Callister Family

In honor of my Dad

2012-02-20T19:28:00.005-07:00

My Dad, James Robert Warner passed away on February 10th 2012. We had a gathering of family to remember him on February 17th in the Venice church. He was buried in the Richfield Cemetery. It was so great to honor him, and, to also have my six children together for a few days. Something that has not happened for a few years, and never without children or spouses. Thank you Daddy /Grandpa for that! I love him, and will truly miss him.

October fun

2011-10-27T14:57:00.004-06:00

I am filling in again on some fun things that we have been able to do this month. We took a trip to New Mexico with the Ures and enjoyed the Balloon Festival there with them. That was so fun and amazing. The pictures of the balloons really don't do them justice, and being there was very thrilling......cold, but thrilling.

We had to get up at 5:00 am to get the shuttle and arrive to see the balloons inflate and watch the magic begin. By 9:00 am the show is pretty much over. Lots of other things to do and see.

We then traveled back to Texas to spend some more time with the Ures there. Thanks for inviting us to come on your trip!!!!!! We loved it!!!!

Cabin time this month with Josh and kids has also been great fun. We went two times. The first time was just for the day, and we watched General Conference there as well. The second time was with Deb and Tui, and we slept over night. We had a good time going for walks, eating, and watching movies. Oh yea, we put together some puzzles as well. Stephen was not there because he was at a Scout Leadership Training camp. Catch you next time Stephen.

This is what Deb and I call our "Craft Weekend"

Stephen had to go again to the Scout Leadership camp...........So Deb and Tui came over and spent 3 days with Dad and Me. We went to the wood shop and got some cute ideas for some Halloween decorations, and other fun things. These were simple and just fun . We both had a good time because nothing took very long to do. Check it out! Thanks Deb for spending the weekend with us. Love you all.

This is Debs stuff. Love the Witch's shoe

He's a Winner!!

2011-07-31T12:49:00.003-06:00

So, Von and Ginny and I went to the annual Wells Fargo BBQ and family party. We always play BINGO and some of you have come and participated with us. It is a good time. Well they had the usual prizes for the BINGO winners (including the grand prize 32 " flat screen TV , which we were so blessed to have won last year :), but this year, they also did an employee raffle drawing. And you guessed it...... Von Won the grand prize in the Raffle.........a "Nook color". We are both very excited ( well maybe me a bit more than him) to get this going and to see what we can do with it. What are the odds that we would win the grand prize two years in a row???? We had already decided that if by some far fetched change we were to win the TV again this year we would give it away to some one there. However, we are not generous enough to give up the Nook. I am going to have so much fun!!!!!!! I mean WE are going to have so much fun! :)

The Ures and the Goblins

2011-06-14T13:19:00.002-06:00

The first week of June we took a trip with the Ures to Goblin Valley and enjoyed hiking in "Little Wild Horse Canyon". This has become a family favorite. Aside from loosing Mia it was a great adventure for all. We were separated from Mia for about 20 min. Just a few minutes of panic, then all was well.

The Kids so loved to climb the red rock and we discovered that Tayson is very much like his Grandpa Von. We would loose track of him only to see him on the highest cliff, just thrilled to be there.

We had the most amazing camp site ever!!!! It was very private and we had our own canyons to explore and climb right there. The kids had as much fun at the camp site as they did in Goblin Valley. The six cousins had a great time in their imaginary worlds of castles and kingdoms. It was so fun to watch them enjoy the splendor and each other.

We had good food, wonderful weather, and great company.

Goblin Valley can always be counted on to be a good time. This picture is of Derid, Tayson, Caleb and Sammy after much climbing and playing.

After two nights of camping, 3days of adventure we had to say good-bye to the Ures. They headed back to Texas and we headed home. We hope to have many more trips with them it was Great! Great! Great! Love you all.

Park City trip

2011-06-08T19:17:00.004-06:00

Surprise!!! I know, I know, It has been ages, and believe me it is not because we have not been doing things........just the opposite. I have so much to share in the last month alone that it will take me a few postings. I have decided to start with the most recent and work back. So this is about the fun trip I just took with Deb. She had a couple days off with nothing to do, and I was free as well....so we did a little trip to Park City. We went window shopping down the historic Main street, and we stayed at the Silver King Hotel ( it is awesome to stay in Park City during off season because the rooms are so much less money and we had the pool and facilities to our selves). Our handsome husbands came up after work and spent the evening and night with us which was so much fun! They both went to work the next morning and Deb and I went to the "Utah Olympic Park". There were museums and we decided to take the tour. It was very fun and interesting. We were taken to the top of the "Ski Jump" and looked down as the athletes did just before they took off down the jump......Scary!!!! It was amazing. We then did some shopping at the factory outlet stores and both had a great time. Loved it Deb, Stephen, and Von

I will be posting some more things soon, so keep checking. We went to Connecticut, Moscow ID, and Goblin Valley this last month. Great time and pictures in each of these places as well.

A quick catch-up

2010-11-13T13:40:00.004-07:00

We always have fun at our Family Home Evenings, and love to see many of you there each month. Dad did the lesson on Temples, and we took this picture to remind us about the importance of our family. We missed those of you who were not there for this picture!!! Come next time please. :)

I feel bad that this picture is sideways, but I can't turn it now.......so just tilt your head. We went to Lubbock TX. to see the Ure Family and to join in their lives there. This is Dad eating lunch with Tayson's Kindergarten class. We all did, but I had control of the camera. It was a fun thing for us all......the kids loved Tayson's grandpa.

We also went to the church Halloween "Trunk or Treat" party. It was in the parking lot of their Stake Center which happens to be right next to the Temple. It seemed a bit weird to be dressed up in Halloween costumes withe the Temple for our background. But we got over it pretty quick.......Who is that cute Cat and Dog???

No surprise that the Ures were all dressed for fun. Mia just would not wear her princess crown. The kids loved the party, and received lots of treats!

It is fun to have a Moss connection there in Lubbock. Tod and Jen Moss invited us over for a "Harvest Dinner". She had prepared about 8 different vegetables and a chicken as well. It was my dream dinner......love those veggies. They are a great family and we had such a good time and visit.

We made a few hikes this fall. Love this time of year!!!! The mountains were sooooo beautiful and the smells and sounds just add to this great experience. Love it!!!

We went up to Silver Lake and walked around the boardwalk there with Josh and his kids. Deena and baby Hannah were home for a little peace and quiet.

Samantha was baptized and Hannah was blessed on the same day..November 6th.

We are so pleased that we could be there to share that with them.

We are also pleased that Ginny was baptized on November 7th. What a neat experience it was for Von and I to participate in having the Missionaries in our home to teach her and to answer her many questions and to feel of her spirit. We are blessed to have her in our home.

After Ginny's baptism we invited all there to come and join us for some food. Ginny spent many hours cooking Chinese food for her guests. They loved it. She had many friends there to support her. It was a great evening. Thanks to our family for their help.

Yosemite with the Moss'

2010-09-22T09:12:00.004-06:00

We had such a fun time with the Moss family in Yosemite NP. We met at the campground on Wednesday evening....after a 12 hour drive for us, and several hours from San Jose Calif. for them. What a great reunion! The boys and grandpa jumped right in with playing ball, and checking the area out. Becky and I started dinner and talked. Good times! The park is so beautiful, and the mountains are amazingly grand. The pictures to not do it justice. We went on several hikes.....longer than than the boys wanted most of the time.....but were very good about it and did very well. We hiked to this waterfall. In the spring this waterfall is about ten times bigger, but we thought is was great just the way it was.

The weather was beautiful and pleasant. For being the off season, there were a lot of people. I guess you can't expect to have the park to yourself. The boys sure love to hike and play with grandpa...and he sure loves to hike and play with them.

We took one day to go to the waterfall, taking our time to enjoy things along the way. Lots of big boulders and trees to climb and water to throw rocks in.

Our camp was a bit different from other camp grounds that I have been in. The tent/cabin was a three sided cement structure, the forth wall is canvas. It had a double bed and a bunk bed, and some selves. It also had elctricity. Then on an inclosed patio space there was a table and a place to prepare food. A firepit was also provided. Not bad at all!!! We had two camp sites right next to each other. We ate yummy food at the table, and played games there as well. The "cute" squirrels were all over the place. And by the time we left they truly were not so "cute" anymore. It became a battle of the fittest for our food. We didn't always win!!!

There was a wonderful and beautiful river and beach area by the camp site. Of course the guys all jumped in the freezing water. Becky and I took pictures and enjoyed the unbelievable view. The water was really very cold, but all the boys (except Isaac) went all the way in.

Because we went in September, we missed the impressive waterfalls that Yosemite is famous for, but we still had some breath taking views, and didn't lack in amazing things to see. Wow what a world God created for us to enjoy......and respect.

I took about 300 pictures! Everywhere you looked was something to take a picture of. This is the Half Dome that is so famous in the Park. Beautiful!! The family in the picture is not bad either.

We hiked around the BIG "Sequoia" trees that are part of the park. Some of these trees have been there for 2,000 years. We loved walking among them, and the kids could play and climb. There were fewer people here, and that made this so pleasant and gave me a chance to "feel the spirit of the trees". I loved it!

So much beauty, but the really great thing was just being able to spent time with the Moss family. Thank you so much for inviting us to tag along!! Playing, laughing, hiking, swimming, eating, talking, joking, getting really dirty, yes....all these things are better shared with the ones you love. We love you all!!!!!

We saw some wildlife that grandpa would want you all to know about.

coyotes, deer,.....and he saw a black bear on our way out of the Park Sunday morning (about 4:30am). And of course the huge, fearless, squirrels.

It Has Been A Long, Long Time

2010-09-09T19:00:00.006-06:00

It has been a very long time since I have blogged, and there have been many wonderful things that have happened in the past few weeks. I want all of my family to know that I have enjoyed spending time with each and everyone of you. I am posting a few pictures to represent some of the adventures we have had. I wanted to share a picture of Grandma W. first. This was taken in July. She was having an OK day, and I think she looked good. She just had her 88th birthday on Sept. 1st. Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma. She is loosing weight now, and maybe not doing as well . Deb went with me to visit with her Tuesday. Thanks Deb.

We had a great family party on the 18th of Aug. It was a celebration of many things. We welcomed home Deborah and Stephen from China. We said "Good-bye" to Dan and Angie who moved to Moscow ID. the next day. We wished Josh and Deena "Happy Anniversary". We also wished myself, and little Ellie "Happy Birthday". We welcomed Ginny here, from China, to live with us. And we said "Glad you are here" to Rachel and her kids. It was a great time with food and games, and the Skokos' brought back presents for all from China. The little girls are posing with their new umbrellas. All the gifts were fabulous......mine was a real pearl necklace and earrings. Very nice!!!

Good food, fun and company

Rachel would be heading back to Lubbock TX.

Dan and Angie would be leaving for Moscow ID.
Glad that they could see and visit with each other before they went.

We are glad to have Deb and Stephen back. They had a good experience there in

China. Welcome home!!

We are happy to welcome Ginny in our home. She is here straight from China and is a graduate student at the University of Utah. A real joy to have around. She has cooked us some Chinese food, and loves to learn and do new things. We have had her on the bikes, playing tennis and on a hike as well. We are glad to have her be apart of us.

Good family times!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just had to include the Snoasis :)

The 19th, Dad and I drove up to Logan and helped to pack up the last of Dangie's stuff into the cars and trailer. Then off we went to Moscow. Lots of gas, stress, and hours later (16) we arrived at their new apt. I think it is very cute and know that they have made it cozy and comfortable. We spent a few days with them and got to see the university campus and walk around Moscow. I love the cute houses and think it is a great little town. We went to a couple yard sales on Saturday, and we went to the Farmer's Market. We will look forward to visiting again. We love you Dan and Angie!!!!

This was one packed trailer!!!!!

When we got home, we had Jake and Annie here. And so we were off again. This time to So. Utah, with Josh and Kids and Deb and Stephen. We had a 5 day camping and family history trip. I know that others have already posted information about this trip, but I wanted to share a few pictures, and add that it was such a great time. I was so thrilled to have family together once again. Love it!! Love it!! Love it!!

This picture is at Newspaper Rock. Everyone is trying to be one of the drawings on the rock. Very impressive!!

We camped in some beautiful spots, and enjoyed having our tent trailer along. But we were sure glad that Josh had his truck. He drove that truck in and out of some pretty tricky spots. And we would not have gotten some places without it. Thanks Josh!!

So glad that we could all do this!! It will always be one of those great memories.

Lastly, Deb and I had the opportunity to bring out the Snoasis machine and help the "Hale Family Theatre" throw a Hawaii party for about 600 people. We had a good time serving up ex-small cones with 8 choices of flavors. It was fun to see the smiles on people's faces and have them enjoy our little treat. I could do this every once in a while. Thanks for helping Deb. Hale Theatre is going to be kind enough to give us season tickets as a thank you. Good deal for us!!!!

Dad and I are very excited and looking forward to meeting up with David and Becky and boys next week in Yosemite, California. The fun just goes on and on.

4th of July week celebration

2010-07-12T12:19:00.004-06:00

We have had some good times with family the last few weeks. So good to have Jake and Annie around for a few days. We enjoyed a family walk in the Crestwood Park. This is a park by our house that we did not even know was there until a few months ago. Don't even know what is under your nose sometimes.

One of the neat things we have done this summer is attend the Callister Reunion in Oak City. This was a fun time for those there, and our boys played a big part in having Grandma Callister there by "Skype". Most of those there had a chance to visit with her "face to face" using Skype. What a great treat for her. This is the first reunion she has missed in 75 years. Josh, Dan, Angie and I took a side trip to the cemetery to visit family grave sites. This is Joseph Platte Callister's. We are learning a lot about him from Jacob's and other's great interest in his life.

OK, So Dan and Angie gave me an early Birthday present this year. We went to a Peter Cetera Concert in Logan. This is kind of a scary picture, but we are there together enjoying the music and good company. For those who don't know Peter Cetera, he was a part of the wonderful group "Chicago" one of my very all time favorites, before he decided to go off on his own. He sang many wonderful Chicago songs, and some great ones of his own. Loved it!!!!!! Dan fixed us all dinner before the show and so it was a very awesome evening . Thanks again Dan and Angie.

A blurry picture of Peter Cetera, but the best I could do. Very good concert. He still has the voice....even though he is about 65.

The 4th of July weekend made for some fun family times. Because Jake and Annie were here, we planned time together. You can see that one of the things that happened was Ping Pong. Dad was in heaven to have his 3 boys there playing with him. This almost never happens. He said that they were pretty evenly matched as well.

We had our monthly Family Home Evening On the 4th of July. We missed having some of the regulars (Deb and Stephen), but had Jake and Annie there. We even had Jake give the lesson. He did a great job...thanks Jake. Amy and Tom brought some extras with them. Amy's brother was visiting from New York State with his wife and 4 children. It was fun to have them with us. We celebrated Andrew's birthday as well.

My three boys together. Handsome (if hairy) boys!!!!!

We bought a big box of fireworks and Caleb was the official lighter, and he did a great job. The fireworks were especially good we all felt. Lots of oohs and aahs. Good times!!!

On the 5th of July we all went up to Brigham City to see Jake play with some of the lokalgrown band members. He was wonderful of course, and it is always fun to hear him play. We have had a busy last few days, and are looking forward to some more good times in a month or so. Deb and Stephen will be coming home, we will maybe get to see Rachel and kids for a couple of days, we will move Dan and Angie to Moscow Id, go on a family history trip to So. Utah with Jake and Annie and others that can go, and we are excited also to be going on a trip with Catherine and Jim to some of the highlights of So. Utah. Sounds like another fun blog entry. We love all of you so much and are grateful for the Joy you bring into our life!!!!!

2010-06-20T20:09:00.004-06:00

We took a trip to Moab/Arches, this last week. What fun we had with Dan and Caleb, Samantha, and Andrew. It was actually Angie's idea, but she ended up not being able to go with us....we missed you Angie!!!!! We camped by the Colorado River and the first night we ate very Yummy foil dinners that Dan made for us.

Next morning, bright and early, we hiked up to Delicate Arch . The kids where such good hikers!!! They where filming a movie there that morning and so we had to wait a few minutes till it was OK for us to be by the Arch. The filming crew got 10 min. and the public got 10 min. It worked out OK....the kids were ready to move on in that amount of time anyway.

Andrew, Sammy, and Caleb by the Arch. Such a pretty view. A nice way to start the day!

We had a good time camping in our tent trailer. We slept everyone in there except Caleb...he had his own little tent cause he sleeps better alone. It was nice to have the trailer....I loved it.

We did another hike in Arches and then everyone was very tired and very very hot. We just wanted to get cool. so close by the camp site was a nice sandy spot, and everyone but Maureen jumped in and had a blast cooling off in the Colorado River. This was one of the best parts of the whole trip.

The tent trailer was our only shade for a good part of that day. So with a breeze coming in the windows, we played some fun games. We played a fun one that Dan brought and Sammy won every time.

Next day we drove to Dead Horse Point. What a beautiful place! I had never been here before and I was very impressed. It is kind of like a mini grand Canyon. Awesome! The kids loved playing on the rocks by the visitor's center and trying to catch lizards.

One of the last things we did was to take a side trip (about 2 miles off the road) to see some dinosaur footprints in the rocks. Wow this was very cool. Everyone in the picture is standing in one of the footprints. In this spot you can see 3 sets of different dinosaur prints, and they say there are more. According to Dan, these were not even discovered till about 30 years ago. The kids thought this was very cool. We want to thank Dan for coming even though Angie was not able too, and Josh and Deena for letting us take the kids. It was a fun three days.

2010-06-07T10:26:00.002-06:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

This post is mostly for Catherine and Jim. We watched your fun video from Las Vegas..... and the kids loved it and watched it over and over. They wanted to share one that Derid put together for Christmas. Enjoy

our trip to Oregon

2010-05-28T16:23:00.004-06:00

We had the best time in Oregon with Jake and Annie!! It rained pretty much the whole time we were there...that is why it is sooooo green and beautiful. We were lucky enough to have Angie along as well. The five of us went to Crater Lake and stayed in a very cute little old cabin for one night. Crater Lake had about 10 feet of snow, the wind was blowing and we about froze. But it was so pretty and amazing. Luckily the cabin we stayed in was not as high elevation so no snow there. We saw some beautiful stuff and on the way home stopped in Jacksonville..an old town with many little tempting shops. We also stopped for some homemade Raspberry Rhubarb Pie and Jam. YUMMY. We had lots of fun just hanging about Jake and Annie's home visiting and playing games. What great hosts they were to us.

2010-04-29T17:56:00.003-06:00

Aunt Catherine and I have been having a good time since she arrived here last Monday. We have seen Grandma and had a good visit with her, done some shopping, watched some movies and created with the sculpy clay. Look out, you all may recieve more key rings in the future :) One thing we also did was visit Grandpa down in Venice. We were so excited to see how nice the place looks since we had the big tree in front removed, had a sprinkling system put in, layed sod, and other great details done. It looks great!!!!! We are no longer the eye sore of Utah. It is so great to have a sister to share these things with. Love you Catherine!!

callister comfort food.

2010-04-09T08:44:00.003-06:00

I don't really like to cook, but lately i have been trying to motivate myself to be less lazy about it and just do it. So, I am determined to begin cooking more- i guess it IS part of my job description whether i like it or not. So, I am starting by going through the little cookbook mom gave me several years ago. I am actually enjoying making food that i remember as a kid ( and teenager). Here are two items that you all may recognize. The joy of eating and sharing these "callister comfort foods" takes away some ofthe bite of cooking.

love you all

rachel

just stopping by

2010-02-13T08:44:00.005-07:00

i know there are some people who don't have access to my blog but check this one ( catherine:)- so i trhought i would stop by and share some pics. this morning derid brought ellie in with this shirt on- i am glad that jim's creation gets another chance to shine. we are enjoying lubbock. it isn't green- it isn't lush- but there is a quiet crispness to the air. it is fresh and the sky is brilliant. my little family will definitly thrive here. love you all. if you want an invite to my blog then give me your email address. rachel_ure(at)yahoo(dot)com

2010-01-05T07:13:00.006-07:00

Alex's Birthday Party

Tom and Amy and Melonie Christmas Party

Kristin and Rachel at the Christmas Party

Stevie, Andrew and Dan at the Christmas Party

Angie, Alex and Caleb at Christmas party

Samantha, Derid, Tayson and Stephen

at Christmas party

Deena and Deb, Chriatmas party

Christmas party

Christmas Day

Anniversay Family Dinner

I am finally updating my blog. A lot has happened the last two months. We had a birthday party for Alex on the 21st of November. Her birthday is the 23rd. We had most of the family that live around here there for the fun. She is 16 yrs old now and will be driving soon. We hope that she drives to our house often.

We had a great Thanksgiving feast with much of the family here for that. We have decided to have our celebration on the Saturday after Thanksgiving with the hope that less conflict with other family time will be better for all. It turned out to be a great idea and we will make that our tradition. We enjoyed the company of the Josh and Deena Callister family, the Dan and Angie Callister family, the Stephen and Deborah Skokos family, and the Tom and Amy Callister family. We ate good food, played some games and watched a bit of the Utah/BYU football game.

December brought us some additional visiters. The Derid and Rachel Ure family. Derid had graduated from Ortho school and will now be starting to work in Lubbock TX as an Orthodontist. We had the joy of spending some good time with them in December. Alex had the opportunity to sing in the chorus for the Christmas production of "The Forgotten Carols" . We went to see that at the Cottonwood High School, and it was very good. Loved to see Alex singing on stage. We had our annual Christmas party on the 12th this year. It worked out really well. We had 4 of our 6 children and their families there and would have had no one had we done it on Christmas Eve. So we are willing to break from tradition and have more of the family there...it is kinda what it's all about. We had the same people there as we did on Thanksgiving but added the Ure family and Kristin. Sooo much fun!!!!! The day started with a "Surprise" party for Derid. His family came down from Idaho and we met at the Macaroni Grill resturant for lunch. We told Derid that we wanted to take he and Rachel out for lunch to celebrate his graduation. When we got to the resturant, most of his family, and alot of ours were there to surprise him. After, we all came to our home and were able to bless their little baby Ellie. It worked out so nice to have all that family there together for that.

Our actual family party started with a trip to Grandma's Rehab to visit with her and to go caroling down the halls. It is fun to do and see the excitment on the faces of many of the residents. Some join us in their wheel chairs and walkers. Thanks to Dan for playing the guitar and getting the music together for that. We came back home and ate yummy food and played some traditonal Callister games......candy bar game, decorating gingerbread houses, What Were You Thinking (Christmas style), and of course the Chimes. We exchanged true white elephant gifts and all had a good laugh at those. Good time!!!!

Chritmas Eve Von and I went for a wonderful snowshoeing hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon on the Red and White pine trail. Amazingly beautiful!!!!! That evening we had Tom and Amy and family over for dinner and some games. Christmas day was fun because we had visits from Josh and family and Stephen and Deb. We played Apples to Apples ( a new kid favorite) and a new game that Stephen brought into the family "Bang".

On our Anniversary the 27th, we had family with us again. Family home evening with everyone in town but the Ure's...they were still in Idaho. But on the 29th we had a wonderful time in the Jordan River Temple as a celebration of our 35th anniversary. We (Josh, Deena, Stephen, Deb, Derid, Tom, Amy, Von, Maureen) did sealings as a family and that was a very special experience. A little side note to this is that Deborah wore my wedding dress in the Temple that night.

As you can tell the last 2 months have been awesome and blessed with lots of family time together. We know that everyone is busy, and we hope to see most of you in this year. Have a great 2010.

Trip to Nauvoo

2009-10-27T08:47:00.004-06:00

So I am finally getting around to posting about our trip to St Louis and Nauvoo. We had such a great time. Of course when you travel with Dan and Angie it is always fun. Just so you know, I always get these pictures on in the wrong order, but oh well!! We spent Dad's birthday at Rachel and Derid's and they made the day fun for us all. We had the weekend to be with them, and we went to the famous Arch. Dan and Angie, Tayson and Derid went to the top. It is a very exciting thing to do.

We also went to "The City Museum" with the Ure's. IT is an amazing place. It is sort of a playground for adults. IT is very random with slides and interesting things to climb and crawl through. This is Dan and Angie crawling through a wire tube that is about 100 feet of the ground. I was happy to be taking the pictures.

We also went to the historic Cahokia Mounds which are very close to St. Louis. It is the remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. This area had hundreds and thousands of people living there hundreds of years ago. Very Very cool!!!!

So on our way home we visited many different sites. We went to Liberty Jail, Far West, and Adam-ondi-Ahman. I loved walking around Adam-ondi-Ahman. I had not really wanted to take the time to go there. But am sooo glad we did. What a peaceful and, I thought, beautiful place. I did some more reading about it when I got home. Loved it!!

We continued into Colorado, and spent some time in Rocky Mountain National Park. It had snowed the day before, so we could not go all the way through it, but what we saw was very beautiful. We stayed the night in Craig Colorado, then on to Utah. We went to Vernal and climbed to the "Native American Rock Art" that is so amazing. There is so much to see and you can get right to them. Many of these are 2000yrs. old. I appreciate the sacred history that they portray.

We went at the "off" season, so we were the only people at most of the church history sites we visited, which is my favorite way to see them. It is so peaceful and you can really get a feel for the history and events that took place there. We are at Carthage Jail here in this picture. There is a very special feeling here.

We drove about 20 miles north east from Nauvoo to a little town called Webster. It is here that Thomas Callister lived and owned property. According to the records this peace of land was the very place he owned. The little town probably did not look much different then it does right now. Pretty cool. We were also able to locate the property of both Amasa Lyman and Edward Partridge in Nauvoo.

Out side of Nauvoo there is a really cool cemetery and it is here that many of the Mormons were buried. Edward Partridge is buried here in an unmarked grave. This is the monument there that the Church dedicated to his honor.

We had the opportunity to attend a session in the beautiful Nauvoo Temple. It was made to look as much like it might have then. It had wooden floors with carpets on them for example. Of course they had to make it modern and functional in most ways. I loved it!!!

This is the Temple as the pioneers would have seen it. Nauvoo is a little peaceful place. There are several homes and businesses that were built and owned by the pioneers that have been repaired by the church and it truly gives you an idea of what it all might have looked like then. A really neat place.
We are so grateful that we were able to take this trip. We could have spent much more time in each of these places. Thanks to Dan and Angie for going with us and sharing the experience. And thanks to Rachel and Derid for taking such good care of us.

Moss family

2009-10-14T10:23:00.002-06:00

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

2009-10-11T18:06:00.003-06:00

Some reflections from dad:

Yes, thank Heaven for little girls that are beautiful, thougtful and fun. That defines all three of my little girls, but one in particular is on my mind today. Years ago Deborah and I got to sing and dance in a Broadway Review production. We joined some other lucky fathers and their daughters in a dance to "Thank Heaven for Little Girls". The practices were fun and the group was fun. I don't remember being particularly nervous, probably because I was dancing with a dancer who made it easy. At Deborah's wedding celebration I had the same experience, but now I was dancing with the bride, gliding through the steps with ease with a smiling, happy, grown-up and beautiful woman. Deborah and Stephen were so happy and their happiness seemed to spread to everyone there. I was so happy to be identified as the father of the bride.

I suppose it is a prideful thing, but I am so proud of Deb and each of our daughters for developing the qualities that attract the fine husbands each of them have.

The fun celebration went by quickly. People were laughing and participating throughout the night. Like the father of the bride, they didn't want this party to end.

Deb and Stephen have a bright future ahead of them. I wish the best for the newly weds.

family pics

2009-10-08T16:07:00.002-06:00

These are the pictures of our family. I already croped them, so if you want the uncroped ones so you can do things with them let me know. I also had some others out side the Temple but thought these were the best. Whatever :)

ure family

2009-10-08T15:51:00.004-06:00

Aunt Margaret

2009-09-14T18:50:00.003-06:00

This is to let you all know that Aunt Margaret fell yesterday and broke her ankle pretty badly. She is in the VA hospital right now waiting for her swelling and blood sugar to go down so that they can operate to set her ankle. She is doing OK and is in good spirits. Dad and uncle Jerry went in to give her a blessing. Don't know how long she will be in the hospital, but will surely go to a rehab ... to help her get back and going again. Please stay safe and well. Am praying for all of you!!!!

Awesome Hike

2009-07-25T11:54:00.002-06:00

Dad and I did a great 24th of July hike. It is now one of my favorites. It is the Millcreek to Lambs canyon. Once at the top, you can see both Parleys Canyon and the Salt lake Valley. It has been a wet year, and the growth and wildflowers were unbelievable. What can I say but "Awesome".

It was pretty steep, but Dad slowed down so that I could keep up with him. Going back down was hard on the knees, but it was so worth it. I love that we can drive 20 min. to a trail that will totally take your breath away. It was just the two of us on the tops of the mountains....the world was ours and we loved it!!!

Later, we went to the Cottonwood Heights park and watched the Fire works with Deb and Stephen. It was a great day :)

Ma and Pa are back from Trek

2009-07-18T18:45:00.002-06:00

Well, Dad and I just got back from our Stake Pioneer Trek. We were Ma and Pa to 10 great kids. The ages ranged from 17 to 12 years. We had a handcart to pull as a family with all our gear. Just like the pioneers. We even went on our trek in the same area that they would of traveled the last stretch before coming to the SL valley. We spent 4 days on this trek and covered about 20 miles. 10 of which was on the first day. Lots of hills and dry dusty HOT trails. It was very hard! We did not see a tree pretty much the whole time. Our family faired pretty well, but many had blisters, sprained ankles, and heat problems. But as you can see from the picture, we ate pretty darn well. That was our third day breakfast. Sausage, eggs, potatos and cheese....YUM

We camped and made our own shelter with a big tarp and the handcart. Some nights were better than others. our kids loved to sleep under the stars mostly. It was so hot during the day that we thought we would die, and then it was freezing at night. The dew caused us to have wet sleeping bags every morning. One morning, Gabby (one of our kids)'s sleeping bag had frost on it. We also slept among the dried cow pies (:

My family were good trekers.... the handcart was very heavy and some of the hills were a bit steep. Really good kids!!! We had a couple of strong boys and some strong girls. They were real troopers. IT WAS HARD!!!

We also had a girl that had damaged her knee and could not walk. So we put her on top. We only went about an hour that way before leaders in charge of the land ( a couple missionary cause it is church owned land) said we could not do that. She had to be pulled in a seperate handcart. 2 or 3 of us then helped with that. I have to say that I felt my 56 years on this trek and realized just how out of shape I am. It was a very good experience. We did a lot of family things together and had a good time. We had some super kids to work with.

This is our family on the last day ready to do the last few miles and go home. I must say, that I am glad to be home now and on to the other exciting things coming up in our lives.

Fun Times

2009-06-19T07:45:00.006-06:00

I was inspired by Becky to post some pictures about what has been going on in our life. We had a fun trip with Deb, Dan and Angie to Lava Hot Springs Idaho. It was cold, but we had fun just getting together. I did a little Temple trip with Darylee. It was great!! We did the Logan Temple on Tuesday,( with Angie and Stephanie Griffin) then did the Manti and St.George on Wednesday. It was a long day, but was really nice. We are planning to do all the Temples in Utah.

Parked in the Back

2009-05-27T09:30:00.002-06:00

It is very strange to have the Snoasis parked in the back for the summer. I have mixed feelings, mostly because of family. I won't get to have much family around and I will sure miss that. The extra money was always great.. for us all. I will admit that I still struggle with the other business getting our spot and our costumers. Grrrrr! But it also feels good to not have to worry about all the day to day, hour to hour stuff. Dad has been chopping the trees and digging and moving plants, and getting into the daily yard things. I have been planting flowers (my sad attempt every year). We are hoping to get out and travel around a bit more this year...who knows? We are serious about doing the Zion Narrows end of June. Maybe the Thursday before the reunion....or that Friday????? Get down there Wed. or Thurs. night and get into the canyon by 6 or 7 in the morning.... out by 3 or 4 if pretty good hikers. We heard about the way to do it as a day trip and we want to go. Best time is the end of June. Would love any and all to come with us. Think about it :)

2009-05-04T07:17:00.002-06:00

We had such a great weekend. First of all Rachel and kids came on Thursday and we have been enjoying them so much. But we have also had some wonderful things happen this weekend. Caleb turned 8 years old and we all gathered at his house to wish him a Happy Birthday. He got many great gifts, but his favorite is his very own guitar. It is a really nice one too. He played while we all sang to him. Happy birthday Caleb!!

Saturday, Daniel graduated from Utah State University. It was a very big day, and we are so pleased that we could celebrate this great day with him and Angie.

The actual graduation was short and very nice. His degree is in Geography from the college of Natural Resources. CONGRADULATONS DANIEL!!!!!! They had a wonderful luncheon for all of us as well. It was a great day. We love you Dan.

Caleb went with Grandpa and the great uncles on the yearly Flaming Gorge fishing trip. I think he had fun......I know that grandpa sure had fun having him there with him. Grandpa's dream is to take his grandchildren with him on his adventures.

We took a little trip to the Mayan Resturant. Something none of us had done for a while. Tayson and Mia loved the divers, and we all got pretty wet. It seemed that they did more diving and more often then I remembered. IF you come this summer to visit and we go there, maybe you will see someone you know diving. Ask Deb and Stephen about that :)

We just had a great weekend with such great things happening. But just spending time with family is the best. We love you all!!!!!

Zions

2009-04-25T14:56:00.003-06:00

Dad and I did the St. George via Delta and Venice trip this weekend. We had a great visit with Grandma and Neil and Julie. Got some good plans for the reunion this July, and are excited to get that all going. Grandma was doing good, and we played card games with her.....golf, fish, ya know, the fun ones. Next morning we drove to Cedar and St. George so Von could do some work. We were able to go to the Temple while we were there. The St. George Temple is so beautiful and the grounds were so peaceful. Then off to Zions.

Zions is one of our favorite spots. The park was open full scale with shuttles and all. We did not have a lot of time, so just parked the car and walked a ways up the road to see some of the amazing sites.

You don't have to be a hiker to enjoy the beauty!!!! However we love the hiking too. Next time we will allow ourselves more time. From Zions, we drove to Venice and spent the night there with grandpa. It is always good to spend time with him. He is rather lonely, but doing good. We noticed some major repairs that need to take place with his house there, and will be planning a trip just to get some things done. Could use help from anyone wanting to take some time to do that with us. Inside and outside stuff. I know, sounds like fun :). We love our parents, and are glad when we get the chance to spend time with them. Life is pretty good to us.

2009-04-03T14:13:00.003-06:00

What a fabulous time we had in Italy!!! This is a picture of our stop in Pisa. Note the leaning tower in the back ground. It was so beautiful and much bigger than I expected. We spent the day traveling to Pisa, and then to Florence. We saw the statue of David (could not take pictures), and walked around in Florence. Would love to be able to go back there and see more.
Becky was able to go to Venice with Dad, Alex, Stephen and Deb. I stayed home and played with the Moss boys. We all had a good time that day. What an interesting and fun place to see.

A group picture in Becky's kitchen. We spent a lot of time there. Becky took such good care of us and feed us lots of yummy food. We had a lot of different pasta dishes... Italians eat pasta everyday. Thanks again to Becky and David!!!!!

We spent two days in Rome/Vatican. What an awesome place. There is truly so much to see and so much history to learn about. I loved it!!! We walked and walked till Alex said that her legs were like rubber.

This picture was taken in the fields behind Becky and David's home. It was beautiful there with the green fields and the fruit trees in blossom. We had such a great time and saw so much. It would fill up many pages to tell it all. We visited Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Revenna, The Republic of San Marino, the most amazing Cave, and some of the cool things in Cesena (home of the Moss family). The most important thing that we did was attend Adam's baptism. Thanks for letting us be a part of that. We have lots of pictures we would gladly show anyone who wants to see them. What a wonderful experience the Moss family has given the Callister Clan by opening their home and giving of their time to us. Thank You! Thank You!

January 2009

2009-01-14T21:25:00.004-07:00

We had such a good time celebrating Deborah's Birthday. Josh and Family came, and Dan and Angie drove down, and Deb's friend Stephen also came to share in the fun. We had dinner and games and much ,much more. We have decided to have a "Family Night" get together, each second Sunday from now on. Would be great if you all could come. Josh, Caleb and Sammy went with us to Delta to see grandma Callister and we had a great visit with framily there. Aunt Catherine came last week and that is always fun for me!!! Grandpa Warner drove up for a couple of days as well. Good times!!! What a nice start to the New Year.

Alex's concert

2008-12-19T13:19:00.003-07:00

Von, Deb and I had a good time this last week going to Alexandria's concert at her school. She did such a great job and it was so fun to see her do this fun thing. She is one of the few that tried out for this singing group to make it. She seems to enjoy it alot. Christmas Concerts are great, We loved it!!! Thanks Alex!!.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T08:54:00.003-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! The smallest we have ever had. Dan and Angie, Deb, Mom and Dad. Yes, just the five of us, but don't let the small number fool you into thinking it was not exciting....... It was awesome!!!!!! We not only had a fab dinner, but we decided to check out some of the ancient American history in our beautiful state. Friday we drove down to Nine Mile Canyon by Price and we had a wonderful time seeking out the Indian rock art and finding interesting relics we (Dan) are sure were left behind by them. It was a real pretty day and we only wish that we could have spent more time there. Alex joined us Friday evening for games and movies. Then Saturday we (Deb, Alex, Maureen and Von) drove to Delta for the big family party there. It was at IPP again this year and was so much more fun then the gatherings have been in past years. There were 75 people there and it was sooo nice to visit with everyone. Grandma is still looking good and seemed to enjoy herself. Good times. Hope you all had a great time with family and friends this Thanksgiving. Love you all!!

Empty Nest

2008-10-08T07:12:00.003-06:00

This is a short entry, but wanted to put in a few new pictures and let you all know that we are still alive. We have done a few things since the close of the Snoasis and family have all gone back home. Von had some business in Cedar City and St George plus we had tickets at Tuacan for "Les Miserable", thanks to Uncle Robert warner. We had a great time with some of my cousins, and visited Grandpa in Venice and Grandma in Delta. We hiked from one end of Snow Canyon to the the other and was it beautiful!!!!

Summer Hikes

2008-08-15T15:10:00.002-06:00

A good part of my summer has been spent up in the beautiful mountains behind our home. We are so blessed!!! Apart from the time that family have been visiting, this has been the highlight of my summer. I go on a hike at least once, but usually twice a week. Have seen an old (1870) steam engine on the top of a mountain, incredible flowers, a moose, mountain sheep, lakes, old mine shaft, and views that are breathtaking. Angie, Dan and Von have shared in many of these fine experiences. I love the smells, the sounds, the sights and the feel of the mountain air. Next to the Temple, it is the most spiritual place I know. mom

Celebrate August

2008-08-05T17:32:00.002-06:00

Dates to remember in August. August 17th .. Mom's (Maureen) Birthday
18th .. Josh and Deena's Anniversary
22nd .. Annie's Birthday
22nd .. Rachel and Derid's Anniversary
28th .. Gabriel Moss's 4th Birthday
Happiness to all who celebrate this month. We love you!!!!

Good times in June

2008-07-05T17:09:00.005-06:00

The month of June was a great one for us!!! We had Annie here with us working for about 3 weeks. Rachel and kids were here visiting for about the same time. Derid's time with us was shorter because he had to get back to school. Jake was here for a few days as well. We had good times hiking, working, playing, working and Oh yea, sometimes we worked at the Snoasis. As you all know, the Snoasis takes up a lot of our time each summer. Dan and Angie are great to take charge and help with that. IT is a little more quiet and less exciting with most of the visitors gone. Looking forward to Aug. and more visitors. Caleb had stitches on his mouth and wanted to make sure that Eli and Adam saw this picture. We wish Andrew a Happy Birthday on the 9th of July, and Jake and Annie a Happy Anniversary on the 23rd. Love you all!!

June Celebrations

2008-06-04T19:28:00.002-06:00

We wish Happy Birthday to: David - June 3
Daniel- June 6
Jacob - June 12
We Love You Guys!!!!

We made it to Eugene

2008-05-18T19:31:00.003-06:00

We had such a good time in Oregon with Jake and Annie and Moby. Dan ,Angie, Deb, and Mom and Dad traveled up to the green state and saw some very beautiful country. we hit a few thrift stores and went to Silver Falls NP, to the ocean, and just relaxed and played Mormon rook at J&A's. We had good food, good company and it was just plain great!!! NOw we have to get back to work....and try to get the Snoasis started. Good Times. Thanks to Jake and Annie

Our Trip To Venice (Utah)

2008-05-04T09:57:00.002-06:00

We took a little trip to Venice to see Grandpa this last weekend and had an enjoyable time with him. we took Margaret with us this time and was fun to spend a little bit of time with her as well. She is doing OK, but finds it very hard to get up any stairs with out a lot of pain. But we did a lot of talking and was good to be with her again. We also visited with uncle Robert for a short while. Kent and family were there as well. Haven't seen him for a long time. He looked real good and told me to tell Jacob that he is still waiting for his lokalgrown T-shirt :). Grandpa is doing well enough and seems to be healthy. He doesn't do much ( we think he is depressed) and his hearing in one ear is real bad, but he is still sharp and is fun to talk to. I had him give us a tour of Richfield and show me where the family lived when I was born. The picture is of that house. It was in much better shape he said 56 (wow) years ago. The Owl is a resident of the big pine tree in the front yard in Venice. Dad saw it spread it's wings and fly to the shade tree, also in our yard. We know he lives there from all the pellet droppings in the yard under the pine tree. Do you remember dissecting owl pellets as a cubscout Josh? Pretty interesting stuff. He is awesome isn't he? It was a good time

Caleb's Birthday

2008-04-29T09:09:00.002-06:00

We all want to wish Caleb a happy Birthday on the 3rd of May!!!!
We love you Caleb. He will be 7 years old.

Birthdays

2008-04-19T07:38:00.002-06:00

we want to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all the family APRIL birthdays:
Little Mia turned 1 year old on the 16th
Joshua got older on the 18th
and Eli turns 9 years on the 21st
We love you all!!!!!

Just Me

2008-04-16T09:31:00.002-06:00

OK, so I thought I would join the gang and write a few things about me:

I hate writting... so you see very few things from me that require writting, like letters, e-mails, journals ect.

I can't spell!!! ...so you see very few things from me that require writting, like letters, e-mails, journals ect.

I love the seasons of the year, and can find beauty in them all (thanks to snowshoeing)

I love snowshoeing ( thanks to my kids)

I love Von! He is the best, and puts up with a lot of crape (from me)

I love a beautiful yard

I don't know how to make a beautiful yard

I love to do crafty projects and will sometimes give them away.

I love to go camping

I don't like to travel

My dream trip is to be someplace with family and no traffic!

My favorite place to visit is So. Utah and the red rock canyons. I feel a sense of piece there more than anywhere else.

I don't want to move

I don't need to have lots of friends.

I am gratful for the Snoasis

I am very tired of the Snoasis

I love my children!!!!!

I am blessed to love dearly my sons and daughters-law. I can enjoy one on one time with each one of them.

My children all married up :) And that is hard to do!

My grandchildren are the cutest, and the smartest, and the best of any on this earth.

I like to go for a hike in the mountains

I don't enjoy shopping

I wear old clothes, and love hand-me-downs.

I love to go to thrift stores and garage sells (especially in Eugene)

I don't wear much jewlery

my hair is gray and I like it

I always want to loose 5-10lbs

I love candy and chocolate (dark)

I accept church callings even when I don't want to

I avoid going to the dentist

I chew lots of gum

I love old books...and collect them

I love to read, but don't as much as I used to????

I like historical novels and non-fiction as well

I love to watch movies and documetries from the library

I don't clean my house like I should

I like to do puzzles...but do them on the internet now

I check my e-mail everyday I am home

My favorite foods are breads and veggies

I am afraid of dogs

I try to walk every day (if I write that then maybe it will happen)

I will never be able to keep up with Von...he says he will slow down for me.

My fantasy world is to have all my children live around me.

My real world is that I travel and see the sights of the world to visit them.

I am terrified to drive on the freeway with Von. (Jacob is a bit scary too)

I do not like to drive

I don't like to go out to eat. (I know that is weird)

I don't remember people's names....really bad at that

I am a small town girl by nature. But have always lived in a big city.

I love scary movies...not horror ones

I love happy endings

I love limes in my water

I don't mind eating on paper plates

I could never use any body else's toothbrush!!!!!

I wish I had home schooled my kids at least a few years

I believe that wisdom is more important than knowledge...but not many people care.

I believe that the most important thing you can teach your children is that they matter... to God, to you, to themselves. Everything else will just work out.

I could go on for a long time....but won't

Maureen

Oregon Bound....

2008-04-10T15:01:00.002-06:00

Not to put any undo pressure on the prospective Callister clan pioneers heading to the Oregon Country in mid-may (prospectively) by making it public knowledge..... but I thought I would provide some insights on those who have paved the way for you in decades and centuries past.

Lewis and Clark: 1804-1806

Jedediah Smith: 1820's

Oregon Trail Pioneers: 1839-1860's

Logger's: Mid 1800's to mid 1980's

many have struggled to make their way to this country. This trail is long, and fraught with danger, but you have chosen a favorable season and they who have marked the trail with their blood, sacrifice and loved ones, have made your journey more pleasant... Make ready pioneers!!!

Jake

Dan in Real Life

2008-03-18T08:18:00.002-06:00

So, Derid and I really loved this movie. It was funny and charming- touching and quirky. It was pretty darn clean too ( a couple sexual references). Check it out! and if you have seen it- comment your thoughts

There was an old woman

2008-03-18T08:04:00.002-06:00

I almost cried when i opened the package that contained this book "There Was An Old Woman" retold by Steven Kellogg. I have been casually looking for this book for a long time. I found it for a steal on amazon. I have seen other versions of this story but the Steven Kellogg one is the one that i adored as a child. Reading through it again i remembered why. It is so funny. There is something endlessly hilarious about a crazy old woman who is giddy one moment and filled with wriggles the next. I think there will be a reprint of this book in the next few years- but i couldn't wait. Enjoy the pictures and the memories.-rach

Italy

2008-02-17T14:29:00.003-07:00

We have returned from Italy and we sure had a great time and sure do appreciate Becky and David for taking such good care of us. We saw some amazing things, and did not travel far from their home. I am fasinated by history and Midevil times, and that kind of stuff is all over the area that Becky lives. Dan and Angie traveled a little further to Rome and Venice, and they will show pictures on their blog I am sure. We went to the oldest public library in Italy (maybe all of Europe) 1400's right in Cesena. The books were all chained to the reading benches. Sounds weird, but it was way cool!!. We also went to the Republic of San Marino which is a very small country on a mountain within Italy. You can see it from the Mosses home. I am very impressed with Eli and Adam's ability to speak Italian. Gabriel is mister friendly, and little Isaac is sooo cute and doing well. We would love to tell you all more about our trip and share more pictures with you anytime.

CHeck it out

2008-02-14T13:06:00.002-07:00

I have been playing in photoshop. I think these type of simple images are cool. i think this one of dan and angie would look really cool on a stretched canvas huge on the wall. I am trying to find a way to copy an image onto clear plastic and then project the image onto a solid color canvas. i then could draw in the areas that i needed to paint. ( i got this idea from something the elementary teachers did for some of us. they projected a black and white picture of us onto butcher paper and used a marker to create a huge portrait.) if you want me to try one of you and your honey then take some pictures and send them along. it works best with a simple background and your heads close together. i have seen kissing shots like this and it's cool.

fun in snow

2008-01-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

we have had some good snow fall in the last couple of days. The kids are having fun with the snow plow piled up snow that we always get each winter in the circle. Dad and kids have made a slide, and caleb is busy making a cave. Sound familier? Great fun. We got 15 inches in one day (Monday).

Random

2008-01-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Three random pictures----- one is us with our new addition, finally!!! one is of the little Callisters and the box castle they built. We have them here with us for the next week while Josh and Deena are on their cruise. And one is of an old map (replica of) that I found in the storage room a long with so much other stuff that has been buried for years. Does it belong to some one? It is a 1673 map of the world.

printer ink

2008-01-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hey this is just to let you guys know that we have some HP inkjet print cartridges that we are trying to get rid of. We have two 56 (black) and one 57 (color). We had to get a new printer and need different kind. Daniel has the old printer and I don't know if he would like the ink or is just able to use it for scanning---- let me know anyone. I will look else where for some one to use it if you guys don't want it. Any takers?

Winter Wondeland

2008-01-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture that I dug up. It is a fun one of Mom and Dad doing something they have started really enjoying to do.... lying around...just kidding I mean snow shoeing of course. This was a trip we took up Donut Falls... A completely different place in Winter. Good times. Enjoy!!

Jake

winter is here

2007-12-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Winter has come to the mountains----and to our home. Yes it is finally here, and it is really beautiful! If it would just stay off the roads I would be happier. Aunt Catherine was here this last week and it was so wonderful having her here to talk to and just be with. She loved to see the snow and we went for a walk in it. Then she left to go back to California and we had to stay here in the cold snow :(

Good times #2

2007-11-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

when i came upon this picture i just had to chuckle. I am soo glad i caught this moment in time in the life of dan callister. Do you still have those nasty flip-flops?

Bean and Bacon: the truth

2007-11-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ok - so the other day tayson and i had a playdate. I decided to bring lunch so that our friends didn't feel inclined to provide. What i grabbed was a can of bean and bacon soup. I have loved this soup ever since i can remember and have always considered it a hearty comfort food that everyone loves. The look on my friends face as presented her with the yummy lunch i brought to share made me think.- Is this soup a culture thing- a callister thing? She then said " well, i dont like it but maybe mcKay will" . He didn't. Come to think of it- the same thing happened about a year ago with a different friend. Here is my question.. what is not to like about this savory mix of beans, bacon, and an occasional carrot? Oh well. maybe i wont serve it to friends but bean and bacon soup will forever be a favorite nostalgic meal for me and mine.

Callister "Good Times" photo series #1

2007-11-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

I found some funny pictures in my scrapbook and thought you all might like to remember with me. feel free to add onto my photo series by posting your own favorite old pics ( this means you'll need to scan them in.... so mom and dad might not participate...or they just might surprise us all!) can't wait to see what people think of this timeless shot!

California Coastal getaway

2007-11-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all Callisters...Aunt Catherine and Uncle Jim here. Thank you for letting us use your space to add our life-events. We have sooo enjoyed sharing in your escapades! We recently celebrated our anniversary with a trip to the coast (one of our favorite destinations...any part of the coast will do...just give us the ocean). In particular, we visited Stinson Beach to take advantage of both the ocean and Mt. Tamalpias (the highest Mt in the area...a mere foothill to you folks). So we decide on a 4 mile hike (the beach was closed to the public because of a recent oil-spill). We hiked thru it/up it/in it/over it...it was GREAT! A foggy day only added to the beauty...and the pictures don't do it justice...but you all know that actually being in the local adds it's own element of magic. Great trip...wanted to share. Come visit...anyone...anytime! Love from Wine (whine) Country...Uncle Jim and Aunt Catherine

Turkey Day

2007-11-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some pictures and found some Ure ones that are at my house for some reason. I know this was one of Rachel's favorite performances ever. (NOT) A couple of cute turkeys!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Love mom

2007-11-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would send a little hello from us here in Italy. Rebekah had a great birthday, we had a successful Halloween party, and all is going well for boys, David, Rebekah and baby #4. Rebekah got excited for Thanksgiving shortly after Halloween and decided that we needed something to remind us that such a Holiday does exist (obviously it isn't a popularly celebrated Italian holiday!). So she went through her fabric and made this happy turkey. We put a feather up every day after we say something we are Thankful for. Isn't he cute?!

We hope that all of you have a great Thanksgiving--we are doing a dinner for a few of our Italian friends (most Italians have only seen a full roasted Turkey on American Television--never for real!).

Cute Old Folks

2007-11-03T12:28:00.000-06:00

Dad and I went to Venice (Utah) and Delta this last weekend and had a good visist, and a well over due one at that with Grandpa and then with Grandma C. we had a great time hiking around the foothills of Venice. We followed some deer paths and hoped we didn't see any trigger happy hunters. We went to church with Grandma and ate lunch with she and uncle Ned. They have to be the cutest old people ever!!! It was something we have decided to try and do at least once every month. They need it and so do we.

family picture

2007-10-23T17:35:00.000-06:00

Rachel wanted me to post the old family picture so she could make a copy. So here it is.

Happy Birthday Deena

2007-10-21T16:24:00.000-06:00

Deena I am sorry that I was out of town playing on your birthday, but happy birthday to a wonderful wife and mother. We love you and we appreciate the great family that you and Josh have. I hope that you felt fussed over and that you feel appreciated and loved.
Your efforts are showing good results. Your family are lucky to have you to nurture and care for them. I enjoy the time I am able to spend with you, Josh and your children. I don't know if there is anything I enjoy more than spending time with family. Thank you for the part you play in our lives. Have a great year and may your wishes come true.
Love, Dad

Moab Area Trip

2007-10-12T13:21:00.000-06:00

We just got back from Moab bcause Dad had business there for the Bank. We, Deb and Andrew, Dad and I, had a great time. We took the Delicate Arch hike, and the Double O hike in Arches. Next day we did Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Canyon. Andrew had never been to any of those places and was amazed at the unique beauty there. The weather was perfect!!! Sunny, with that beautiful blue sky that is so striking against the red cliffs, but not hot. Annie would have worn a sweater even. The only thing that would have made it better is to have had some of you there with us. love ya all mom

2007-10-10T04:35:00.000-06:00

We just returned this weekend from Pisa and Florence. The kids loved The Leaning Tower, though they were bummed because they are too young to go up in it.
In Florence we decided to take the kids into one of the museums. We picked the one with this famous statue of David. The kids did a great job inside of the museum--they were very fascinated by Michelangelo's works especially (Eli asked me afterward if I thought he should make things out of wood or out of stone when he grows up).
Gabriel took particular interest in the Statue of David. We saw this view as we approached it. After looking at it for a few minutes, he looked up at me in the most serious way and stated, "Mom, I need to see his bum now." It was so funny and cute!
Later as we walked around the statue, I was telling Eli and Adam how Michelangelo had studied the human body so that he could make this statue so accurately. I pointed to David Moss's flexed leg muscle in front of us and showed them how similar the shape of the statue's leg was. Gabe heard me saying this, looked up at his Dad, and exclaimed for all English comprehenders to hear (this is most of the people there), "Dad, He looks just like you!!" This is quite a compliment since this statue is supposed to be the ideal man's figure!! I certainly won't be found disputing the statement!! :)

remember these books???

2007-10-08T20:15:00.000-06:00

i found these ready-set-grow books at the thrift store, i dont know which ones we had as kids- but they all have that same cheesy late 70's flavor.

Dad's Birthday

2007-10-07T19:50:00.000-06:00

We had such a good time this weekend celebrating dad's birthday. We went for a hike in the beautiful autumn colored mountains, watched conference on the TV, and had a party with Deb and Andrew, Josh and Deena, Caleb, Sammy, and Drew. Thanks to all of you for phone calls, cards, and other displays of love.

Salmon Run!

2007-09-21T23:16:00.000-06:00

howdy,

Angie and I enjoyed watching the salmon spawning at Porcupine Res Thursday morning. I think we saw more salmon than we've ever seen. It was really a good time, and so darn pretty with leaves starting to change in Cache valley already! Angie is enjoying her new job watching kids for a few hours every day, and I'm surviving my nacturnal life day-by-day :) Mostly I'm just glad to have my wife back!

Snoasis is closed

2007-09-16T13:50:00.001-06:00

Wow, the Snoasis is finally closed for the season!! Deb, Angie and Andrew are especially happy. They put in a lot of hours the last two weeks, but they also reaped the reward. The weather held out for a very successful ending to the very successful summer. We are working on the new East side of parking lot place of business for next year. We are grateful for all the people that love us, and for the blessings it gives our family. Angie will be going home to Logan and her husband. Deb will continue with her other job. And, by the way, We went to Jordan Commons to see the Movie that Andrew is in a few weeks ago. It was a special showing of it and it is very good!!!! It is Called "Forever Strong" We totally recommend it if you get a chance to see it somewhere. However it might not be out for a while. love you all, mom

grandma's party

2007-09-15T18:17:00.000-06:00

I decided it was time to put in another picture. This was taken a month ago when Aunt Catherine was here to see Grandma and we had a fun get together with some aunts and uncles and cousins. We had a good turn out. I hadn't seen some of these folks for a while. It was good for them to see grandma and for her to see them. Love you all

Girl Meets Lawn

2007-09-06T11:53:00.000-06:00

What? You say we have to do this every week?! Believe it or not, this was Annies first ever mowing experience... I am glad she liked it. We'll see how long that lasts. All is well here, we are busy every day doing little fix it projects here adn there. Still kind of fun. We went to IKEA in Portlnad last week. What a zoo!! Found some cool stuff. We'll send pictures.

Love ya'll

2007-09-03T02:08:00.000-06:00

Gabriel had a Happy Birthday party on Sunday.

He wanted an elephant cake

(that is what this is supposed to be in case you can't tell).

We can't believe that he is so big!!

3 years old!

Man meets lawn

2007-08-28T19:27:00.000-06:00

Aaah the exhilaration of mowing your own lawn! Annie clipped this picture of me enjoying my first mow. We borrowed the lawnmower from our Mormon Aggie neighbors, thats right we moved in next to Mormons who also happened to attend Utah State......Hello!!!!!

Anyway the move went well, and we are in!!! It is so much fun. Come see us!

Jake and Annie

2007-08-26T08:07:00.000-06:00

Adam is very excited because he lost his first tooth today! It had been lose for just a little while.

Adam says that Gabriel helped him lose it. They were playing tug-of-war with a blanket--Adam pulled with his teeth. We are glad it is out because the adult tooth had already surfaced behind it.

2007-08-21T10:55:00.001-06:00

The Moss boys had a great time today. Rebekah saw the rather innocent beginnings, went to get the camera and came back to...

summer portrait

2007-08-18T12:20:00.000-06:00

we took these for mom on her birthday. i got my friend to take them and then i quickly posted them so mom could get them on her birthday. they are called summer portraits because it was so stinkin hot. ( its been 105 her with 100% humidity)

birthday hike

2007-08-18T10:59:00.000-06:00

birthday for mom/grandma

2007-08-18T10:05:00.000-06:00

I want to thank all of you for the cards, e-mails, phone calls and pictures. Wow , I love you all!!! I wanted to go on a hike for my birthday. So Dad and Daniel, Deb and Andrew all came with me on a hike to Lake Katherine. We went up little Cottonwood Canyon, to the Lake and packed in our cooked foil dinners. Yum! We saw 3 moose and several deer. It was beautiful and I loved it. I am out of shape so it was hard getting there, but once we were there it was so worth it. Wish that all of you could have been there with me. Deb and Andrew bought a cheese cake to top off the evening. Here are some pictures to enjoy.

2007-08-17T02:23:00.000-06:00

Buon Complianno! Happy Birthday Grandma!

from the Moss Boys

Sammy got to the kitty!

2007-08-12T10:27:00.000-06:00

never leave Samantha alone with paints...this is the result!! the poor kitty was covered from whiskers to paws, with pink paint. this picture is after a day of cleaning herself...

Google Sketch-up Nerd Alert!!!

2007-08-11T10:22:00.001-06:00

Annie and I spent all night last night working on our to scale drawings and renderings of our home. Obsess much????? Anyway isnt this fun? We could do it all day. We can bring different furniture in, different colors... and best of all, Annie can tear down any wall she wants in this environment. Check out google sketch up.... its a blast!!!

Enjoy

Jake and Annie Chimen in !!

2007-08-06T19:22:00.000-06:00

Hey There Y'all

I am shocked and embarrased that I didn't know about this blog. Truly. Annie and I are all about the blog. There is nothing insignificant enough about our lives that we wouldn't want everyone to know about... and visa versa.

Most significant for us is the home we are in the process of purchasing. It is all we can think about. We are excited to move in! That will happen in a few weeks, just as soon as we sell our souls to the bank..... Whew! Anyway. Oregon Summers are awesome!!!

Life is good. Annie read the final Harry Potter and cried whiel she explained the ending to me (two days after she finished, (I was at Scout camp)). SHe is still recovering, were hoping that she can start worrying about other things.... actually she worries about the house enough to pull her out of this one.

We love you guys. Life is challenging, but its full of fun and excitement too!!!

2007-08-06T13:14:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone I wanted to show you a crazy thing that had been growing in our house. We bought some Tomatoes at the store (no not from the garden) and put them in the window. Well after a few days (ok, maybe more than a few) dad looked at this tomatoe and we saw plants growing out of it. We had never seen this before. Have any of you? Interesting

okay, so here are the pictures

2007-08-05T16:05:00.002-06:00

i couldn't get the pictures to upload the first go round. so here they are. yuck.

finally...something exciting

2007-08-05T15:54:00.000-06:00

I have been so excited about this family blog idea but i never have anything cool to post. so today i finally realized that my time has come. a week ago today (last sunday), i (angie callister) burned my leg getting onto the back of adam wray's motorcycle. here's a couple of pics. it hurt a whole lot and still continues to give me grief. the first picture is a couple of days after and the second is actually from today. well, enjoy! and sorry if it grosses you out.

2007-07-10T21:12:00.000-06:00

Andrew is 3 years old now!! he thinks it is pretty cool that he got so much attention!

snoasis- yum

2007-06-26T13:08:00.000-06:00

I realized that i only had one small bite of a snoasis while i was in utah. I wish i had one right now. Andrew should be the poster child for snoasis. his bright blue eyes go perfect with the bright red snow cone

so much fun!

2007-06-26T13:06:00.000-06:00

So yeah, it is crazy when all the grandkids get together but it is also so fun. what a great mix of personality.

blessed

2007-06-26T13:05:00.000-06:00

glad you could all be there for mia's blessing

Isn't She a babe!

2007-06-26T13:01:00.000-06:00

I love this picture of rebekah.

Hi!

2007-05-29T10:25:00.000-06:00

just wanted to take a crack at this blog thing. Angie and I drove home all day yesterday from SF. it was long, but it was fun for angie to drive through her mission a little bit and see names that were familiar. good times. ROCK AND ROLL!!

2007-05-28T19:57:00.000-06:00

Hi family, Deb and Mom are trying this out amd want to share a picture of our trips that we just returned from. Mom and dad in Venice Italy, and Deb and Andrew in L.A. We are looking forward to seeing all of you in a few weeks.

Frigid San Fran

2007-05-28T15:54:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from our san francisco weekend. it was freezing!

But we had a great time. The sculpture, made out of driftwood, was something that happens whenever you get a group of men together. We saw the wood. We thought lets build something. Then turned it into a game in true Callister fashion. If the stones balancing on the plank fell off they all had to be balanced before the next wave came in. We also visited the "Painted Ladies" and the Palace of Fine Arts. We will definitely miss living here.