Ingelheim Five

Honey, I'm (Coming) Home!

2009-05-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

So, I jumped into my pick-up...

(dang, which one is mine again???)

...and headed for the little palace I call "home."

Then I thought I'd head out to the nearest restaurant for a bite.

(This looked like a nice place...)

...so I stopped in for the buffet.

(E-w-w-w-w-w!!!)

I decided then and there that good old home cookin' beats this "restaurant" food any time.

I'm coming home!

(...in six days.)

2009-05-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

...to the greatest Mom

a husband could ever want

(for his children)

It all started here...

Who knows where it will end up?

(I do.)

I love the Mother you have become.

Box

Tagged by Anna

2009-03-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

6 Picture tag. Here are the directions: Open up the 6th picture folder on your computer. Post the 6th picture in the folder and tell the story of it. Then tag 6 of your friends.

This picture is from our visit to the Frankfurt Auto Show in the fall of 2004. It's Wyn at about 10 'test driving' a Mini. We got tickets thinking Gage would LOVE it and he did. But the fun part was that Logan and Wyndham had a great time too. How random is that Anna? I'll bet you're surprised that I know how to do this eh?

I now tag Jordan, Myrna, Cherie and Susi, Cheryl and Carl. Muh-ha-ha-ha...

Dad loves Mom.

2009-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

10,000 miles from Abq.

2009-02-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Back in 1977 BC (before children), Blaine and I lived in LA. It was a great year and we made a lot of memories. During that year, Art Garfunkel did a song called 99 Miles From LA. It kind of became ours. Blaine was flying back and forth to Mexico City as a courier. Yesterday I heard it while I was shopping. I went back those 32 years in a flash. Made me miss my Valentine. It's even more relavant today.
Happy Valentine's Day Love

Not wanting to sound like Johnny One Note but...

2009-01-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

we love to post about Elder Gage! This is a pretty interesting story. We have around 20 missionaries from our Stake. Three of the 20 are serving in the Munich Germany/Austria mission. Pretty amazing. About 3 weeks ago at a Zone Conference, Gage ran into Sister Pam Stradling and Elder Sam Hobbs from the ward next door, Volcano Cliffs. Our family actually lived in that ward for about 6 years. How fun to see a familiar face half way across the world. And they are all 3 serving within about 20 miles of each other. What a happy looking group!

2009-01-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

Logan just before her grueling 500 meter race.

Today was Girl's All City for Logan. She swam the 500 and the 200 freestyle relay which she has renamed the 220 Freelay. She shaved 10 seconds off her 500 and she and her teammates were 4 seconds away from a state time.

The 200 freelay.

Logan swam the 2nd leg of this race and you can see her gain time on some of the other girls in the lanes above her. Shay took these pictures and you can see the crazy fan next to her. The time clock was a combination of the first leg and Logan's.

Booya Logan!!

Elder G in country

2008-11-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

We received a letter packet from Pres. Condie, Gage's misson president. There was a nice letter from him, a map of where Gage would be serving for his first assignment, a funny, jet laggy letter from Gage, and this picture. All I can say is that Elder Kemsley looks happy to be there!

Sorry about the letter folds...Btw, he will be in Rosenheim, a city about midway between Munich and Salzburg.

2008-11-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we gave our country away. And this is what I have to say. "For the first time in my adult life, I am AFRAID for my country."

How'd you like them apples Michelle?

"And we will be the Lord's missionaries to bring the world His truth."

2008-09-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

I think I can blog about this without getting teary. I'll give it my best shot.

September 10, the MTC arrival (not the 28th birthday), finally arrived. We headed to Utah on the 9th after Gage's wonderful setting apart by Pres. Allen on Monday evening.

We arrived at Grandma V's about 6:00 pm, and left the next morning about 9:30 for Provo. We grabbed a bite of lunch and before we knew it, the time had come.

We arrived at the MTC to a flurry of activity. Missionaries everywhere. Gage deposited his luggage and we snapped a few pics and then headed indoors for the group meeting. Our old friend RayAnne Melick from Arlington and Albuquerque, now living in PG was there as a volunteer and it was fun to see her for a few minutes. We put Gage's name tag on him for the first time and found our seats. Nothing has changed since our drop off of Judson 10 years ago. Same pep talk from the MTC pres. and same viewing of Called to Serve. Now that's a classic church movie. 80's hair and all...

We parted with tears and hugs and final good byes. Then off to the BYU bookstore to buy a card, all sign it, and get it in the mail box for same day delivery.

And the answer is 'no' it wasn't any easier. In 2013 when Wyn leaves I expect the tears will flow again...

Auf Wiedersehen

2008-08-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

This was pretty funny

2008-08-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

Gage finally got around to taking a few pictures. You know the drill. His mission president requested 8, the ward and stake both wanted one. Turned out cute.

Logan took these and as I was browsing through them, I found this. Hysterical.

CARLSBAD REVISITED

2008-08-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip to Carlsbad Caverns last week. We went about 14 years ago, and the kids at home didn't remember it. Logan had a friend here for a few days, so we decided to head down to the cave. Lots of fun. If you haven't been down into a deep cave (Carlsbad is one of the worlds best), you should.

Logan at the entrance to the cave. The Bat Cave houses 250,000 bats that come out to feed at dusk. We saw this but weren't able to take any photos. Really amazing.

Taylor, Logan, Wyn and Gage

Swallows nest in the entrance to the cave and fly around during the day. At night, the bats take over the shift. The come out in one big wave, circle counter clock wise and then stream by the thousands south toward the Pecos River. An occasional hawk or owl will pick off a couple in flight, but not too many other predators.

It was hard to photograph the beauty of the cave.

We got hit by the last of Hurrican Dolly

moving up from Texas, so it was kind of wet at White Sands. Glad it cleared so we could have a fun time at the caves.

Nichts da! Schon Bavaria!

2008-05-23T05:26:00.001-07:00

The call arrived yesterday and after waiting for Blaine to return from his trip, was finally opened at 8:30 pm. Can you imagine how excited Gage was to read, "You are assigned to labor in the....

GERMANY MUNICH/AUSTRIA MISSION!!

We had both Judson and Jordan on the phone and got some video. That will be posted later. Gage reports on September 10. We are all very excited and he can hardly wait to get started.

Tschuss Elder Kemsley!

I feel like I'm sitting down to write my first novel...

2008-05-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

1. I was born in Provo, Utah.

2. Judson was born there too.

3. We were born at the same hospital and delivered by the same doctor.

4. My parents were known as Beauty and Adonis by their friends.

5. I don't look like the child of beautiful parents.

6. My children do though.

7. I have 6 children.

8. They are 16 years apart total.

9. I feel lucky that I can be a Mom.

10. I was blessed to marry Blaine.

11. He adores me and I adore him.

12. We have had a fun life together.

13. Blaine is my best friend and I love him.

14. I know I am very blessed.

15. I grew up with 2 sisters.

16. They are both WAY more talented than I am.

17. I am the middle child.

18. I love my sisters--they are my best girlfriends.

19. I grew up at 8255 E. Elm Drive

20. My phone number was Whitney 6-4722.

21. I don't know my cell phone number.

22. I do know how to text however.

23. My friends think I am smart because I can text.

24. I would rather talk on the phone.

25. I am 1/4 done.

26. In 6th grade, I wanted to be an Architect.

27. I married an Architect.

28. I like to tell people I'm married to an Architect.

29. I'm so glad Judson realized he loves Arichitecture. He will be an amazing one.

30. My favorite color is blue.

31. I LOVE dark chocolate.

32. My favorite is Lindor Truffles.

33. I have to make myself eat something good for me before I have some chocolate in the morning.

34. I wish I could play the piano really well.

35. I have always wanted to be a ballerina.

36. I have never had a pedicure.

37. I will never have a pedicure. It makes me sick to think about it.

38. I HATE the wind.

39. I love to grocery shop.

40. I love to cook.

41. I love to read.

42. I love the Book of Mormon.

43. I want to teach at least 2 more years of seminary.

44. I know fasting makes miracles happen.

45. I love to iron.

46. I hate to mop floors.

47. I love being a grandma.

48. I think Gavin and Reese are perfect grandchildren.

49. I love my son-in-law.

50. I think Jordan is an incredible Mom.

51. I wish I had been so together at her age.

52. I'm glad my children are good at math

53. I stink at math.

54. I think Shay is super smart.

55. I have been to 15 countries I think.

56. I like to travel, but I love to come home.

57. I would like to go to Maine.

58. I have a rosebush now that has roses that smell like Aunt Minnie's.

59. I am excited to know where Gage will spend his mission.

60. I think Gage is a brain and has a strong testimony.

61. I used to have long, pretty fingernails.

62. I love to walk.

63. I don't own a pair of tennis shoes right now.

64. I like to watch old episodes of Leave it to Beaver.

65. I love our new house.

66. I wish it had more grass.

67. I'm not a fan of zeroscape.

68. I would rather be too cold than too hot.

69. I think Logan is lovely. She is WAY talented.

70. I have been happy every day of my life.

71. I often feel lucky.

72. I love birds.

73. I want to be a bird watcher when I have more time.

74. I feel peaceful in the temple.

75. I'm so glad we have a temple here in Albuquerque.

76. I love clean sheets and pajamas.

77. I have a mole on my right ankle.

78. My Dad told me it was because I was a chubby baby.

79. I believed it until I was about 16.

80. I have straight, fine hair.

81. I wish I had the courage to wear it really short again.

82. I think Wyn is a fabulous writer. He reads at college level.

83. I love to chew ice.

84. Sonic ice is the best.

85. I hate swimming.

86. I hate baths. Ugh.

87. I hate spiders.

88. I love backrubs.

89. Blaine is a great backrub giver.

90. I admire my Mother.

91. I wish I were as nice as she is.

92. I hope I can be like her someday.

93. I don't like the ocean.

94. It makes me nervous.

95. Big things make me nervous and uncomfortable.

96. I love to laugh.

97. I think I'm pretty funny.

98. I want to finish my degree in History.

99. I would like to get a masters degree in Political Science.

100. I would like to run for City Government.

Tiny Spaces

2008-03-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Profile:

Name: Kitty, Cat, (Kissing sound)

Age: A year or so.

Gender: Female

Likes: Outside, Lunch Meat, The Cat Next Door, Small Spaces

Dislikes: Big Rubber Balls, Kids That Are Gavin's Age, Italian Dressing, Garbage Trucks, Mice

This one's for you, Uncle Carl.

Monumental Birthdays.

2008-03-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ode to Judson.

2008-02-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today's the day,

Many years ago.

Our fun family started,

With a adorable little beau.

Blaine Judson is the name

they chose for that kid.

He's just too cute

What a good job our parents did!

So here's to you

Our brother, son and friend.

Have a great day, we love you lots

And this is The End.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!

That silly Christmas gift that everyone always plays with.

2008-01-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

On a whim, I picked up a card of those tubes of whatever that you can blow into balloons using little pink straws. At the Dollar Store. The day after Christmas Jordan found them and entertained Gav with stinky little balloons for a while. He wanted a duck, but Jordan couldn't seem to produce one.
Last night after Blaine's b-day cake, Shay, Gage, Logan and Wyn found them again, and amazingly, Shay made a DUCK! They went on to make a Mickey Mouse as well. It was a joint effort as you can see.
The first pic is Gage and Logan having a little moment on the iced over pool. Don't know what's more shocking--that they would risk going out on the ice, or going outside looking like that...

Daddy was amazing.

2007-12-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

Sometime in October, a B-17 flew into Double Eagle Airport on the West Mesa. Needless to say, we had to go and see it.

Wyn, Logan and Gage in the jump seats.

Wow!

How cute is she!?

You just can't believe how HUGE this plane is. I was so impressed to think of Daddy piloting it and the big crew. What a guy. . .

Remember us?!?

2007-11-30T15:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry we have been so poopy about blogging. Just barely made the end of November deadline. We promise to be better from now on. Presenting our new house!

From the family room looking into the kitchen.

Looking across the backyard. That pool had a thin film of ice over the shallow end this morning. Fun next summer though!

A view from the loft looking over the family room.

Our new place. Love those blue New Mexico skies...

We still have a lot to do. Very few pictures are hanging and the living room needs some furniture. The yard is a work in progress. But we love it and are so happy to be home!

Wyn and Logan in New Mexico.

2007-09-08T07:17:00.001-07:00

2007-09-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Ummm.. .

Time for a new post.

Thanks.

Bye.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GAGE!!!

2007-07-21T08:21:00.001-07:00

Yes, Gage's birthday was a week ago. Sorry, Gage. Happy 18th, buddy!!!

He's done Grajeeated!

2007-06-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

So...another graduate among us. Gage walked down the aisle a couple of weeks ago and really did us proud. He was all decked out with ribbons and sashes, and got to introduce the Commencement Speaker. Here's his intro for all to enjoy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHAY!!!!

2007-06-01T16:51:00.001-07:00

We sure love you at our house! Hope this year is fabulous.

Most Blog Worthy

2007-05-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

To all of you in the family that have worn braces (and I'm including all the Carters and Daniels in this), it was a banner day around our house. This week it was Logan's turn. She looks lovely and can't help but flash those pearly whites whenever the opportunity arises.

There have been tons of blog worthy moments around here during the past few weeks. We have some cute shots of Lindsay in various locations and some fun concerts, awards nights and banquets with the kids. But when I finally took a minute to get something on here, nothing seemed as blog worthy as this moment.

How Pretty Is THIS!?

2007-05-05T01:47:00.000-07:00

If you walk out our back door, through our yard, and down about a block--this is what you see! Isn't it spectacular? This guy plants his field with really fun stuff and it's always perfect. No dead spots or weeds. One year it was sunflowers, which were gorgeous. This year, we just had to share it with all of you. For those of you who have been here, notice the tower up on the hill. We'll be heading up there to see those tigers with Lindsay next week. Yea!

Remembering the March birthdays

2007-04-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

Wyn: 13 on March 11. Lemon Curd Cheesecake

Logan: 15 on March 29. Carrot Cake

I think every b-day picture we have ever taken has the birthday child in their pjs. . .

Ethpana

2007-04-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

For our last big hurrah here, we traveled to Spain. Barcelona to be exact. Had a great time. What fun to see Blaine in action as he conversed with the locals. The kids got such a kick watching their faces as they realized 'this gringo can habla!'

We saw several buildings by Gaudi. What a crazy architect! His Sagrada Familia is by far the most famous of these designs, and it's out of control. On the facade is a dead baby hanging off a ledge (commemorating the flight of Egypt) and a tower that holds a bowl of fruit (harvest) and lots of other weird stuff.
Sunday night, we walked to a cathedral nearby, and arrived just in time to hear a classical guitarist perform. Knowing Blaine's love for guitar, you can imagine how happy that made him! We also stumbled upon a bull fighting arena where a bull fight took place just the night before. Our friends at PETA left a nice souvenir on the front gate. Looked like blood at first, but then we realized it was paint. Still left an eerie feeling.

I NEED MY SMOKES!!

2007-04-10T00:21:00.000-07:00

There are some perks to living in Germany.

1. Cigarette machines on just about every corner.

2. Anyone that can reach the money slot can purchase them.

3. Pretty much eliminates the need for fake ID's.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOGAN!!!

2007-03-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

When I googled "Happy Birthday Logan" these pictures came up. These people are also named Logan and they are also having a birthday! Isn't that awesome?!?!

*Love you Logan! Hope your day is magical!

Polo Days

2007-03-10T01:20:00.000-08:00

Who would believe that these 3 would all wear polos on the same day?

Had to preserve the moment.

Btw, as of Sunday, we will have 3 teenagers living at our house. Wow.

Here, mom.

2007-03-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

These ones are better.

DENVER FUN

2007-03-04T00:17:00.000-08:00

Meeting Uncle Judson, missing Aunt Shay.

Reese was so sweet during his blessing. Do you love the little crossed feet?
Now can we change out of our Sunday clothes?
Ewww, the snakes!
Reese's first zoo outing. It wasn't that scary!

Loved every minute of it!

Baby Reese loves his grandma!!!

2007-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

I think these are probably the cutest pictures ever.

This is the whole group going Christmas Caroling...

2007-01-17T02:14:00.000-08:00

Ice skating with the gang

2007-01-16T01:19:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago, the joint activity was an ice skating party in downtown Wiesbaden. This is about half of the ward youth.

Fish in Ireland.

2006-12-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

These fish were projected onto the floor in a hallway on the way to the restaurant in the hotel. It seemed like I was stepping into water and those fish would swim right up to my feet, but when I moved, they would swim off. It was projected from the ceiling onto the floor but I can't for the life of me figure out how it works. Anyone seen anything like this before?

Our Last Weinachsfest....

2006-12-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite holiday traditions over here is going to the Christmas markets that pop up all over at this time of year. The one in Wiesbaden is a favorite and we decided to head there for FHE last week. We have found that eating our way through the Weinachsfest is our favorite thing to do. Roasted, sugared almonds, potato pancakes with applesauce, curry wurst, kinder gluewein....YUM!

Need a new post.

2006-12-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

What fun trips!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT SHERI!

2006-12-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!

2006-12-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

What will they think of next?

2006-11-28T00:33:00.000-08:00

Seems these are the new cameras installed on the Autobahn. Get caught going 30 or more kilometers over the speed limit and you lose your license for a month...what is happening with these speed loving Germans?!?

SUNRISE

2006-11-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd post a picture of the sun coming up a few days ago. Wow, it was pretty and it came through pretty well on the camera. We have a temporary bus stop in front of our house and the guy out there waiting for the bus thought I was trying to take his picture. I guess he wasn't looking up. And I thought New Mexico had a corner on pretty sunrises...

Veteran's Day 2006

2006-11-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day 2006

General Patton's Grave behind us...

The 21 gun salute.

He's got 8 medals on!

Couldn't really go to bed tonight without sharing our day with you. We drove to Luxembourg this morning to attend the Veteran's Day ceremony. It began at 11:11 with a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace. An opening prayer was said reminding us of the blessings of God and our hope in Jesus Christ. A statement from Pres. Bush was read and then a 21 gun salute. A wreath was laid at the chapel honoring the unknown soldier and the color guard retreated to the strains of Amazing Grace. SO MOVING! Over 5,000 soldiers are buried there on about 50 acres. 371 are listed as missing in action. All 50 states are represented and there are 22 brothers that rest side by side. There are 2 Medal of Honor recipients interred there. One of the most touching moments was watching a soldier walking past the crosses while laying his hand on each one with almost a caress. This inscription was written on the mosaic in the ceiling of the chapel.
IN PROUD AND GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THOSE MEN OF THE ARMED SERVICES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WHO IN THIS REGION AND IN THE SKIES ABOVE IT ENDURED ALL AND GAVE ALL THAT JUSTICE AMOUNG MEN AND NATIONS MIGHT PREVAIL AND THAT MANKIND MIGHT ENJOY FREEDOM AND INHERIT PEACE.
To me, there are few more noble and great.

2006-11-09T00:08:00.001-08:00

21st Century Pretend Band

S&T's post about the band reminded me of the one the kids here made a few years ago. With enough Ken, GI Joe and Max Steele dolls, you too can have a 21st century band!

2006-11-07T00:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome Home!

Wyn played for a homecoming ceremony at the Middle School yesterday. The community welcomed home the 1st AD that had been deployed to Iraq for a year. He had been practicing for a few weeks to be able to march and drum at the same time. The parade lasted about 10 minutes and he played the marching cadence the whole time. Kind of like rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time for a 7th grader. But he did a great job and I was very proud of him. It was very moving to see those great soldiers home again safe and sound!

2006-11-04T01:55:00.000-08:00

I KNOW YOU!

Just thumbing through some photos and came across this one. Don't know if it's from your camara or ours. Porta Negra in Trier. I don't think we stopped talking the whole time we were together...

2006-11-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

Halloween over here!

Last night for Halloween, Gage dressed as an ipod, Logan was Pam the cat, and Wyn was Neo from Matrix. They trick or treated at the housing base and then got in the car and as they were driving to meet us, they decided to shower the little groups of kids that they passed with treats. They stopped the car by each group and opened the door and threw candy as they yelled trick or treat. The came home candyless but had a great time!