpa over the last weekend. He has a "Lance Armstrong fantasy" that leads to an annual pilgramage to Tucson the weekend before Thanksgiving. Since Grandpa is going to drag everyone along to help him live out his fantasy, Lisa decided to make the best of it and get in some family time, too.

The adventure started Thursday when we drove to Sierra Vista to stay with Kara and the fam, (with a side trip to pick up Carleigh at EA).

Grandpa got a "Tour de Jadyn"

Friday Grandpa got to spend some special time with Rylee and Jadyn while the girls went to see Taylor Lautner. Excuse me, I guess they went to "New Moon". All us boys heard was how "HOT" he was.

OK. Moving on to Tucson that afternoon, we got to spend the evening at Grandma and Art's place where they had a Lazangna dinner. Yummy! Just what Grandpa needed to fuel up for the big race.

Saturday 3:45AM. Grandpa awakes and heads for the starting line to get a good spot. Ryan is a good sport and goes with him to be support. We met Kevin Kapp and Shawn Snelling downtown. Hurry up and wait was the thing to do for two and a half hours. About a half hour before the race was to start, we heard a "POP" and a collective "Gasp" from the riders. Someone's tire had popped. Kevin came walking over and asked, "Do you have an extra tube?" A trip to the vehicle and some quick repairs and we're ready to go! Finally, 7:00AM arrives and the starting gun goes off and we ride for close to six hours.

The family cheers on Kev and Grandpa at the 75 mile mark.

Colleen, Zach, Ryan, Carleigh and Grandma Keeter. Thanks. It was REALLY APPRECIATED after about 4 hours in the saddle. We needed a boost about then.

THE FINISH!

5:49 A new personal record for both Grandpa and Kevin. Thanks to Kevin Kapp. Our good friend from Utah. Papa could not have ridden to that time with our Kev.

The Chem-Dry Team.

Grandpa, Kevin and Shawn Snelling. Shawn rode a 4:49, which was good for 265 overall out of almost 9000 riders. WOW! That's fast.

We then finished off the day at the Brewers for an early Thanksgiving dinner. If you look close, you'll see Rylee giving "Doggie Kisses" to Kayla. Kayla "LOVED" them of course.

It was great to see the Utah Brewers, the recently to Arizona Windhorsts, Jessica, the Haymores, Grandma and Art Keeter, Bill & Ruth, The Tucson Wallaces, Colleen and Zach, some misc friends and of course, the John & Jan Brewers who hosted 39 people at their house.

Contributing to the Economy

2009-10-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ryan is a home
owner!

We took a quick trip to Mesa on October 9-11 to help Ryan get moved in. Ryan had been looking forward to this day for several months. His offer was actually accepted in July, but didn't close until early October.

Here's the place.

The Proud "Homeowner" in front of his Castle!

The Living Room, (after cleaning).

Ryan had lots of help.

Ryan's new color in his room.

Everybody loved the Awesome mural on the dinning room wall.

It was a fun, (but too quick), weekend. Grandma Beth and Art came up from Tucson, Kara and the girls came from Sierra Vista, Carleigh, (who really did help alot, I caught her during a break), came from Thatcher and Hannah came with Mom and Dad.

CONGRATULATIONS RYAN on your house!

Walking Wounded & Dog Dancing

2009-09-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

First, the update on Lisa.

We had to call in a "SPECIALIST". Dr. Skylar.

"Wow, this is pretty cool"

Uh, Dr. The patient.

Oh Ya, I'll get to her.

"Looks good to me!"

Dr. Skylar gives Lisa the OK to start doing a "little more". Lisa tells the Doc, "I already have been; driving, weeding, watering, cleaning, attending school parent meetings, cooking and shopping."

Doc says, "I guess that qualifies as "A Little More".

Zach + Skateboard =

Skateboards, asphalt and a "Shimmy in the Trucks" don't mix very well.

Zach was moving a little slow Sunday after his mishap.

No, the red on the shirt is NOT blood. It is just a red paint.

Doggie Dancing

Dancing With The Stars? It could happen.

5 Days After

2009-09-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

Just an update for those of you following Lisa's progress from her surgery.

She has been:

Complaining that we don't have a big enough sofa to fit her CPM machine.

Getting much better with her crutches. (She is only knocking off some of the baseboard corners now)

Still watering her flowers in the yards, no matter how much pain it causes.

Removing her bandages against the orders of her Doctor. (Wow, what a surprise!)

Asking for Dion's almost EVERY DAY. (Another surprise.)

Getting teased by Carleigh and Hannah for her "clip clop" noise her crutches make going down the hall.

We did go to the Doctor today for her 1st follow up visit.

If this picture isn't enough detail for you, we can send you a copy of the latest DVD out. It is titled, "Lisa's surgery". The Doctor kindly provided us a copy of it. He did say that it was without audio. Lisa said it was because he didn't want anyone to hear him say, "Whoops", during the surgery.

Anyway, let us know if you want a movie for FHE?

Regardless of the teasing she is having to suffer through, she is doing great. Thanks for all the flowers, calls, visits and FB postings.

Knees, drugs and volleyball

2009-09-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

I know, you're wondering what these 3 things have in common. Well, Lisa is what they have in common.

Lisa was playing volleyball a few months ago at the Church and went to plant her left foot and felt a tear in her knee. OUCH!

She came home and knew something was wrong. She made an appointment with her Dr. who scheduled an MRI. The MRI confirmed what she really, already knew. ACL tear. Dang it! No more softball this year. She was officially placed on the disabled list as of late June. (Pat had to attend a few games with her after her injury to make sure she didn't sneak out on the field).

Well, all this culminated in an ACL re-construction surgery for the "Star Pitcher" of the Lady Saints.

4:30AM Thursday, Sept 2. - Lisa gets out of bed and starts getting ready for her "Big Day".

5:15Am - Pat struggles out of bed.

6:10AM - We arrive at the surgery clinic, check in and pay the deductable. Please President Obama, make my health care free! On second thought, never mind. We're not on welfare, so we're considered part of the "Wealthy" class of America and would have to pay at least 50% of the cost, plus 25% of the cost of the welfare case that was there also. Dang rich people!

7:00AM - Pre-op for Lisa.

Ain't she beautiful?

8:20AM - Lisa starts getting her anesthesia. Sorry, I can't tell you what she was telling me between the start and when she went into surgery. (Only about 3 minutes), but just let me say she was quite the little chatterbox.

8:26AM - 10:45AM - Lisa surgey, Pat waits, and waits, and waits. Pacing the floor. Concerned for his wife. I was on pins and needles the whole time.

10:46AM - Dr. Mitnik comes out to tell Pat, "everything went great".

11:30AM - Pat gets to go back to the recovery room. Lisa had to stay in recovery until 3:30PM because she kept forgetting to breath. She was still coming out of the anesthesia and every time she would fall asleep, which was about every 30 seconds, she would "forget" to breath and her oxygenation % would go down below 88%. The Doctor said she couldn't go home until she could keep it above 90%. Finally, about 3:00PM we wheeled Lisa out to the curb in a wheelchair.

3:30PM - We arrive home and get Lisa set up on the sofa.

She has to wear a brace whenever she isn't on her CPM.

Hooked up to the Cryogenic Thermalizer Cooler-

Offer The Leg/Knee Machine Thingy.

Every 4 hours. Happy Times. Lisa's drugs.

Day after: She is actually doing great. She is being pretty good and staying off her feet and letting Pat do things for her. We'll see how long that lasts. She had several people send flowers and wish her a speedy recovery. Thanks to everyone. We'll keep you updated via Facebook.

Sweet Digs!

2009-08-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, it was load up the truck and take the kid to college time! Yea!

Just kidding. We loved having Carleigh home for the summer. She was employed at Chem-Dry, (and did a GREAT job), attended the University Branch, (which she loved), and was just plain fun to have home, (which we loved). But alas, summer is coming to a close and it was time to get back to Eastern Arizona College for her. Carleigh is sharing a house in Thatcher with 5 other really fun girls and it seems like a great place for her. We thought it would be fun for you to be able to see her new home for the next 9 months.

What every girl wants, it great view from her window.

Carleighs motto has always been "Travel Light". YEAH. WHATEVER!

What house would be complete without an orange velvet chair?

The "RETRO ROOM". One of Carleighs housemates, Julie decorated the den with old albums and covers. It looked really good, except retro means old right? I remember some of those albums. Uh Oh!

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

California Dreamin

2009-07-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Day One - Just outside of Albuquerque, we passed a "Big Rig" hauling a "Little Rig".

I'm glad this guy was making good use of the 8 MPG he was getting driving this truck. Now this is efficiency.

We dropped Hannah off at EFY in Flagstaff about noon and headed for San Diego to meet Garrick, Kara and the girls. SEAWORLD here we come!

Day Two - (Back to day one for a moment. Pat's internal male GPS malfunctioned and we ended up taking the "Scenic Route" through Lake Havuasu City, El Centro & Kingman. 13 hours in the truck Monday! It was worth it though because Rylee and Jadyn were still awake when we got there.)

OK, now on to day two. Quick breakfast at the Comfort Inn breakfast room. We had to fight the youth soccer team for waffles, but we survived. We made the assault on SeaWorld at about 9:30AM.

Jadyn liked "Shamu"

Rylee liked the Seasame Street rides.
We had a great time. We stayed until the place closed at almost 10:00PM that night. The girls did fantastic, (the mid-afternoon naps helped), and everyone enjoyed SeaWorld.

Day Three - A quick trip to show Rylee the San Diego Temple, then we visited Pacific Beach.

GrandPa enjoyed having the beach all to himself.

Well, almost all to himself. After all. This is California.

Day Four - We fight the soccer team for breakfast, check the route this time, and we're off for Phoenix. We met Ryan and his girlfriend Brittani, John and Jan at Cheesecake Factory for an early dinner, then it was off to see the D'Backs play the Rangers at Chase Field.

Brittani, Ryan and GrandPa. Yes that is a Braves jersey courtesy of Ryan on Papa.

He didn't get the nickname, "Pesty Uncle John" for nothing. If you look to the left in the picture, you will see John is pointing his camera at Lisa while she is taking he and Jans picture. That's the "Pesty Uncle John" that we love! The D'Backs lost in 12 innings 9-8. It was a fun game and Ryan and the Brewers were troupers because they all had to get up really early the next morning. Lisa and I slept in. AHHH. Vacations. Ya gotta love them.

Day Five - After a nice Hampton Inn breakfast, we made a quick trip to see the Lowders. We were reminded why we miss them so much, but it was great to see them.

After visiting with Fran, Steve and their kids for a couple hours, (so much for a "quick" visit), we were off for Flagstaff. After about 2 and a half hours, Lisa woke up and said, "We're here already. That was fast." Gramdma doesn't do a lot of driving on the trips.

Day Six - We picked up Hannah at the NAU campus. EFY is such a great, inspired program for the youth. Hannah "LOVED" EFY this year. Quotes from Hannah - "Best counselor ever", "Best group ever", My roommate was SO FUN", "Cute guys".

So let me get this straight Hannah, you really liked EFY?

No, these aren't gang signs Hannah and her counselor Sunshine are flashing. It is "F" for FaceBook. Sunshine inspired Hannah to want to be an EFY counselor in a few years herself. Needless to say we heard EFY stories, adventures and learned what a COW is, until about Winslow when Hannah finally succumed to exhaustion. Needless to say, she had a great time, made some new friends and had a spiritual experience. EFY is about one of the best investments parents can make for their children.

5 hours later, Albuquerque on the horizon.
WHEW! A lot of driving, a lot of going, going, going and seeing a lot of family and friends.

It was GREAT!

A Wheewee!

2009-06-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

Caden brought his family over to Grandma & Grandpas house Sunday for a "Stunting" exhibition. Oh, and dinner too.
C'Dawg is following his uncle Zach's example and learning from his father. [Translation - motorcycles are COOL!]
Usually the first thing he has to do is to go into the garage to sit on Zach's bike. Then it is out to the STUNT TRACK (backyard) to ride his bike. However, just riding is not enough. We have to "Wheewee" (wheelie). Fortunately, a camera crew was close when Caden started his show. The pictures below were taken at one of the most THRILLING moments for the crowd that had assembled.

Careful; the following images contain some graphic adventure scenes. Warning; do not eat before viewing! No blood, but really close.

Caden was not injured in the making of this documentary. In fact, after the bike was pulled off of him, we realized he was laughing. What an "Adreneline Junkie".

Caden "Knievel" Edwards.

Laughing in the face of danger. Shaking off injury like a fly. AND, still coming back for more!

That's our C'Dawg!

P. S. - Just to keep you updated on our courtyard family (the Robin fam). Lisa walked out about a week ago and Momma Robin was going CRAZY! She quickly figured out that the babies were learning to fly and had hopped out of the nest.

Here is one of the little tykes staring back at us.

He had basically bailed from the nest and was directly under the tree. "Didn't make it very far with that 1st flight." By that afternoon, all the baby birds were gone. Momma Robin hung around for a day or so, then she was gone. So much for family life.

Good Luck Little Birdies!

Careful!

2009-06-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Them Mormons are out there.

My friend posted this on facebook, so I swiped the picture so I could post it here.
What will they think of next? Being kind to your fellow man, being honest, or maybe, gasp, free agency.

Thoughts on Memorial Day

2009-05-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

As we celebrate Memorial Day and honor all those men and women who have defended threats to our American way of life, my thoughts turned to my Dad. He fought in the Korean war. He left college after one semester because he felt he was going to get drafted anyway. He was just a young kid fresh out of High School and a few months later he was in Korea. How about going from a kid with no cares to having to watch out for somebody trying to kill you? Makes you grow up fast!

I'm not sure how the heck they got my Dad to smile like this in a picture. I don't think I have even seen a picture where he was smiling this big except his wedding photo. Did they tell jokes? Did they threaten them? I don't know, but it is a great picture.

I think this is outside the barracks where he went through basic training.

This is Dad next to his "Willys Jeep" on a road near his outfit in Korea. He was stationed in what was called the "Punch Bowl". It was right on the front. From his position, he could see the communist (enemy) territory. He loved driving any kind of vehicle and told me that whenever they asked for volunteers to drive anything he would tell them he knew how to drive it. Then he would figure out how to drive whatever it was "on the fly". He was pretty good at it from his farm upbringing.

Home Sweet Home

How would you like to live in this? If you look closely, you will notice it had about 4' - 5' of sandbags on the roof. The sandbags were in case a mortar shell made a direct hit on their bunker, they would have a better chance of survival.

This is Dad and Pete Bush, his Squad leader at this station. From things he wrote on the back of pictures, I think he thought well of Pete. Dad received the Bronze Star for taking command of his platoon when his commander was killed during an attack. I don't know if Pete was the one killed or not. His station was on a side of a mountain facing a valley and the mountain on the other side was enemy territory. Dad's job was sighting-in the artillery that shot from behind his mountain and over him into enemy territory. The enemy knew what Dad's platoon did and was always sniping at them, firing mortars and generally making life dangerous.

Talk about a "Tough Hombre". Carbine in hand, grenade on the belt.

I know Dad was proud of his service in Korea. He answered the call to serve his country. I would like to think I would do the same if I was needed in the same way, but until it actually happens you really never know how you would react. Dad never said this, but he was a real life hero - taking command of his squad under the conditions he did and serving in a dangerous position on the front lines of the war. Men like my Dad sacrificed so we can enjoy the life we do, in comfort, in safety, with the freedoms we have. I would like to honor our service men and women this Memorial Day and every day that I live in freedom. I am very grateful for all of them, especially Delmer E. Wallace.

Thanks Dad

4 New Additions to the Family

2009-05-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Yes.

Quads have been delivered here in The Duke City!

To be more specific, in the Plum tree in our courtyard. The following picture is from May 10. We noticed a Robin had made a nest in the tree just outside the front door in the courtyard. The first inclination was,"We need to take that down. We don't want birds pooping all over the sidewalk." We then got the ladder out and checked it and found these 4 bright blue robin eggs in the bottom of the nest.

So, I guess we are keeping the nest a while longer eh?

And one REALLY TICKED OFF momma bird. You can see her yellow beak sticking up above the nest after we left.
OK. Fast forward to May 25 and we checked the nest again today. This is what we found.

Looks like Mom might need to add on to the old house. It seems to be getting a little crowded in there. We'll keep you updated on the progress of our newest family members.

It sure is fun watching their progress. Reminds me of our house about 15 years ago! Full of little ones, always wanting to eat and never sitting still.

It wouldn't be spring around the Wallace house if we didn't have the humming bird feeders out. I could sit for an hour, (if I had an hour to spare), just watching them fight over who gets to eat at which feeder. They are hilarious! There is usually one that will sit in the tree just watching the feeders and waiting so he can "ATTACK" when another hummer comes. You can hear them bumping each other and zipping around when they are posturing for position. At other times, they will get along and there will be 2 or 3 feeding at one time. Love it!

And in the begining there was......

2009-05-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Spring is a busy time for Lisa. All the usual stuff inside the house, teenager activities and school, Hannah getting her drivers permit, (OH NO!!!!) and just keeping up with her busy schedule. Well, then there is growing things. Not just children, but every kind of flower imaginable.

Growing things.

It starts in March and goes through October, sometimes November.

The backyard flower beds are just starting to come to life.

The "Snowball" bush is already in full splendor.

And her pride and joy, the front courtyard is just now starting to come to life. For most people, this would be "Fantastic". For Lisa, this is just the begining. In about a month, this same courtyard will be absolutely exploding with color. It looks like something out of Better Homes and Gardens. Everyone who comes to the house comments on how nice it looks and it does. It really makes our house special.

Thanks for working so hard to make our house look so nice. This is just a small part of what you do to make our house a home.

Happy Mothers Day!

You're the BEST.

Meet "The Beast"

2009-04-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

Last month, Zach was driving home from work and a guy behind him had a "Medical Episode" as the police report describes. Fortunately, Zach was alright but, the result was Zach's jeep got totaled and he has been reduced to driving our Altima since then.

Well, no more.

Meet "The Beast"

"The Beast" is a 1999 Dodge 4 X 4 truck.

We'll let Zach fill you in on the details of the newest member of the family, but I can say that this vehicle fits Zach.

"Long Live The Beast"

Trekkin' to Tucson

2009-03-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

OK. We have the drink, candy, sunflower seeds and ipod. We're ready.

We took a trip to Tucson this last weekend for family, spring baseball and lot's of other "Stuff".

On the way over to pick up Carleigh in Thatcher, we saw this sign on the road between Duncan and Safford. Great sign.

On Thursday night, Grandma Beth and Art hosted a great party for some "old" guy who turned 50. Got to see everyone (about 28 of us) and had tons of good food.

Friday morning was spent at the Botanical Park.
The lady in the background behind Garrick and sweet baby Jadyn, was dubbed the "Butterfly Nazi". Let me tell you, when it comes to protecting the harmless, defenseless, poor little fellas, they couldn't have a better protector! She intimidated everyone.

I think the butterfly Nazi missed a couple here behind the kids.

Friday afternoon Pat, Garrick, Uncle John Brewer and Ryan all got to go to the D'Backs game. D'Backs won 9-3. Lots of fun. Altho Garrick got busted for stepping on the dugout by Maryanne, she still took our picture:)

Saturday morning we did an Autism Walk down at University of Arizona campus. Grandma Keeter lead the way!

We then had a game on Saturday afternoon. Cubs vs. Rockies. Mom, Art, Garrick, Dan, Mo & Kali all saw the Rockies shut down the Cubs. There were more Cubs fans than Rockies and it was the Rockies home field! (P.S. - Cubs fans drink ALOT of beer!)

We took Carleigh back to college in Thatcher on our way home Sunday. It was a really fun weekend. Sure was good to see everyone. Kinda glad to be home so we can rest up. We packed alot into just a few days, but it was worth it!

Welcome to the CHEM-DRY family

2009-03-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

It's a proud moment in a parents life when their offspring follow in their footsteps. (wipe away the tears).

Carleigh interviewed and was hired as a part-time CSR (Customer Service Representative) at Chem-Dry of Albuquerque and New Mexico.

She was hired because of her sweet disposition

and advanced education degrees

OK. Seriously now. We are really happy and grateful to have an outstanding person like Carleigh at our office. She will be a real asset, just like her Mom and older sisters have been. Now I really have to stop, cause the tears are starting. Love Ya Carleigh!

P.S. - Just in case you are wondering. She is only working this week while she is on spring break from EA, but she'll be back in May!

Superman to Senior in 2 seconds

2009-02-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

Let me set the stage:

It is about 70 outside, sun shinning, I'm riding my bike on the beautiful Bosque trail by the Rio Grande river. I'm feeling good. I've got a good sweat going. "Could it get any better?" Yes. A couple riders pull onto the trail ahead of me.

The challenge has been issued. I must catch these riders.

I start pushing a little harder, legs pumping, I am a MACHINE! I gain on them and within 10 minutes I'm drafting the back rider. Another mile and the 2nd rider passes the first and takes the lead. I follow him and the other rider drops off the pace.

ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO.

I stay right on his back tire. I can tell I'm pushing him. Another mile or two and I decide to pass him. Dude, I'm Lance armstrong! We ride for about 3 miles and he is still with me, but I feel sympathy for the poor guy and I slow down and strike up a conversation with him. We talk about some very general stuff, "how far are you going, nice bike, great day". After a couple minutes, I find out we both rode the El Tour de Tucson last November. "This guy must be alright". Then I find out we rode almost the exact time. "OK, he is gaining stature on my Cool meter". He then throws out a veiled excuse of "I'm not riding too bad for a guy over 50". I tell him I am exactly one month short of my 50th birthday. Then it happens. His next comment is:

"Hey. You can participate in the New Mexico Senior Olympics as soon as you turn 50!"

BAM! Just shoot me now!

He says it like it is some achievement! I said,"Wow. That's cool." Inside I was saying, "..... well I can't really write them down here and keep my Temple Recommend...."

My speed dropped from about 22 mph to the 17-18 range, I suddenly felt my legs start to tighten up, my chest got tighter, (I'm gonna have a freakin' heart attack because of this guy!), I feel like 20 lbs heavier.

That's it! I am never talking to anyone, ever again while I am riding unless I know them beforehand!

Arizona Dreamin'

2009-02-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

Lisa got back Saturday afternoon from a "Whirlwind" tour of Arizona. (Thanks to cheap SW Airlines tickets!)

She was like a politician on a whistle stop tour!

First, she was whisked away from the airport to Eegees Subs, (no trip to Tucson is complete without an Eegee's turkey sub w/ pepperoncini), where she got to see Grandma Beth and Grandma Ruth.

Uncle John and Aunt Jan were there too!

Of course, Kara was the chauffeur along with Rylee and Jadyn.

After a visit to Ruth's house, dinner at John & Jan's, it was off to Sierra Vista.

Rylee and Jadyn obviously don't get along together at all! Actually, Jadyn absolutely adores her older sister.

Shopping, swimming, Texas Roadhouse all filled the next day. Then it was back to Tucson for a trip to Kohl's, (The Mecca of bargains I'm told), and a quick trip to the Zoo.

Rylee riding Dumbo.

"Mmmmm. snacks."

Kayla communing with the polar bear

It was then back to Grandma Beth's for dinner and fun with Dan, Mo, Callina, John, Noelle, Ian, Andrew, Allison, Kara, Rylee and Jadyn

After a VERY short night of sleep, it was back to the airport and home to Albuquerque. Sleep was definitely on the agenda after Arizona. It was a busy, tiring, quick trip to Arizona, but it was GREAT!

It's really been that long?

2009-02-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that it was almost 30 years ago that we started the first Chem-Dry franchise in the state of New Mexico, but in April of this year, it will be 30 years!

What we never envisioned 30 years ago was being named Chem-Dry franchise of the Year for 2009.

Actually, you could see this award coming from way back in the history of our business. As proof, the following pictures are included:

Obviously, this is a future Chem-Dry of the Year! I have no idea who is in the suit. Look closely at the TV. Yes, those are knobs on it. No, it did not have a remote that went with it. Looks like something from the original "Leave it to Beaver" show.

Check out the high quality marketing material on the front of the table. Classy.

Enjoying the Good Life. We must know that there is a Major Award in our future. Can you guess what era this is by my hairstyle and aviator sunglasses. Hey, Mullets are making a comeback aren't they? The aviator sunglasses are already back. This is in Nassau on the 1st Chem-Cruise. Circa 1991. (Ouch. 18 years ago!)

I think I look a little like Mark Walhberg in the movie "Invincible". No. Well, I know I felt invincible in my stylin' Chem-Dry mini-truck.

In the Pits At the Indy 500

2009-02-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

With a little help from his father, Caden has developed a strong love of anything that involves an internal combustion engine. Favorite movie - Cars, Favorite Toys - Motorcycles and Trucks, Favorite sound - Baaaaa Baaaaa, (No that's not a lamb with a stomach ache. That is the sound of a motorcycle.) Caden always wants to go sit on Uncle Zachs "bike" when he is over. He has to put on the helmet and gloves as part of sitting on the bike.

This picture is actually Zach, (if you couldn't tell), doing one of his "Stunts". I think this is what Caden envisions himself doing while he is sitting on the bike.

Anyway, Caden was over last week and was out in the backyard helping Grandma Lisa. She was cleaning out a flowerbed and Caden was in the sandbox playing. She noticed him over by the riding mower, but didn't think anything of it. When she went to check on him a little later, this is what she found.

Caden had decided that the mower needed some "additives" in the gasoline.

We have no idea how he was able to get the cap off, but he did. When Papa took the gas tank off to clean it out, there was about a cup full of sand in the tank. All I can say is, "Good Thing Grandma Found Him When She Did." Fortunately, there was very little gas in the tank and Caden got to have some "Male Bonding" time with Papa cleaning it out.

I'm sure C'Dawg will be an Ace Mechanic given a few more lessons and some more years under his belt, but right now, better keep a close watch on the little Hot Rod!

Heart Medicine

2009-01-23T16:10:00.000-08:00

What is this?

This is Heart Medicine. At least that's what Rylee has dubbed it. Kara and the girls were here for a few days in early January, and the girls were a kinda sick for most of the time. It was close to bedtime and Rylee was getting a little "testy". So Papa was trying to cheer her up and he gave her some "medicine" to help her feel better. A short time later, Rylee comes up to Papa and says, "Papa, I need some heart medicine with the letters and a name on it."

I don't know what you call them, but from now on at the Wallace house, conversation hearts will be forever known as "Heart Medicine".

We also celebrated C'Dawgs birthday. 2 years old. Holy Cow! It seems like just a few months ago that Caden was born, now he is a "Big Brother". We went to Josh and Aubreys place for the party. We had Caden's favorite food, "pita" (pizza), and opened presents.

It was fun watching Daddy, Rusty, and Zach trying to figure out the helicopter. Of course, Caden had it working pretty quickly. He then proceeded to load his other presents into his new wagon and do laps around the kitchen and sofa.

Happy Birthday C'Dawg!

Following is a short documentary film on the dangers of giving 2 year olds cupcakes with frosting on them. It is not for the "faint of heart". So consider yourself WARNED!

Headlong into the 21st century

2009-01-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

Bear with us. We are "rookie" bloggers. We have so much fun keeping up with our oldest daughters blogs, we thought we would give it a try.

Someone sent me the bloggers code of conduct.

I will post weekly.

I will only post things that are of interest to other bloggers.

I will not blog long, boring posts about the little things my kids do.

I will not make fun of other blogs.

I will not steal ideas from other bloggers.

Yea. Whatever!

Now about our kids and grandkids.

We have been blessed with a great bunch of children, grandchildren and son-in-laws. Everyone gets along together, supports each other and loves each other, (most of the time).

OK. Now we have already broken rules # 2 & #3. We will work on breaking the rest.

Adios from Nuevo Mexico for now.