THE WINDY CITY

In October, my daughter Tara, sister-in-law Stephanie and I went to Chicago to visit my son Tosh. He has lived there for about 7 years and I haven't ever visited him, I know, bad mother. He was a great tour guide and took us where ever we wanted. The first day we got off the plane and went straight for the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza! First things first! Then we went downtown to the Magnificent Mile, after traveling on the L-train, we started walking down Michigan Ave., in front of the Chicago Tribune building I noticed a small group of people with a Big man standing near them (A Body Guard I guess). Then I thought I recognized one of them, yes it was her, the smile gave it away! Giada De Laurentis.... Foodnetwork Chef!!! One of my favorites!! I was such a tourist groupie, I said " I've got to shake your hand or something!" Her publicist said "Sure" She was so cute and polite, we took pictures and they invited us back the next day for a Cookbook signing. Next we walked our legs off shopping "The Mile". I think it might of been about 5 miles!

The next day we decided would be the Museum excersion. We started at Navy Pier where we took a Boat Tour of Chicago Architecture. We saw all the different styles of tall buildings known to man. The Chicago River has been known for it's pollution as well as a waterway to see the sights! We road the ferris wheel at the pier and then caught a cab to the Aquarium and Natural History Museum. The cab drivers last name made me a bit nervous (Hussain) but we got there without any problems. We needed to waste some time before our dinner reservation so we went back down town. Later we jumped back on the L and headed for Glenn's Diner, which we had seen on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. It was all it was cracked up to be! Wonderful Seafood, Tosh had Marlin, I had Mussels (YUM), Tara had Catfish on a Cornbread Shrimp stuffing, and Steph had Lobster alfredo. To DIE for!!

To be Continued........

Pioneer Heritage-Mink Creek

Last Thursday Chris and I took Tosh to the airport in SLC and decided to take the scenic route home. After traveling through Park City, Evanston, and Garden City we took the Pass Road turnoff in Ovid that runs through Mink Creek. Mink Creek was settled by my Great-Grandfather James Morgan Keller. He had 5 wives and 42 children. We decend from his 5th wife Anna Petrea Larson, whom he contracted with to bring her from Denmark to the US. When she arrived, she pleaded with him to break the contract and let her be with the man she had fallen in love with while traveling on the ship. He would not break the contract and she became the 5th wife. She was not well recieved by the other wives, as she was younger and we think prettier than themselves. The cemetary at Mink Creek is full of Kellers and sons and daughters of Kellers. We are hoping to take the whole Family to Mink Creek and visit with some of the other family members still living there who know more of the history of this great man. He is just a sample of the Pioneer heritage we claim to be proud of. His family left Denmark in search of a Country where the freedom of religion would allow them to worship as they wished.

4th of JULY

This is definately the first time I've had 4th of July pics before August. Not to mention all the Red White & Blue outfits I have bought for the perfect photo... that was never taken. Well here we go!!!

Summertime!!

Well It's been 6 months and I'm very sorry!! We are finally getting nice weather here and able to enjoy our yard. I got to finally plant flowers without worrying that they would freeze if they got left out. We didn't do much for a vegetable garden just tomatoes and zucchini. We had a great time out at Summit Creek like always. It was a little cold, but the memories that we have with our family is far beyond measure. Chris had to work Memorial weekend so we went the following weekend to ride four wheelers and just enjoy each others company. Chris is also working full time again so he could buy him a nice new to us truck. It is a red 2008 Dodge. He hasn't quit smiling since it got home, he is like a little kid. I hope that my posts aren't as few and far between in the future.

OVERDUE UPDATE

It would appear that nothing has been going on in our house for a long time. Time just seems to fly by. I've been substitute teaching for the past few months and am really enjoying it. Sometimes it makes me feel young again and other times it makes me feel old as dirt! Today we were watching a movie and the peoples clothing made it very apparent that it was filmed in the 70's, unfortunately I could relate to the poofy hair, big lense glasses, and polyester wear and had to just endure the kids snickering about it. All in all I wouldn't trade my era for the current one for anything. The things that they have to face, and make decisions about make my youth look like a cakewalk.

Sadly, Chris has been put back on the weekend schedule at work, I really miss having someone to go to Church with. At least the Lord knew that and I got a new calling in the Primary. I'm the lucky CTRA 7 year old teacher!!! It will be fun to see how excited they will be to get Baptized!! There are 4 little girls that are there all the time and a couple boys who aren't so active. We should have a real good time..

The holidays were great and it was sure fun to spend extra time with Family. I'm so lucky to have family close. My siblings get together almost every week and we try to support each other in extracurricular activities too! We have a great group of Athletes coming up! Not forgetting to mention dancers, piano players, Star wars guys, and Princesses. We love to spend time together and are always making up reasons to see each other. We know that this is what our Dad would want us to do. He so loved playing cards, ball and roasting Hot Dogs, and mostly his family.

BRAG TIME.......

Tara took the kiddos to get their pictures done by caraleephotography.blogspot.com and WOW they turned out great!! I can't wait to get a disc so I can print them off for my very own!!!

"MISS IDAHO" IS IN THE CLASSROOM

Kara Jackson, Miss Idaho 2009 visited a few
Bingham County Classrooms today! She is
sponsored by The Idaho Farm Bureau
Her platform for Miss America is about supporting agriculture. She has been traveling around doing Ag in the Classroom presentations.
Since my brother Kendall is a Farm Bureau Public Relations man, and Chris Dalley is the Young Farmer and Rancher Chairman they brought her to their daughters schools for a special assembly while she was in town for the fair parade. They went to SR Middle School, Riverside and Rockford Elementary's along with
others. At Rockford Kendalls daughter Kwynn just happens to be in my sister's (Mrs. Baldwin) class and so they got a special treat. Kara came into their class and read a book and then helped them each make a bracelet with beads representing the things that plants need to grow. They kids (especially the goo goo eyed boys) really thought it was neat! She left them all an autographed picture. She is a real sweet girl and instilled in the kids a knowledge of how much a role agriculture plays in the lives of Idahoans. Did you know that MILK is Idahos number 1 money crop! Naturally most of us think it must be potatoes. I also learned about more cash crops that we don't think about, mint & trout, to name a couple. I hope the kids learned as much as I did. I was lucky that they let me visit and enjoy this special day!

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

My girlfriends and I went on a overnighter this weekend. We went to the "Pickleville Playhouse" show "Annie Get Your Gun". It was a great show but close to the end, the power went off (for the second time, the 1st was quickly corrected), Evidently it had happened before because after a brief moment the owner came on stage and announced that there had been a racoon crawl up the power pole and the rest of the show would be without microphones and some of the lighting. To bad for the racoon, but the show must go on!. The preformance was very good, I couldn't believe that the lead was played by a girl who had just graduated from HS. It was quite evident that she was the daughter of the owners and had grown up on stage, she did a wonderful job as did the rest of the cast. We had a great but short getaway, only 24 hours, with short of 5 hours of sleep!

Mountain High Weekend !!

This is one of my favorite weekends of the year. It's also usually one of the warmest. We started attending the "Sawtooth Mountain Mammas" annual craft show in Stanley many years ago. We haul the 4-wheeler and stay in Challis or bring along the trailer and stay at the East Fork campground. We see the tops of mountains and the bottoms of valleys. We try to meet up with our daughter Jennifer from Cascade and her family. They also love to camp and go to the craft show. The food at the show is always great as well as the items for sale. It is quite eclectic due to the location (Sun Valleyers). You see the richest and the poorest on the money scale. It's kind of like the fair, its worth the money just to see the diverse crowd!!. Can't wait for morning to take off!!! Maybe we'll even stop for breakfast at PICKLES!!!

CELEBRATE WITH US !!!
WE DECIDED TO JUST STAY HOME AND CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY AT THE KELLER KOMPOUND. AT ANY TIME FRIDAY OR SATURDAY YOU CAN EXPECT TO FIND ALL KINDS OF FUN...WE'LL BE FLOATING THE CANAL, PLAYING HORSESHOES, EATING, FISHING, PLAYING BEAUTY PARLOR, MAKING RED, WHITE & BLUE BRACELETS, HAVING A TREASURE HUNT, SHOOTING SKEET, PLAYING FIELD GOLF, COMPETING IN THE HOMEMADE ICE CREAM CHALLENGE, AND HOLDING THE 1ST ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY .5K RUN, WALK OR DRAG, RACE... TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THE POINT BEFORE THE K!!! FRIDAY NIGHT WILL FIND US AT MY HOUSE FOR HOTDOG ROASTING, HOMEMADE ROOTBEER AND AN OUTDOOR PROJECTION MOVIE PRESENTATION OF "INKHEART". SO BRING YOUR SLEEPING BAG CAUSE WE MIGHT WATCH MOVIES ALL NIGHT. OF COURSE WE'LL BE COOKING BREAKFAST BOTH MORNINGS AND HAVE LOTS OF OTHER GOOD FOOD TO KEEP US GOING!! WE'D LOVE TO HAVE COMPANY SO COME ON OVER!!!

Sick of being SICK!!

My poor dear husband has been ill ever since we came back from camping, aside from finding 4 ticks, he came down with the flu. After 3 days he finally started feeling better. But no, it couldn't be so easy. Friday Morning he started having pain in his back. The kind that makes you think kidney stones. Sure enough, after a Dr. visit and getting a powerful shot to kill the excruitiating pain, 2 prescriptions, bottles of juice, a trip back to the Dr. with a specimen, it was confirmed. Darned kidney stones. Over the next 48 hours he was in pain and so nauseous that even the medicine didn't help much, finally I called the Dr again and got some meds to stop the throwing up cycle. While I was gone to get the meds, he passed some sand? Between that and the pheneragan he started feeling better and today even got out of the chair. He even mowed the lawn, I was afraid that so much movement after so much sitting and laying that it might jar something loose. So far so good. I take so much for granted, a healthy husband, friend and sweetheart, that when he is out of commision, I suffer too. It's so good to have him back!!!

SUMMIT CREEK 2009

Thursday morning found us on the road to relaxation, or so we so blindly thought. Klay and Kwynn decided it would be fun to go with Uncle Chris & I. Kwynn and I played hangman and did some tag-team drawing to pass the time away. We enjoyed the peacefulness of camp before the legions arrive. Unfortunatly I ended us soaking up wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy to much sun and now my lips are peeling off! But the warm felt so good. Matt, Erika and the kids got there a little later followed by Uncle Jef and Bridger. The three boys ( yes Matt you are one of the Boys) went on a 4-wheeler ride Friday Morning and came back one short, four wheeler that is. They started up a hill with Bridger in the lead, he got into some loose dirt and lost control. He stayed with the machine for 2 turns, then bailed and watched as it made a few more. Luckily only the machine was totaled while Bridg escaped with only his pride and a few spots on his body scraped up. I think those boys rode more cautiously the rest of the weekend. That evening after Keith, Mom, Ken & Steph, and kids , Shawnee & Darrin and Kids, Kaylynne, Holly and Hill, Kitty & Lexi,Tara & Quentin & crew, we ate Hamburgers & Fries. Sitting around the campfire we witnessed a spectacular shooting star, (or maybe the shuttle's return) , Saturday the Grown-ups minus a few took a ride of their own, from camp we went up Long Lost Creek, the road was dusty but the views made the trip worth while. On the way home Taras machine kept quitting, luckily always starting again. Quentin traded her machines and then when we were near camp the wheel fell off of that machine. I didn't tell her but I wasn't going to offer my spot for fear she'd break it too!!(just kidding sis). WHen we got home they all teased me because I had gotten so covered with dirt that all you could see was the whites of my eyes, Kitty has pictures to prove it. Kendall felt so sorry for me that he offered his shower to me, It was the first time I remember looking down and seeing the shower floor turn black!. While cooking dinner Chris grabbed the handle of a Dutch oven that we had been using and without thinking and burned blisters all across his hand. He went running & screaming to the creek to cool it off. The rest of the evening went pretty smoothly with the rain starting just about bed time. It rained off and on during the night. Sunday morning after downing I don't know how many pancakes and an undetermined amount of bacon ( about 10#) we took a ride to Lawson Creek to look for arrowheads, we didn't find much but throughout the rest of the day Chris found 4 ticks on himself! We sure enjoyed the getaway with our family and have already started talking about next year. We think we spend to much time worrying about and fixing meals and need to SIMPLIFY! Making more time for play! Oh and we did catch some fish. Good job Kade. These are the Best of TImes!!!!!!!!!
As soon as I print some pictures I'll post some, but I have a new camera and don't dare make a mistake and loose them.

ONE YEAR AGO......

Memorial Day is one Holiday that our family celebrates in the same place every year. Summit Creek USA. Every year no matter what the weather or other events occur, we head for the same spot. It makes us happy. It's where we want and can't wait to be. The kids have been asking for weeks when we are leaving. They all know what awaits them. One of their favorite spots is the hot springs, with warm water and lots of little fish to try to catch. The four-wheelers make a path to the water with kids and towels in tow. Not to mention the good food that never fails to taste better than when we make it at home. No egg McSomethings here. Its greasy fried eggs, bacon, pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage, french toast and what ever else is in the coolers. Uncle Chris can always be found getting breakfast started while everyone else rolls out of bed. Shawnee's family got us hooked on cornmeal pancakes last year and so it was on the most requested list this year. Lunch is usually simple, and we have a big dinner. Kendall likes to do burgers with onions, fresh-cut fries, and usually scones or something else deep fried. This year we are trying red-neck donuts, (refrigerator biscuts deep fried, then tossed in cinnamon and sugar). Some friends that camped with us a few times taught us a great chicken and veggie dutch oven dish that only needs green salad and a roll to make a really nice meal. Last but not least, cobblers, smores and all the other gooey stuff we can stand. THese pictures are from last year so it's time to take some more. These are the things our kids remember, and isn't that what it's all about anyway? We are keeping a tradition that our Dad and Mom started and we can't bear to stop, AND WE DON'T WANT TO!

Easter is probably my favorite holiday. It has a lot of meaning and traditions to me. Many who know me have seen my vast display of bunnies. I've kind of slowed down on getting more due to lack of space. I think I may scale back and undeclare the living room "the BUNNY room"! One of the most exciting parts of the day as always was the EGG HUNT when the little kids were released to gather, they had to walk carefully not to step on any eggs because the ground was almost solid with eggs. This year we added a little money to the eggs which added to the smiles of the kids. Also new this year was the appearance of our own little costumed "Avery Bunny". She was seen checking out the eggs even before the signal was given to begin hunting. I was especially grateful for the positive change in the weather, making a hotdog roast a comfortable event. All in all the day was a very enjoyable one. We look forward to the beginning of summer baseball leagues beginning this week and wishing Kylee luck in her golf tournament, she won on the Blackfoot course last week. Unfortunately it's not much of a spectator sport so I won't be watching, only thinking of her. We bought some new sleeping bags this weekend with camping in the upcoming future and can't wait to use them.

PERSONALITY PLUS

Yes, this girl has personality. Just today her mother called me to find out if what Macee was
telling her was correct. Little missie told her mom that Grandma Kerry was coming to take
her to Sen'or Iguanas (our favorite MexicanRestaurant ). I wasn't. She then wanted to know
who was at work with me at the office. I said
Kori, but she was on the other line right now. She said, Who else? I replied Sheri, OK Macee said, can I talk to her, Sheri said sure. Macee then proceeded to invite Sheri to come take her to Sen'or Iguanas, she even had directions for
her. Turn by the ice cream store, then turn
left, then turn right. Sheri said she'd have to
find a time when they could go later.
Macee is such a bright spot in both her
Grandma's (of which she has quite a few), and also her Grandpas. Many times Chris will
randomly say, "When are we going to see Macee?" Usually it's not too long. A couple weeks ago she stayed with Aunt Steph & Uncle
Kendall, (mostly to see Kwynn & Pooker). Kendall took her back home when he went to work in Poky the next day. He later told me that she had talked to him the WHOLE 30 minute drive! When he had to take a call on his cell phone, she sang a song til he was ready to talk again!!! Life is definitely interesting when she is around. I'm going to have to make a commitment on lunch at Sen'or Iguanas soon. She will definitely not forget about it!

My Valentine

These are a few of the things I love about my Sweetheart

1. He tells me often how much he loves me.
2. He tells me I'm a good cook.
3. He takes me on long drives. We take alot of side roads!
4. He takes me to the top of mountains just to look at the view.
5. He enjoys going to ball games just as much as I do.
6. He is always doing a project for someone else.
7. He loves being a Grandpa and living with Grandma.
8. He is a hard worker. (notice I didn't say fast)
9. He makes me want to be a better person.
10. He never makes me feel guilty when I should.
11. He's MINE, ALL MINE!!!

WING COOK-OFF RESULTS

Well I'm proud to announce that my husband declared my SuperBowl Wings to be his favorite. He is a very smart man you know! I can't really say who won, because they were all so gooooood! Matt's had a really good jalepeno BBQ flavor, Kitty's were teriyaki, Keith's were garlicy (Teresa is a garlic feind, she even puts it on grilled cheese!!), I made Grandma Goodwin's sweet & sour, and I also made a deep fried, with a homemade BBQ sauce I saw on Foodnetwork. All in all there were too many, and they were all too good to choose a winner. It made the Super Bowl so much more fun to have the added competition. On another food note, I was watching Road Tasted with the Neeley's this morning and they were visiting Salt Lake, they featured Jose Chapparo (Melina's) and his tomales (not spelled right)business. They make up to 25,000 a day. I think I've seen his brand at Wal-Mart. I was almost late for work because I couldn't leave until it was over.

SUPER BOWL PAR-TAY

OK FAMILY WHERE IS THE SUPER BOWL EXTRAVAGANZA GOING TO BE HELD? I THINK WE NEED TO HAVE ANOTHER FOOD CHALLENGE!! WHO MAKES THE BEST WINGS? HOT, SPICY, SWEET & SOUR ,TANGY, SUPER HOT, SUPER MILD, BBQ, WHATEVER YOU THINK IS THE BEST. ARE YOU UP TO IT? I'LL HOST IF YOU WANT AND LET YOU KNOW THE PARTICULARS LATER. WHO WILL BE THE " WING DING WINNER" ?WE'LL SEE. LOTS OF LUCK! ! KERRY (THE RIB QUEEN)

My Sweetheart's Finished Project

Just thought I'd show off my new kitchen tile. My sweetheart got this project finished just in time for the holidays. It was just close enough to Christmas that I did'nt have time to put up my tree because my fridge was in the spot for the tree. Oh well, that makes it way easier to take down the decorations. We were a little worried that the large 20" tiles might not be the best size for such a small space but it actually makes the room look larger. All in all it turned out super! This weekend Chris, Matt, Tara & Quentin went to the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fights in Pocatello. A few local boys were participating as well as our grandson. They all were victorious in their efforts and the fans were pleased. I stayed home and went to a non-contact (Mostly) sporting event, Basketball at the high school. This week we have a full schedule of B-Ball and wrestling.. The 7 & 8 grade Boys start this week so we will go watch Kade & Curtis start their run of School Team games. One of the boys already broke his foot before they even started.

Biggest Loser

Last nights biggest loser was a boost to my diet start. At least I don't weigh as much as the contestants did. My goal is to stay on my diet at least as long as this BL show is on and see if my efforts pay off! My biggest obstacle is the excercising part, my knee has bothered me for quite a while now and I've used it as an excuse. I decided last night that if those people could do it with the problems they had I must just be weak and so I'll buck-up and do something even if it isn't much. In the long run it will probably make my knee stronger. Maybe when the weather gets a little better (OK who am I kidding) a LOT better, I'll be ready to walk......