ORTHODONTIST EXPERIENCE!!!

Nicole survived "spacers" and has to go through a jaw expansion process. Fun Times! Nicole often gets comments from guys on her incredibly white smile. She loves going to the dentist and never needs reminded to brush or floss. The orthodontist said she has beautiful teeth; however a small jaw and big teeth. Small jaw from her Dad and big teeth from her Mom. The best news was Kim's daughter Bethany works at the office we are going to so that she gets a 50% discount for us and Kim has dental insurance (I didn't have it before) so the bottom line was a fraction of the price in Spokane. Life does have it's rainbows!

Life in Utah

We took Nicole to Disney on Ice this week. It was her first time. She had her mouth open half of the time. It was nice to just drive a few miles, enjoy and then drive a few miles home. The skating was incredible but the scenery changes and lighting were fantastic. Okay, I probably had my mouth open a lot, too!!! We have season tickets to a series of top notch plays next year that I am really looking forward to. I think Kim enjoys how excited Nicole and I get about things here. Nicole's dentist is in the same ward as David Archeleta. She has had some really fun opportunities here. Thursday is a big "New Moon" opening here. Sara was able to get some hard to get tickets to take Nicole and Haley. Fun Times! Off to get Nicole to the FIRST ORTHODOTIST appointment. Isn't life fun?!?

OCTOBER MAGIC!

Okay, we are all a bit strange on Halloween. We had wonderful homemade chili recipes. We had Heidi's homemade donuts. We had my witches brew with dry ice that was out of this world. We had bobbing for apples and games for all. It was a fun time with lots of family. These grandkids are the BEST!!! We had tons of trick or treaters. Lots of parents came up and thanked us for making our home so fun for the neighborhood. Met lots of new people. Utah is a very friendly state. People keep thinking they know me from somewhere. One lady came up to me and asked if I remembered her...she said she was my neighbor in American Fork. I told her I had just moved here...she said I have a twin and she is one of her close friends. Weird, huh. I had one lady who got all excited and hugged me and then realized I wasn't her long lost friend. It has been fun and even Nicole doesn't want to leave now. We miss our Moses Lake friends but are adjusting. We love company if you are ever in town! Nicole is preparing for the upcoming Christmas Dance Performances. Life is still GOOD...very very GOOD!!!

HALLOWEEN PARTY IN DRAPER

HALLOWEEN PARTY IN DRAPER

We are having a Halloween Party...
Friday October 30 at 7:00 pm
Games, Chili and Rolls, Donuts, Hot Apple Cider
at: The Sanderson Home
RSVP PLEASE...

*Wear your Halloween Costume!

My B-day Present

This is Stacy's cute little car stuffed with stuff!!! Kim and I have 2 of everything. I talked Stacy into taking the informal dinning room set a little at a time. Today was the table and 2 chairs. It was amazing to see her pack. I taught her well. We McConkie women (talking about our roots) have the ability to pack!!! I know Janet, Lori and Peggy are remembering my suitcases at Disneyland...okay...we pack a lot of stuff!!!


My B-day was Friday. Yes, I blew out all my candles with one breath...I turned 57 but Kim had a theory of 5 candles representing the first 10 and 7 singles. So there were only 12, YES!!! My best present was coming home and finding Stacy and the girls in my living room. She just went home...sad...but she is coming back a week from Friday...YES!!! I miss seeing Tami and her family more but love having Heidi, David, Stacy and Michelle closer. Thankful Nicole is still in an upstairs bedroom. I know...I am spoiled. Stacy and I had so much fun together. I think we go till we drop. Tai Pan Trading is our new favorite hangout. The Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas displays are incredible. Their purses and home decor are fantastic. Too much fun!!! Yea, life is Good...very ver Good!!!

Nicole's 1st Emotion Dance Performance

Well this Saturday Nicole got to perform with Emotion-Dance Attack group. They are using last years performances for these early appearances...means a lot of quick learning for Nicole and borrowing of costumes. They have a big Christmas performance they are learning new dances for. She is now dancing on point and knows the pain of sore feet. It has been hard to adjust to the loss of her family "Todays Generation" and try and fit into established dance groups. Having Misty has helped a lot. Maybe someday we will at the same competition. I am impressed with how good this new company is. We saw some really bad ones this Saturday. It is a blessing to have found a good company...thanks for helping us with that Janet, Lori and Peggy. I will never get tired of seeing Nicole dance!

HOME AVAILABLE!

We are dropping the price on the Moses Lake Home this week. It appraised for $299,000 and now due to the slow sales and recession we are setting the new price at $249,000. With the upgrades and the $6,000 garden building, $8,000 vinyl fence and stainless steel appliances including a $3,500 refrigerator... it is a steal. It has 9' ceilings and upgrades throughout. It is only 2 years old and everything is upgraded and top of the line. If you know anyone who is in the market; this would be an incredible investment. If it doesn't sell soon we will probably rent it out. I really would love to see a good family in it. It will always be precious to me. If anyone is seriously interested...be sure and let me know before I relist it...we can bring the price down a bit more.

DECORATING!!!

Every year when I start decorating for the holidays, I think of Kacey Earl. When she was on the Junior Miss Court she came to my home often. One day she looked around at all the Christmas decorations and said "I love your decorations...you must have TOO MUCH TIME on your hands". Kacey was right that it did take some time but it is like magic in drawing in family and friends. We have lots of parties because we are READY! I wasn't sure how Kim would adapt to my style but he has been wonderful. He is a very tidy person. Nicole teases him about being MONK(from TV show) but he returns it back to her (she is also very tidy!). Okay, I am a bit picky too! But oh how I love the holidays!!! The bale of hay was probably his biggest adjustment besides living with ME!!! Oh, the joys of being newlyweds...you all remember those? Can't wait till Christmas. Halloween and Thanksgiving was only 20 boxes...Christmas is more like 60 plus!!! Life is GOOD!

What a Weekend!!!

Dawson's Baptism





David's youngest, Dawson turned 8 and was baptized. I love being a Grandma!!! This is Grandchild #6 to be baptized. How sweet it is!!! All of you young parents need to know that the best payback is watching your children raise righteous spirits who make wise choices. It is the BEST!!! Haley was the chorister and Nicole was the pianist. Kim gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and I gave the closing prayer. Yes, I did get to pick. Besides, Kim is much better at delivering talks. It was a wonderful event! Then we ate Pizza, cake and ice cream...Life is GOOD!

TRICK OR TREAT

This is Drew, my grandson who will turn 8 on Dec 20th and be our next baptism! He tells me he loves me about every 10 minutes. I love being a Grandma!!!



We ready for you! I have lots of CHOCOLATE! I have Halloween pretzels, fruit snacks, pretzels and gold fish. We are decorated and awaiting you visit!!! I love Halloween. We have carmel apples, popcorn balls and hot apple cider! So come on over and warm up by the fireplace cause we are READY FOR YOU!!!!
I have to admit it is killing me to miss Marion's Witch Party but I promise "to be a Witch" this year and for years to come. Once you have been a witch...who would want to be anything else?! If you look up at the moon on Halloween...you will see me fly by on my broom?!?

Choose This Day

Choose You This Day

I love this message from President Eyring. I have thought often about how really good Dad was. He would truely wear himself out daily in the service of others. He learned it from his parents. I love the way he talks about service. I know I always feel better when I am serving. Kim has talked about how important marriage is because it allows you to serve someone else and not turn inward. He has stated how much he loves doing things for Nicole and I. I know time is flying by and the only separation is the day and the night. I love the way he encourages asking the Lord how we can help him best, for that day, when we have our morning prayers and scripture study. I love the gospel. What a neat road map it is back to our loving Heavenly Father.


A new friend of mine, Jen (from Australia) compared the temple to the lighthouses in the world. I have always loved lighthouses and all that they stand for. She said the temples light our way back to Christ in a world full of distractions. In the worst of storms (had a few of those) it will bring you home safely. The temple has always been a refuge for my heart. The Draper Temple sits on a hill behind my home. It is framed a large window. I will never get tired of looking at it. The sun rises behind it and it sits high on the hill. I am so thankful for these beautiful lighthouses that bless our lives.

ST GEORGE MARATHON

Kim's Son Eric ran the 26.2 mile St George Marathon this weekend. We ran into Kacey Earl Nielsen (Scarlet and Rhode) waiting for Jon to complete the same marathon. Kim recognized Kacey from Lagoon last year. I loved being able to get and give a hug to a very special young woman in my life. What a beautiful wife and mother she has become! Love Ya, Kacey!!!! I have NO DESIRE to do a marathon after watching the pain and suffering coming across the finish line. Maybe a 5K with Kim but NO MARATHON! I know I am so not into suffering!?! I am an official whimp!!!

AIDA at the TUACHAN THEATER...WOW!!!

We went to the musical AIDA. Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA is a contemporary musical take on the grand classic tale of the love between a soldier and an enslaved princess—a love that condemns them both to death, but ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their two warring nations, heralding an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity. It was amazing to watch it at the Tauchan outdoor theater...even better than the gourge. I sat by a lady that had seen it on Broadway and said it was more spectacular at this venue. So many WOWS in my life. Kim always is amazed at how excited I get...it's like a whole new world!

PERSONAL PROGRESS

I love the Young Women's Program in our ward. Everything is centered on Personal Progress. They coordinate so well between YM and YW activities. It feels like a super activity every other week. Last week they were missionaries and went by two to members homes. They taught the first discussion. Many in a foreign language. Nicole's school requires foreign languages starting in the 8th grade. She is taking Spanish. Her discussion was in Spanish. The members fed them food from the country they were suppose to be in. They had name tags and learned a lot from the experience. They did a service activity this week at various members homes. The pie in these pictures was to fulfill a personal progress goal. It was really YUMMY! Being Nicole's Mom is like watching a rose bloom. She is such a caring and sweet young women. I am so thankful for the gospel. The programs are such a gift and the guidelines are road map back to Heavenly Father. Raising children in this world of chaos is a challenge but thank heavens we don't have to do it alone!

POCKETS OF LOVE

Paul wore his work shirts till they were thin and worn. There was one thing that was mandatory and that was pockets. I found comfort in being surrounded by his Sunday Suits and those old work shirts. I told my children that I was going to make quilts with the fabric from the shirts. I started cutting out 10" squares and stacking them for a future project. Nicole came into the room as I was tossing the remnants. She was very anxious about the pieces I was going to get rid of. Nicole shared her precious memories of all the things Daddy put in his pockets. At the tender age of 10, she too wanted to hold onto anything that reminded her of her Dad. She asked that we keep the pockets. Well three years have passed and it was just too painful and time consuming to sit and assemble that quilt. On Kim and my wedding day, Nicole received this beautiful quilt, assembled by her sister Tami. Tami has 5 children and her husband is a high councilman. Their life is incredibly busy but she took time to make sure Nicole had her "comfort blanket". Nicole still sleeps with her baby blanket "the airplane blanket" (mint green with airplanes on it). I want Tami to know how touched I was to see that quilt. It holds precious memories in all the pockets. How fitting to put hearts in them. It is the gift President Monson spoke of...the gift of time. Thank you Tami...it will be treasured and bring great comfort and most of all revive those precious memories that we never want to forget.

Zach has Arrived!!!!

ZACHERY PAUL CAUDLE IS HERE!!! GRANDCHILD #23 (Combined total!)


The anticipated call finally came. Zachary Paul Caudle was born on 9/12/09, at 11:58 a.m. weighing in at 7 lbs 2 oz, and 19 1/2 inches long. I am always so thankful when these new spirits get through the process of labor and delivery without major complications. Each of my babies, with the exception of Nicole came with incredible challenges both thru 9 months of pregnancy and delivery. I also have a peace that Paul helped usher in their transition to this world. I am thankful for family!!! We are loving Utah. We love our ward and have been adopted by many families. I often think of family and friends in Moses Lake. I am amazed at the opportunities and entertainment here (the shopping is not bad either!). I love the sunsets and sunrises. Dave and Sara are here now and that is wonderful. Life is Good!

You just can't hide...

KIM at Yellowstone...Honeymoon..."Kept him a little off balance"!!!

We have already spoke in Sacrament Meeting. It was our 3rd Week in the ward. We got asked to speak on Family History and Temples. Did you know Utah does not have the new family search yet?!? You are blessed in Moses Lake to have access to the newest programs. The system is having a hard time handling the volume of data. They are gearing up for a huge release to Utah. The Stake President, Pres. Morgan is in our ward. We love our Bishop and Stake President. We often have temple nights and we get together for dinner before. Kim has the calm knowledgeable resolve of a High Councilman. He just flowed into his talk with a deep commanding voice. I am thankful that he finishes what I meant to say. I am thankful that we can help each other do what needs to be done and have a whole lot of FUN in the process! Life is Good!!!

What a sight to behold!!!

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple, we were able to go to the open house and dedication. You can see from the front of the house. You have to see the chandeliers, they are gorgeous!!!

The Jordan River Temple...you can see from the front of the house.

Draper Temple can be seen from Nicole's room and the entire East side of the house. The Draper Temple is our assigned temple. It is just in our backyard...who would have ever thought I would live so close to so many temples. We love going to the temple for date night. I do believe in "miracles" !!!

Bountiful Temple is where our wedding took place. It was BEAUTIFUL!!!


When we came through the temple doors as Mr. & Mrs. Sanderson; we were greeted by most of our 50 plus close family and friends. I will never forget the look on my children and grandchildren's faces. We had a beautiful ceremony by the temple president who personally knew Kim. To have all of my children (Nicole in the waiting room), all of Paul's siblings and all of Kim's children, as well as other family and friends...it was wonderful. Many tears were shed and I know that what we were doing was sanctioned by a loving Heavenly Father and both of our spouses. It took a real leap of faith to do this. What a blessing it is to have found a companion to complete this earthly journey with. We are loving our new home and quickly getting settled in. I am thankful for an intercom system that helps me find Nicole. We love visitors...so if you are in the neighborhood, stop by! I saw Heather Calder at IKEA a couple of days ago. The sunset on the mountains is incredible. Kim and I love to hike, bike and walk. It is wonderful to have a companion to share life with, again. Life is Good...Very very good.

Nicole 3 times a flower girl and now a maid of honor

Nicole is such a young lady now. One minute she is a wild and crazy 13 year old and the next she is a princess. Nicole was my maid of honor for the wedding. She was my only daughter who couldn't be in the sealing room. She got a beautiful yellow gown from David's Bridal. She looked like a freshly picked rose. I am so thankful for her companionship. I know that we have laughed together and cried together more than any two people in the world (personal reflection). I love that she is so much like her Daddy. Her eyes twinkle and she laughs full out. She sings like an angel and dances like crazy. She is with a dance company called eMotions. WE MISS TODAYS GENERATION and will be forever thankful for the love and dedication they share with so many young women. Nicole will never forget her all of her Today's Generation Famiy! She is doing jazz, clogging, ballet, contemporary and hip hop. She is excited about the posibility of doing a girl-guy hip hop dance?!? She has made so many new friends at school, church and dance. The house is frequently full of young friends; both young women and young men. I have had to chase the young men out a few times and remind everyone that she is still only 13. I love being Nicole's Mom...and I am thankful that she has made the adjustment to include a whole new world in her ever changing life. What a gift to have children...I love being a MOM!!!