Pioneer Celebration

Once again we celebrated "Pioneer Day" in style. (For those who are unfamiliar with "pioneer Day, it's celebrated in Utah on July 24th in honor of the Saints who crossed the plains and entered in to Utah) Here in Nevada, it's the day we go to the pond and PARTY!

Nan and Janet (I had to blog Janet 'cuz she didn't want me too, and she looks good!

Charlie'a Angels 2009 edition

Macen and the water slide!

The Fifth Ward out to PARTY

Pioneer day at the Pond

Primary Activity

Here's Macen at our Primary Activity night. As you can see by the picture he takes after his dad when it comes to posing!

He wasn't too excited about wearing a garbage bag....

The balloon between the legs race...

The seed spitting contest..His response? "YUCK..That was Gross"

Macen at the Dentist

My little man went to the dentist the other day. A BIG thankyou to Dr. Gibbs. He was so great! Macen was amazing. He has a small mouth and A LOT of teeth. Macen had to get a little work done, and didn't give them any trouble. He decided that he was going to brush his teeth much better from now on!

Happy 21 you gorgeous gal!

Happy Happy Birthday! You are growing up to be such an amazing woman. I'm so blessed to have you as my niece! (being your favorite aunt is too bad either) I love you and I hope you have the most wonderful birthday ever!

Welcome Back!

Welcome home Casey and Woody! 6 months at sea! I want you to know that I am very proud to know what amazing men (and sailors) you both are! I am glad you're home safe and back with your families!

Gosh Darn Dogs

SO..Today I made a roasted chicken for dinner. Macen LOVES chicken, so I seasoned, I basted, I roasted the best chicken ever! It made the whole house smell so good...Our mouths were watering..(think Christmas Story: Ralphie's Dad and the turkey) It was PERFECT! I cooked it to the perfect temperature..I put it on the counter..I let it cool..I sliced it perfectly..I gave some to Macen, I gave some to myself. I dreamt of chicken sandwiches with fresh soft white bread..oh life was going to be perfect tomorrow....then..the DOGS!!!! Oh, how I curse the day Scout got big enough to see what was on the counter! He picked the plate of carved chicken off the counter and bolted outside....Bear quickly followed...by the time I got to them..the chicken was in dog bellies! The plate still glistened with the chicken juices..There will be no sandwiches tomorrow..no need to make fresh white bread...

A soldier in Iraq's view of Michael Jackson

note: my friend Michele sent me this..it was so good I had to blog it!

THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A SOLDIER IN IRAQ

I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions and millions, and he did a lot of things that made him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.

Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loss their minds with grief. When a man dies who's only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?

Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America.

Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for IED's?" When did this country become so callous, so uncaring about the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw a huge mourning for a "Pop Icon?"

I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them.

But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it.

Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military:

"So that others may live..."

Monday #8 Help the Hungry

Make TODAY Matter

Help the Hungry

FACTS:

• The 2nd largest expence for families is food.
• 35.1 million Americans have limited access to enough food due to lack of $$ and other resources.
• 12.4 million of those are children.
• 30% of families are forced to choose between buying food and paying for medical care or medicine.
• Many sooup kitchens serve up to 1,000 meals a week. They need volunteers year-round, especially during holidays.
• 1 in 4 people in a soup kitchen line is a child.
• 96 billion pounds of food are wasted each year!

Take Action Today

1. Locate organizations near you that support the hungry. Find out what those organizations need and help provide it.
2. Donate your time and volunteer at a food pantry/distibution center, a local soup kitchen, or a homeless shelter.
3. Go through your pantry and gather up canned and dried foods to DONATE.
4. CREATE or support a local canned food drive.
5. Purchase and hand out fast-food gift cards to homeless people. Buy extra cards to have on hand for spontaneous giving.

YOU MATTER

Most people don't have to decide between buying food, paying rent, and purchasing medicine or medical care. But, the sad truth is, millions do. Whether you personally donate time, money, canned foods, or restaurant gift cards, you can be part of the solution. And, as you strive to end hunger, you will gain a new appreciation for food you have on your table at home....

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to all you wonderful men in my life. I am so blessed to have you all!

UP

What a great movie! It's a definate "must-see" I love Disney/Pixar..but they outdid themselves this time. It made me miss my husband even more, but it also made me very excited to have an adventure..whatever it may be!

My Family...Weekly update

Hello all! I know I know..It's been a long time. I've been busy and sadly the blog suffered..but no more. I am organized (well, as organized as I can be) and my camera is recharged, so summer 2009 here we come!

First off, thank you Miss Courtney F. for the great Little Rascal's picture..It's now my profile picture on Facebook! Look close everyone..Macen makes a great Alfalfa don't you think?

Macen is doing well. He misses his Daddy something fierce, but he knows that I'm doing all that I can to get us to Japan. In the meantime he's been going to the Youth Activity Center for daycamp. He is having a blast! He goes on fieldtrips almost every other day! He comes home worn out! He starts his summer tutoring program next week..so he'll be ready for bed by 7 every night..yay for Mom!

Grant is settled in on his ship. He misses us as much as we miss him, but he's staying very busy. (Again, get on Facebook to see) He likes being a chief, but the responsibility for the young sailors is a bit of a challenge! He's doing well though. I am so proud of him! I know he'd like to hear from you all, so drop him a line caufieldgr@ddg54.navy.mil

As for me, well....I'm keeping busy. I started working out every day..scary huh? I walk the dogs, work out with Wii, lift weights, and have fallen in love with Yoga! I'm starting to feel better..and I like buying smaller sizes when I shop! I too miss Grant, but God willing, we'll all be together again in August. (I may have to bribe a few people, but I'm not above it!) Work is fine. I enjoy the "grown up" time. My church callings are fine. My sunday school kids ROCK! My Activities is well....no comment. I don't know how my mom did it for so long. I enjoy working with Nan though. She's keeping me sane!

I've had a few girls night out too! I saw 17 again and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. Great movies! I recommend them highly!

I did get a bit of sad news this month though. My Sister Tracy's oldest dog Oreo had to be put down. He was an amazing animal, and he will be missed. (I do, however, believe that he's in heaven right now being fawned over by my little Katie Bug)

Well, that's the news for now. I love you all, and hope we can see each other before I go! :)

enjoy the blog, leave a comment or two..and have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday you Beautiful Women!

My friend Susan, and her goddess of a mother Janet celebrated their birthdays this week. They really are the greatest women!

Happy Happy Birthday you two..Thank you for all that you do!

Monday #7 Write a Letter to a U.S. Millitary Hero

Monday #7

WRITE A LETTER TO A U.S. MILITARY HERO

FACTS:

• There are approimately 2.1 million active and reserve men and women in the U.S. military.
• Hundreds of thousands of troops are deployed indefinitely in remote parts of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, the Korean Penesula, and on ships throughout international waters.
• Active military members are deployed for long periods of time, and they love receiving good wishes and words of appreciation and suppoert, even from total strangers.
• The most requestd item by military men and women is a letter.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

1. Select a soldier, sailor, marine you know or one who is related to someone you know.
2. If you don't know a soldier, sailor, or a marine, ask a friend, fellow student, co-worker, pastor, or military chaplain to help you make a connection. Make sure they provide proper mailing instructions.
3. Grab some paper, and envelope, and a pen.
4. Write a letter from your heart that expresses your gratitude, shows your support, and provides encouragement. Share a little bit about yourself and ask questions. Avoid such topics as death, killing, and politics.
5. Include your email or miling address in case the recipient wants to write back.
6. Send the letter.

YOU MATTER

Our military protects our nation's freedom, and, regardless of your political affiliation and whether or not you believe in war, these brave men and women need to know that we appreciate their sacrifices and service.

With a simple card or letter, you can brighten the day of a military memeber who is overseas ensuring your freedom.

YOUR LETTER MIGHT BE THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES A SOLDIER SMILE THAT DAY!

*This is near and dear to my heart. Being married to an amazing Sailor, I know how important it is for letters from home. Some of these young men and women have no one, and a letter changes that. If you would like to write sailors on my husbands ship, or you would like to post an address for a soldier, sailor, or a marine, let me know.. shancauf@yahoo.com

Happy Belated Birthdays

I missed blogging 3 very important birthday's last month...Happy Birthday to Courtney, Rebecca, and Rick. We here in the Caufield home love you all very very much, and we didn't forget, but the Caufield woman is using the excuse that she was very very busy last month..

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

My cute parents are celebrating the 100th year of marriage today....

Just kidding..I think it's only number 49!

Happy Anniversary!