Window Model

I had learned a new setting on my camera and I needed a model to test it out. So I picked one of the most professional I know. She's thoughtful and steady and takes direction so well. I can count on her to be patient with me during my light changing and camera setting time. She is an amazing little model and I love working with her. Her name is Schmeegs and she is HIGH FASHION! Thanks Schmeegs!

To Blog or Not to Blog, That is the Question"

I was just spending some time on this Sunday morning going through my kids blogs and some of my friends, too. What a great invention these blogs are. I get to read the latest in all of your lives in the way YOU, we all, individually wish to express them. I love pictures, so I appreciate you putting them up and I love reading about all of your latest triumphs and even down times. It's our new modern and convenient form of communication and it WORKS. It's a good thing, a great thing and I love it. Thanks to all of you for putting your time into your family, food and even business blogs. We all have the choice to read them, or not, but we do.

Music, THE Great World Communicator!!!

I recommend everyone view this or something like it everyday. Lifts the spirits!!

Ode to a Hobbit

Our first child, Joey was born, April 13, 1976.  We knew he would be an extraordinary young man because he was an extraordinary child.  Inquisitive, creative, humorous, intelligent and friendly.  He has built on those early childhood traits through these 33 years.  He is our walking encyclopedia.  If I want to know about something that is difficult to understand, I call Joe.  If I have read something with wit and wisdom, I share it with Joe.  One of the things, I, as his mother love about him is that he finds the lessons in EVERYTHING.  He loves and respects BOTH Homer's because he finds wisdom in the ancients as well as the pop culture he studies and enjoys.  Tolkien and Lewis never had a more avid student than C. Joe Andersen.  He has a love of the Lord and His scriptures and adores the family that he has been blessed with.   And we love him for making the world a better place and showing us how beautiful it can be through his eyes.  I also love that he goes out of his way to see BOTH sides of an issue or point of view.    And though he has won numerous awards for his creativity and intellect I think he'd rather live in in a hole in the ground.  "Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole...but a hobbit-hole and that means comfort."  Because, Joe, that is what we feel from you, comfort.  Happy Birthday, Joey!  We love you!  Love, Mom and Dad. 

Tasting the Past

When family is in town it is time to party.  I remember this meal from my childhood when we used to visit our friends, the Robinson's.   Ivan & Anita lived in California with their kids LaRee, Sharon and Glenn.   I remember Anita's vivacious beauty, she was like a flash of light.  And Ivan was a gentle man that was comfortable to be around.  The kids were a blast and I recall lots of laughter with them.  We loved visiting them and I remember the BBQ'd meals we would have.  I think Anita made London Broil or it might have been brisket.  Then she would make these potatoes with onions and TONS of butter.  Oh, YUM!  The aroma was incredible as we turned onto their street and drove up the hill.  I have tried to recreate the meal the best I could and it is pretty darn good.  But I don't think one can really return to the past with the pallet.  But I can sure try.

Irish Dreams

I had a dream about Ireland last night.  It was green, very green.  I like green, (greenbacks,)  And if I can't get some of those from the bank or for all those people that owe me millions, then I have an idea.  I'll just look back at all of these images I took of Ireland on my trip there last October.  It's coming up on 6 months since I was there and I still haven't gone through and saved all of the pictures I took.  I know, I know, I got a little carried away with the camera.  But it was my first trip outside of the country.  I figure that as long as I have my memory and these images of that gorgeous green country, then I can re-live the trip.  The trip of a lifetime.  I can always dream about it, too.  Thanks McFarland's! 

Brett's Baptism Photo Session

It's Birthday time for Brett(8) Here's a sneak preview of the photo session.  We're so very proud of our oldest grandson.  He is a responsible, honorable, loving, kind, handsome, bright, witty and righteous young man.  He's a wonderful son, brother, nephew and grandson.  We love you Brett.  Happy Birthday!!! Love, Nana & Grandpa Clint 

Naming Ivy

Last Sunday, February 22 2009, Ivy Mae Stailey, our newest grandchild, was given her name and a blessing by her father, Jason, at Hilary & Jason's sacrament meeting in Silver City, New Mexico.  It was a wonderful and beautiful weekend. The cousins met Ivy for the first time, after much anticipation having grown enormously these two months.  And with masked faces and gloved hands they greeted her joyously.  It is such a blessing to celebrate this little girl into the world with family, smiles and laughter, fun and great food.  Great weather, too.  Thanks go to Jason's parents, Glen & Michelle for hosting and preparing such a great spread.  Good times!!      

Happy New Year!!

Our men know their basketball.

Our grandkids know music and a joyful song!

Our girls know true beauty.

And our children stand for truth and righteousness!!

Our New Little Poser is Born!!

I am a photographer.  And, as a photographer, I really appreciate a poser.  Last week, on the 22 of December, another little poser was born.  I have 8 now.  When Nana gets her camera ready, my little posers light up and start giving me the camera faces.  Look over here little posers and give me a cute face for the camera.  Little Ivy Mae Stailey fits right in with all the rest.  Her parents, Hilary & Jason will have to agree.  A beautiful, healthy baby girl is born.  And we are grateful to Heavenly Father for sending her our way.  Little Ivy joins her cousins, Brett, Jaron, Teegan, Clayton, Taya, Boston and Shereen, all POSERS they!! 

Candy Land

Clint had the idea of RE-using some previously used pipes that are 20 ft. long or tall, depending on how you look at them.  Afterall, it is Christmas time and the mood is merry.  So he bought some ribbon and, after breaking some child labor laws and taking advantage of the good hearts of a daughter and a son and their spouses, we now have what you might call a spectacle.  A front yard full of candy cane poles.  Taya has tried licking them and Boston has tried hiding behind them.  Joey gerry-rigged a few things and created a few devices to make the job easier, as he has always been known to do.  Karen ran out for pizza and we made an afternoon of it.  You can't miss our house.  I think we may forever be known, by the neighbors, as the crazy family with the giant poles in their yard.  But the kids all love them and it looks like they are here to stay, for the merry Christmas season anyway.

Our Thanksgiving Celebration!!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration on Tuesday the 25th.  Because of the shower on Saturday we thought we would do ours early and then our kids could go to their in-laws on Thursday without any scheduling problems.  There was basketball and Sudoku and earlier in the week we played Pit and Apples to Apples, just to name a few of our favorite games.  We ate a little late because I underestimated the timing on the turkey.  But in the end we were all stuffed with food and new memories and a deeper love for our families.  The Lord has blessed us this year.  Though it has not been easy, we have learned to understand things we could only learn by His help.  We are so grateful for all we have.  And we are learning to understand, in Elder Wirthlin's words to 'come what may and love it.' 

Hilary's Baby Shower

What a weekend we had with Hilary & Jason here for a visit.  It all started with Twilight, a must see.  Then on Saturday we had a shower for Hilary.  Her baby, Ivy, is due the day after Christmas.  It was so much fun to see old friends and we are grateful for the sweet generosity of Hilary's friends and family. Harmony, Heidi and Karen made some delicious food and a good time was had by all.