The Thorpe Family

2011-08-07T22:21:00.001-05:00

Drive Home
Part I

We left KY this morning...
Naturally, I had to take some photos of some Clouds! ;)

2011-08-06T18:40:00.003-05:00

Evening Stroll

Everyone went on a Evening Stroll...
Alan & I stayed behind, to get things organized for heading home tom. Plus it was a little to humid for my liking.

I took a few pics of my Dad's backyard.

2011-08-06T18:16:00.001-05:00

Hanging Out in Ky

We have been Cooking Non-Stop. Including My Grandma Garcia's Enchiladas and Homemade Canoli's from scratch! Yum!! (Normally we don't eat so heavy)

David showed us his Muscles.. NON-STOP!! LOL
We setup my Dad's Big Flatscreen to Youtube. Pretty much, Laughing until we were crying...

Favorite Most Quoted YouTube Video of the Week...
Sitting On The Toilet

2011-08-06T17:27:00.001-05:00

Brenton Mowing the Lawn
with Grandpa Culotta

Between Grandpa Thorpe & Grandpa Culotta... Brenton is all set in the Tractor department. He helped Grandpa cut the ENTIRE Lawn. Enjoying every second of it.

Oh & Miss Savannah wanted to wear her cowgirl outfit today... She just wanted to watch with Aunty Mallory. :)

2011-08-04T23:01:00.001-05:00

Drive to KY

We Drove 2 Hours North, picked up Aunty Mallory, from the Madison Airport.
And Drove 9 1/2 Hours South to Richmond, Kentucky.
(Where My Dad Lives)

It's a fairly flat drive.

We took lots of pictures...
What else do you do on a Roadtrip?!

2011-07-30T12:41:00.002-05:00

Dang!

Its been still fairly warm here.

I went out to the Garden, & noticed half of my plants have been eaten at!

Dang!!

A few days later we figured out what happened ...
We have started to notice, at least 4-5 Bunnies, around our yard.

I cant be to upset since its a small garden.

Oh Well, at least there cute to look at!!

2011-07-24T19:52:00.021-05:00

Meet Drusilla Dorris Hendricks.

This is Alan's 4th Great Grandmother on his Fathers Side. I came across her journal, and together Alan & I read about this amazing woman (twice now). She is the epitome of a Woman of Faith. Here are some amazing facts, and things she has said.

*Drusilla Dorris Hendricks was born on Feb. 8, 1810 in Sumner County, Tennessee.

*Her earliest memory was saying a prayer at age 5 after a earthquake in KY.

*At age 7 she was confounded to read the Hymn Book & Bible.. until she could recite pages without looking at the books.

*She survived White Swelling Disease at a young age.

*From a Early age she was baffled that no one was doing as the Bible told them.

*"My Mother taught me in all the branches of house wifery that she was capable of, for which I was always Thankful."

*At 18, May 31st 1827 she Married James Hendricks of Franklin, KY

*They had Five Children; Elisabeth, William (Alan's 3rd Great Grandfather), Catherine, Rebecca, Joseph.

*"I found that the responsibilities of motherhood were upon me. My Husband came in and found me crying. He asked if he had neglected me, or said, or had done anything to hurt my feelings. I answered him no, but I was a mother and was not capable of doing a mothers duty. He wept with me and told me I was better prepared to be a mother than he was to be a father. We had many serious hours of prayer and conversation or so it appeared to me then, as I found it no small thing to be a mother."

*She took care of her Mother, after her Father died. She made sure "used all our endeavors to make her happy". She didn't forget the principle of obedience to her parents. "It was not to gain my mother's favor; it was to show the reverence I had for my mother since a child." {Which is how I feel about helping my Mom}

*"Finally, I began dreaming and I knew there was reality in dreams. I had dreams mostly from my childhood up, and had seen many of my dreams literally fulfilled. Then my mother would call me Joseph the Dreamer".

*The Mormon Missionary's came locally, to where she had a sister living. Her Husbands Brother, wanted her to go and hear them preach. Because she knew the scriptures so well. After hearing them she said "I never heard men stick so close to the scriptures in my life. Before he got thru I believed and went home rejoicing.". Her Brother In Law was so upset he could barely talk!

*Drusilla's Husband, James was more hesitant and it took him more time before he believed. They were Baptized March of 1835.

*They were shunned from Family.

*They sold all of there possessions, & settled there finances to get ready to head to Missouri. And left in May of 1836.

*"I had been in the habit of using snuff and was just out. I knew it was a disgusting habit and had heard the Word of Wisdom read. Also my husband desired that I discontinue its use. I went quite a way out of camp. I there plead with the Lord to take away the desire of snuff from me. And if he would do this it would be a sign to me that He had caused the revelation on the Word of Wisdom to be written. I went back to camp and forgot that I had ever used snuff for four days. I never wanted it again. I had tried to quit, but this time the Lord took the desire away from me and gave me proof of the Word of Wisdom". After time she realized the health benefits in following the Word of Wisdom.

*They dealt with Mob's 5 different times thru out there lives.

*They gave up there land of 50 acres in Clay County and went to Caldwell County, Missouri.

*She said she was the happiest she had ever been while living in Caldwell County.

*She gave birth to her 5th child. Joseph Smith came to there cabin, and asked what the child's name was. When they replied they hadn't any. He said "From this day forward he shall be known as Joseph Smith Hendricks".

*While walking behind her husband she watched his form. "The thought came to me that I might never see him so straight and erect again". (Alan's 4th great grandfather on his mothers side; also later an apostle) Charles C Rich came to get James Hendricks, there was a mob on Crooked River. Doris helped her husband get ready, & while handing him his gun she said "Don't get shot in the back." Just around the time he was shot, she was aroused from her sleep. (This happened a week prior to Hans Mill, where another one of Alan's 4 Great Grandfather did Die.) Her husband was shot in the neck where it cut off all feeling of his body.

*Joseph Smith had anointed, James Hendricks, twice for Blessings of the Sick.

*"My Husband was as sore for his blood cankered and he broke out in sores all over his body. You could not put a pin on him without putting it on a sore, from the crown of his head to the sole of his feet."

*In two weeks time they had run out of food. She conflicted with her mind. She kept hearing the still small voice say "Hold on the Lord will provide". She listened and promise not to grumble. She went to work and washed everything and cleaned the house thoroughly as she said to herself "If I die, I will die clean". {A woman after my own heart :)} Brother Allred came, he lived 50 miles away. He brought them a sack of meal. And a present, of a washboard. Another 2 weeks went by and they lived extremely sparingly. They were in the same condition as they were before. "I felt awful, but the same voice that gave me comfort was to comfort me again, it said, "Hold on, the Lord will provide for His saints". I washed and cleaned as before." This time Brother Williams came with two bushels of meal. He said he was busy harvesting his crop when the spirit spoke with him saying "Brother Hendricks family is suffering so I dropped everything and came by". She said she went on to bake a cake and said "Hunger makes sweet cakes without sugar". Her testimony grew of the Doctrine Covenants. "It was the Lords duty to look after and provide for His saints, which has been proven true to me".

*"I began to take in work, sewing and washing, but mostly washing as I could make the most at that and I found from that time on. I paid $56.00 for house rent and got me two bedsteads, four chairs, and five falling leaf tables. I kept one table and let Brother Lewis have one for moving us to Nauvoo. I sold two to Sister Emma Smith for provisions. We moved to Nauvoo in March. The brethren gave us a lot and threw together a log house. I hired a man to cover it and build a chimney. I and Sister Marinda Lewis chinked and plastered it. I hired the same man to plow and put in my lot and we raised a good garden. We finished out house in 1842". There home is still standing in Nauvoo today!!! Just 2 Blocks from the Nauvoo Temple.

*They continued to work on the Nauvoo Temple. They still had one yoke of cattle so she sent William, her son, to haul rock for the Temple as a form of payment of there tithing.

*She took on boarders in there home. Along with making mittens and gloves. As well as washing for trade of bread and molasses. Winter set in early. And they were running out of food quick. She prayed and poured her heart out to the lord, and was specific in what her family needed. A man named Shaw showed up the next day with pork to sell to them. They explained they had no money. He said he had come to give it to them on credit. At first they didn't feel comfortable doing so. However after prayer and discussion, they discovered this was the lord helping them. They were able to repay and make a profit.

*"The Prophet was killed on Thursday June 27, 1844. For my feelings were such that I prayed the Lord to take them from me for it was more than I could stand. We did not know the Prophet was killed only by our feelings until we got about 6 miles and met another boat. We could not have felt worse. When we reached home everyone was in mourning."

*"It was not long before Sidney Rigdon called a meeting in order to present his claims to the presidency of the church. Some of the twelve returned from their missions and the day their meeting was held and while it was in session Brigham Young, president of the Quorum of Apostles, and others slipped up to the stand but said nothing until Sidney Rigdon was through. The meeting was in a bowery. Then President Young began to speak. I jumped up to look and see if it was not Brother Joseph for surely it was his voice and gestures. Every Latter Day Saint could easily see upon whom the Priesthood descended for Brigham Young held the keys."

*On January 22, 1846 Drusilla took out her endowments. And on January 27, 1846 she was sealed to James Hendricks in the Nauvoo Temple.

*Drusilla really struggled with letting William go into The Mormon Battalion. He was 9 when his father was shot. And was a great deal of help to her. The first group of volunteers had already left. She heard a voice that said "Let your son go in the battalion". And had felt sick because they had already left. It turned out they were lacking men. She said to William "My son, I have held you back, but if you want to go I shall hold you no longer". William ran to his father and told him what his mother had said and he said "We will see Brother Young". His father told Brigham Young, "Here is my boy, if they will take him." President Young told the clerk to put down his name. When she sent him off. She said "I had no photograph of him but I took one in my mind and said to myself, If I never see you again until the morning of the resurrection, I shall know you are my child." William, was gone for 15 months. He arrived in Salt Lake City on October 14, 1847.

*They left on the Joseph B. Noble Company. Jedediah M. Grant was in charge of there wagon train. On June 19, 1847, along with 3 other wagon trains, they left for Salt Lake. Arriving on October 2, 1847. There was 171 people in the company. They began the journey from the outfitting post on the Elkhorn River about 27 miles west of Winter Quarters, Nebraska.

*Upon arriving in Salt Lake, William helped build a house inside the fort for the family.

*"We had plenty of milk and butter and had brought some of the best cheese I ever ate. We had meat nearly all the time so we were strong to go and fight the crickets. Rebecca and Joseph, my two youngest children, carried a bed cord, one at each end, walking in the irrigation ditches and dragging the cord over the heads of the grain, thus knocking the crickets off the grain. My husband, with William would go through the corn rows by row and kill and drive them. In this doing we saved six acres of the twenty that was planted and we saved 40 bushels of wheat".

*Adeline Benson (2nd Wife of Apostle Ezra T. Benson under Brigham Young's Stewardship) and Sister Hendricks were camped at Garfield. Boiling salt for their winter supply as this was a routine chore. While they were performing this task, the men were in the canyon cutting wood. Busy at her work, Adeline glanced at the rocks a short distance away and saw a large animal crouching there. She walked over to the wagon and called, “Sister Hendricks, we have company!”. The animal crawled steadily through the rocks and towards them. Sister Hendricks said she had heard if a person would sing, and animal would not bother them. Both women took their babies in their arms and started to sing. When they stopped singing, the animal would get up and start towards them again, but while they continued singing, the animal would lie down quietly. They sang for two hours, and all at once the animal was gone. When the men returned, they examined the tracks left on the ground, and found them to be those of a large Mountain Lion. Adeline had a cow tied to the back of the wagon, and when the lion appeared, the frightened cow broke loose and ran away. They didn’t find her for six months.

*They moved to Warm Springs to build a bathhouse. "We built a log house first, then a large adobe house, then the bath house, which contained 12 rooms, 6 on each side and a large room in front. Then the warm water had to be brought about 1/3 of a mile in pipes and they had to be made of logs bored through the center length-wise, these were called pump logs, which required considerable labor." President Brigham Young dedicated the Bath House. In the Deseret News in March 1851:

DESERET BATHING HOUSE!!

The Inhabitants of Deseret are hereby respectfully informed, that the Baths are now open, and printed tickets ready for issue to accommodate families by the quarter, half year, or year. The following are the terms for privilege of the Baths, viz:

For single person per quarter, $0,50
Families of from 2 to 4 persons per qr. $1,00
“ “ 5 to 8 “ $2,00
“ “ 8 to 16 “ $3,00
“ " 16 to 24 " $3,50
Families to furnish their own towels.
Tickets for sale at the Tithing Office, and also at the Bath House.

JAMES HENDRICKS, Proprietor
March 24, 1851(8)

*James was called to be the Bishop of the 19th Ward. He served as Bishop for 9 years. He also served as Justice of the Peace for some time.

*In 1858 Johnston's Army came and they left there homes once again. They went to Springville and waited to see. After a while they returned home.

*She wove, made rope, made gloves, & kept boarders for a living. She said no matter what they always paid there tithing.

*They lived well, until the grasshoppers came and destroyed there crops. Then they struggled again.

*Photo of Elizabeth Gammel (her granddaughter) and husband circa 1868

*Her Husband, James died July 8, 1870. She said after he died, "He was a martyr for the cause of truth. I do not think he doubted the truth of the Gospel for one minute. I never heard him murmur or speak against the authorities of the church and he always gave good advice to his family".

*When they arrived to Utah there were 7 of them. When the Journal was written she had 5 children, 63 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren in the late 1800's. (Can you imagine how many she has now??!)

*Drusilla Hendricks died on May 20, 1881 in Richmond, Cache County, Utah.

Alan & I have really enjoyed researching & reading about Drusilla. Just when we thought we wouldn't find anything else, we would. We feel so grateful to have such a Strong & Amazing Example of Faith. The more we find (in all of the pioneer journals), the more we are Amazed. I am so glad that Brenton & Savannah have such Strong, Courageous, Faithful Ancestors. Drusilla & her family will always have a special place in our hearts.

2011-07-24T13:35:00.008-05:00

Pioneer Day

Part I

I have a Genealogy Bug.

A lot of people have no idea...

I am always working on Genealogy. I dedicate myself at least once a week. Lately it hasn't even been for myself. I love reading, researching, and discovering what life was like for past family members.

As a little girl, My Grandfather Culotta, would print out our Pedigree Charts & Life Summary's. (Placing them into protective sheet and into a Red Binder for us. Which I still have) When I was 12, My Mother started taking me to the Genealogy Library. Teaching me how to search, & helping her find clues. She kept a Giant Minella Folder, in Our China Cabinet. Enclosed you would find notes of peoples birth and death dates, a few photos, 5-6 started pedigree charts, announcements, a old Mexico Map, and other random family info. When my Grandparents would come to visit, My Mother would pull out this folder. They would start to try and piece things together. Often I would be at the Dinning Table with them, just listening to the story's and soaking in all of the information. When My Mother died, that folder was the first thing I took. I kept it exactly the way she left it. If your home was on fire and everyone was safe what would you take? Well, that would be one of the things I would grab. That's how much I cherish this information. I have been slowly entering this information into the church website. (After I check, and than double check the information is right.) It is so rare to find any photos. However in this Manilla Folder...This is My 2nd Great Grandmother, Eugenia Del Villar Ayala. (on my grandmother garcia's side) She is absolutely Stunning to Me. I can actually see so much of My Mom in her. My Mothers Genealogy is, & has been extremely challenging. Alan & I have already mapped out places to visit in Mexico. In hopes to unlock some more family information one day.

Speaking of Alan, I have married into a Family Tree worth GOLD. Alan is from 100% stock of Pioneer relatives on both sides of his family, including 2 Great Great Grandfathers that were Apostles (one on each side of the family)! His family has rarely talked about it... Just mentioning they had pioneers. So One day, I decided to take a look at his Pedigree Chart. I was so amazed with what I found! I was practically speechless!!! When I asked Alan about his pioneer ancestors he said "oh ya.. (like no big deal) when I was little, my parents use to read their journals as bedtime story's." Can you even imagine?! So even after 6 years of Marriage... I am still learning new things about him & the family I married into. We haven't even gone into depth on the early American history, or the Royalty {(queens, kings, emperors, pharaohs, duchess, dukes, princess, prince, ect. And castles that still exist!) from literally almost every country in Europe & even the Middle East}, or the fact that his line goes back to Adam & Eve!!! In Mexico you can change your name, and how old you are very easily. It is a Genealogy Dream to find pedigree charts that are so well documented! I literally can google his ancestors names! Their Journals, Photos, and story's about them are at my fingertips!! (All photos above are Alan's Pioneer Great Grandparent's! I plan on having them put into a hard bound book to put on our coffee table)

Here are some of the AMAZING Relatives we have found linked to his family...

LDS PROPHETS...
Ezra Taft Benson, 8th Cousin 4 times removed
Heber J Grant, 6th Cousin 6 times removed
Gordon_B Hinckley, 9th Cousin 4 times removed
Howard_W Hunter, 10th Cousin 2 times removed
Spencer Kimball, 7th Cousin 5 times removed
Harold_B Lee, 8th Cousin 4 times removed
George_Albert Smith, 7th Cousin 5 times removed
Joseph Smith, 6th Cousin 6 times removed
Joseph_F Smith, 7th Cousin 5 times removed
Joseph_Fielding Smith, 6th Cousin 4 times removed
Lorenzo Snow, 6th Cousin 7 times removed
Wilford Woodruff, 5th Cousin 7 times removed
Brigham Young, 4th Cousin 9 times removed

CURRENT LDS APOSTLES
Russel Ballard, 8th Cousin 2 times removed
David A Bednar, 9th Cousin 3 times removed
Robert Hales, 8th Cousin 3 times removed
Jeffrey R. Holland, 8th Cousin 4 times removed
Dallin Oaks, 9th Cousin 1 times removed
Boyd Packer, 9th Cousin 2 times removed
Tom Perry, 9th Cousin 3 times removed

PAST LDS APOSTLES
Ezra Taft Benson, 5th Cousin 7 times removed
John Boynton, 4th Cousin 9 times removed
Hugh Brown, 7th Cousin 2 times removed
Rudger Clawson, 8th Cousin 5 times removed
Matthew Cowley, 6th Cousin 4 times removed
James Esdras Faust, 9th Cousin 1 times removed
David Haight, 7th Cousin 4 times removed
Orson Hyde, 7th Cousin 6 times removed
Heber Kimball, 5th Cousin 7 times removed
Amasa Lyman, 5th Cousin 5 times removed
Thomas Marsh, 5th Cousin 8 times removed
Neal Maxwell, 9th Cousin 4 times removed
Bruce McConkie, 8th Cousin 3 times removed
Merriner Merrill, 3rd Great Grandparent
John Page, 5th Cousin 6 times removed
David Patten, 5th Cousin 8 times removed
Parley Pratt, 6th Cousin 6 times removed
Franklin Richards, 5th Cousin 8 times removed
LeGrand Richards, 7th Cousin 6 times removed
Stephen Richards, 6th Cousin 7 times removed
Willard Richards, 4th Cousin 9 times removed
Charles Rich, 3rd Great Grandparent
Marion Romney, 8th Cousin 3 times removed
Delbert Stapley, 8th Cousin 1 times removed
N. Eldon Tanner, 8th Cousin 3 times removed
Daniel Wells, 7th Cousin 4 times removed
Orson Whitney, 7th Cousin 4 times removed
Lyman Wight, 4th Cousin 7 times removed
Frederick Williams, 5th Cousin 4 times removed

BOOK OF MORMON WITNESSES
Oliver Cowdery, 5th Cousin 7 times removed
Hyrum Smith, 6th Cousin 6 times removed
Joseph_Sr Smith, 5th Cousin 7 times removed
Samuel_H Smith, 6th Cousin 6 times removed

WILLIE HANDCART COMPANY
John Lindford, 3rd Great Grandparent (Actually died in Sweetwater)
Joseph Linford, 2nd Great Grandparent
Maria Linford, 3rd Great Grandparent

FAMOUS LDS
Gail (Candy Bomber) Halvorsen, 9th Cousin 3 times removed
JonSr Huntsman, 9th Cousin 3 times removed
Mitt Romney, 10th Cousin 2 times removed
WCleon Skousen, 4th Cousin 2 times removed
Jon Steven YOUNG, 9th Cousin 4 times removed

US PRESIDENTS
George H. W. BUSH, 9th Cousin 4 times removed
George W. BUSH, 10th Cousin 3 times removed
Calvin Coolidge, 7th Cousin 6 times removed
James Garfield, 7th Cousin 5 times removed
Warren Harding, 8th Cousin 3 times removed
Rutherford Hayes, 6th Cousin 7 times removed
Herbert Hoover, 7th Cousin 5 times removed
Richard Nixon, 8th Cousin 4 times removed
Franklin Pierce, 2nd Cousin 7 times removed
Franklin Roosevelt, 6th Cousin 2 times removed
William Taft, 6th Cousin 7 times removed

FAMOUS AMERICANS
Truman Angell, 4th Cousin 7 times removed
Humphrey Bogart, 9th Cousin 3 times removed (one of Alans all time FAV Actors!)
Bing Crosby, 10th Cousin 3 times removed
Emily Dickenson, 6th Cousin 4 times removed
Philo Farnsworth, 7th Cousin 6 times removed
Jacob Hamblin, 5th Cousin 4 times removed
Philo T Farnsworth, 7th Cousin 6 times removed
Eli Whitney, 4th Cousin 8 times removed
Orville Wright, 9th Cousin 2 times removed
Wilbur Wright, 9th Cousin 2 times removed
Rebecca Nurse, 9th Great Grandmother Salem Witch Trials

We have linked Alan to 41 past Seventies. 34 Past Prophet Wives.

Grandpa Culotta says Brenton & Savannah have the longest pedigree chart in the family! Its enough to boggle my mind, and even crazier to see on paper. So, Ive decided that every year, I am going to showcase a different Pioneer Ancestor on Pioneer Day. In hopes one day, that our children can look back and appreciate there Amazing Heritage!

2011-07-23T07:27:00.001-05:00

26 Random Useless
Facts about Me

In Honor of My 26th Birthday...

The Sun came out and gave me a Break from Scary Storms & Tornado's!!!!!

Ohh & I decided to post something fun...
plus the BFF requested me to do it!! ;)

1-I'm ALWAYS Late... I'm not really sure why?! I think being a perfectionist may be my downfall??!

2-I spend at least a Hour on My Makeup.My Makeup Collection seems to be growing rapidly!

3-I love watching Makeup Tutorials on Youtube!!I LOVE Kandee Johnson & Samantha Schuerman!!!!

4-Red is My Favorite Color... even though I never wear it. (I gotta work on that more)

5-I don't EVER go barefoot thru the house. I'm a Slipper kinda Gal!!

6-I LOVE Fresh Garlic. There is never too much!

7-I Love to Cook.. just more so in Healthier way!

8-Im into Holistic Alternatives... & use it daily!

9-I prefer Twitter to Facebook... because no ones really reads Twitter.
So you can say what you want more freely!

10-Im kind a Introvert. I'm not really a People or Big Social Person. I just don't go around looking for friends. I'm just really content with my life.

11-Im a Private person. I don't really like a lot of Attention. I do, however always get a good laugh, when I hear what people think I am like. In Reality. only the few who are close to me, really know me.

12-Im super Organized.
Everything has a place, and is arranged by color, size, and just flawless.:::COUGH::: Hi, My Name is Tiffany & I have OCD.

13-I have 1 Junk Box... with random stuff in it.

14-I'm not on my laptop until evening, once kids are in bed. (Which is probably why blogging takes me forever to get done.)

15-Ginny & I have the longest never ending Texts, FB Messages, & Tweets! I don't think we ever say goodbye. We just pick up where we left off.

16-I have a Lemonade Italian Ice & Green Jello EVERYDAY!!! (10-80 Calories!!!)

17-I Love Birds!!!!! I'm always telling Alan & Our Kids the different kinds we see. I actually can go back and forth with Male Cardinals. lol.

18-Im kinda Selfish. As in I don't really talk about others...A-Because I don't really Care.
B-I only have control of my life and no one else.
C-I have better things to do.

19-I like Trying New Things, Seeing New Places, & Savoring the Moment!

20-Im more of a Giver.

21-Over the years, I have often been described as Loyal, Passionate, & a Perfectionist.

22-I Love Maxi Dresses!!! I have at least 6 in my closet right now...

23-I prefer Wedges in the Summer, (the higher the better) but if I wear flip flops.. its gotta be blinged out!

24-Peonies are My Favorite Flower... Probably because there so Poofy & Fluffy!!!

25-I Love Barns & The Amish. Its just so refreshing.

26-I just had one of My Famous "Tiffany Moments". I learned what a MOFO is... um ya enough said.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

2011-07-22T21:53:00.006-05:00

The Broken Butterfly

On the Evening of the 18th, after we had put the kids to bed. Alan & I headed outside to water our garden. It has been so incredibly, HOT this week. A High of 93 degrees that day... making the heat index in triple digits. It was a good reason to water at night, while it was cool. Just as we were about to water, something caught my eye. Their sitting on top of our Corn, was a beautiful Black Monarch Butterfly. I realized that a bird, or something had tried to eat it. Half of it's left wing was missing. I went into the house, grabbed a lid, & carefully placed the butterfly on it. We left it in the garage that night & went to bed.

Early the next morning, I attempted to get some weeding done, before the hottest hours hit. We were expecting a high of 97 degrees. The weeds in Iowa, grow so fast. Because of the extreme heat, it has been too hot to weed. With no end in sight, I decided that I would do a little bit each morning. I started to get to work, weeding Our little Garden. 35 Minutes later, we we were all drenched in sweat. It had gotten too hot, too fast. We went into the Garage and found that the Butterfly had died.
I decided to take the Butterfly into the house to get some photos of it with the kids.

Brenton & Savannah were so Sad that the Butterfly had died. (see how drenched we were?!)

We went to the other side of the house, to have some lunch & play. Leaving the Butterfly in the Entry, on the Buffet. Later that day, Alan came home from work. The kids wanted to show him the Broken Dead Butterfly. To our amazement, the Butterfly was NOT dead, but Alive!!!! We could not believe it!!! Walking all around the little red lid!!! We decided to leave the Butterfly alone for the most part that evening.

The next morning, we found the Butterfly, walking all around the buffet. Beyond thrilled! We all took turns holding it... It was even trying to flap its wings!! That Evening, I googled how to make Butterfly Nectar.

The next day, Our Broken Butterfly was so happy. Walking around the Buffet, climbing on the lamp shade base, & frames. Brenton & Savannah wanted to pick some flowers for Our Butterfly. So we did, before we headed out for the afternoon. The kids & I went to the grocery store, to find a Bright Color Sponge for our Butterfly Food. That evening after dinner, the kids & I made the Butterfly Nectar. The Butterfly loved it!!

And then today, 22nd, the Butterfly was kinda sluggish. By Evening Our Broken Butterfly had passed away. :( Brenton & Savannah asked if Our Broken Butterfly was with Jesus in the clouds. It gave us a good opportunity to talk about death. I am so grateful for the chance to show our children the importance of taking care of creatures big or small. 5 days, may not be a long time. But at least Our Broken Butterfly was comfortable, and enjoyed a air conditioned house. :)

2011-07-21T23:58:00.003-05:00

Another Scary Storm...(Above Our House looking straight UP!!! It doesn't even look real!!)

My Anxiety has decided it does NOT like Scary Storms & Tornado's.

We are under a Tornado Watch.

The Sky is so unreal here.
It looks like something out of a movie.
I'm probably NUTS for going outside. But if I didn't you just wouldn't believe me!!!
Can you see the Swirls?! AKA Rotating???!If you think I edited these... NOPE! Just added a date stamp & a border!!!!!

I seriously cant even get anything done.
I keep pacing the floors.
And looking out the windows at the sky.
I don't know how people don't freak out here?!!
Tornado Season in Spring, my butt!!!
More like all Freaking Year LONG?!!!

If you don't believe me.. ask My BFF, Ginny.
She was on the phone with me while I was freaking out.
Or My Husband Alan... it took me 3 hours to cook pasta for dinner!!

We had 3 Tornado's touch down within 5 Miles of us.

I'm not sure if I can handle this on a permanent basis.

2011-07-13T21:27:00.007-05:00

Summer Sky's

I love the different textures and rich colors Iowa has to offer.
This was this Morning...
& this was Our Sunset...
Seriously Breathtaking. :)

2011-07-11T15:57:00.005-05:00

Our 1st Tornado Siren

Every Evening we have the same routine...
We check the weather.
Our clothing is laid out.
Shoes are placed by the basement steps.
Our laptop Case packed with our external hard drives and chargers.
And the dog leashes on top of the kennels.

We do all of this in case Tornado Sirens go off in the middle of the night.

So with all of that said. It was no different last night.

Last night before bed, I checked the weather. I saw a Big Storm way up north on the Minnesota/Canada border. Normally, the storm, would proceed east thru Northern Wisconsin and toward Michigan. Since I thought we had nothing to worry about. I told Alan, "Don't worry about getting things ready. I'm really tired, lets just go to bed".

BIG MISTAKE

Fast Forward... I'm asleep. Dreaming. Because its 4:45am...
All of the sudden in my dream I hear this faint noise... and it just doesn't quit.

I wake up.
I lay there for a few minutes. I can still hear a faint noise.
I think to myself "Huh.. that's really weird."
I get up. Walk over to our bedroom window.

The Sky is Green. A Minty Green. The clouds are low. It is EXTREMELY Windy. (as in 65mph)
I open the window.

(This is not my video but it shows you exactly what we hear when it goes off and how fast these storms move in)

I realize what is happening!! I am completely dumbfounded!!
I just stood there, almost as if I was in a trance! I couldn't take my eyes off the window!!

So many thoughts went thru my head...
Oh My Gosh this is the REAL thing!!!
I can't believe how Green the sky is!!
What time is it??
I shouldn't be standing here!
The Clouds look so weird!!!
Most importantly, how long have the sirens been going off?!
And how much time do we have??!

I stood there for only a minute, but I felt like I was standing there for at least 5 mins.
As quickly as I realized what was happening my adrenalin kicked in.

I yelled to Alan.. "AL WAKE UP!!!! ALAN ITS A TORNADO SIREN!!! GET UP!!!!".
Alan jumps up. He immediately asks... "HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN GOING OFF?!"

I am scrambling to put my sweat pants on. At this point I'm shaking. I am so caught off guard, I literally put 2 of my legs in the same pant hole twice!!! We are throwing our laptops and cells into our computer bag. I slip on my shoes and put the bag over my shoulder.

I run over to Brenton's room. "BRENT WAKE UP! WE GOTTA GO! THERE IS A TORNADO COMING". Brenton starts crying and says "My tummy hurts! I don't want it to come today." He wasn't moving. So I picked him up in his blanket and put him in the hallway. I told him to run to the basement!

I run into Savannahs room. I literally just scooped her up and ran toward the stairs. Mean while Alan runs to the other side of the house to grab the dogs and there leashes. We all meet on the stairs.

We all get into our tornado room in the basement. Which consists of a room with all 4 walls in-cased in cement. We had camping chairs already set up, our emergency bags which consisted of changes of clothing for each person, shoes for the kids, and our toiletry's. We also had our 72 hour kits, along with snacks for the kids, a few toys, and sippy cups.

We sat in the basement for 35 minutes.

We watched the doppler radar go over Dubuque.
The kids were quiet and just held onto the dogs.
While sitting there I did discover my bra was on inside out. My shirt was backwards. And I had 2 different socks on.

The rest of the day has been pleasent. Sunny and no signs of a cloud in site. The Storm had winds over 100 mph to the east and west of us. Tornado's in Minnesota and damage all the way to Chicago.

Later on I didn't hear the kids playing anymore. This is how I found them...

Looking back I think it would have made a really great 1920's silent film! You know with the old pianos playing? With Captions in between scenes. :)

Hopefully these occurrences will be few and far between.

2011-07-07T23:07:00.013-05:00

Surprise Visitors...

People who know me, like REALLY know me...
Know 5 Key Things about me.

1-I am EXTREMELY Intuitive.
I see things happening or often sense something random. After time sure enough, it comes to pass. So for this week, I told Alan, I really felt like I needed to clean. I have no idea why in the middle of the week, I felt like things had to be SPOTLESS. Normally my OCD kicks in high gear, before a party, or visitors. On a everyday basis my home is already 95% clean... but this was scrubbing and cleaning every square inch, rushing to finish laundry, & projects for the week.

2- I HATE Surprises.
3- I DO NOT like Anyone showing up without notice
4- I Am a Do'er
I know, most people love Surprises. However, I am not a spur of the Moment kinda gal. Don't get me wrong... I even enjoy Surprising others & I know you cant control it! I just would prefer not to be. I am a Planner, Budget-er, Giver, Perfectionist, Organizer, 2 weeks notice, & most Importantly I like to mange Time Efficiently and Productively. This being said, I got a phone call around 3:45 pm yesterday from my Dad. Letting me know he had just gone through Chicago & was giving me a 3 Hour Heads Up Surprise Visit. :/ Imagine my relief in listening to my Intuition and cleaning my house the 2 days prior. What could have been a Stress, ended up being a "I guess should put on some makeup" kinda day.
5-I am Passionate.
Not in a Lovey dovey kind of way. (gag me with a spoon!!) As in, whenever I do anything, & truly dedicate myself. I go way over and beyond. 115%! I am very Passionate when anything has my name on it. Which brings up showing My Dad & Debra around. What normally could take a week, we did in a Day! Here is what we did...

Mines of Spain...

Mississippi River Aquarium & Museum...Mommy trying to Trade her Blackberry with the Indians... LOL.

Galena, IL for Shopping & Sightseeing...

Olive Garden for Dinner...

Ending the Evening, with a stroll on the Shores of the Mississippi River in WI...

Alan & I agree this was probably the BEST visit we have ever had with My Dad (& Debra.)
Thank You to My Dad for taking most of these Photos. It's nice to take a Break Capturing Moments! ;)

2011-07-04T23:51:00.003-05:00

4th of July Weekend Part IV Fireworks

So after our afternoon in Galena. We headed home to have Our Own Firework Show. There were alot of people doing the Illegal Fireworks. Wisconsin is like the Wyoming of Utah! And since we are only 5-10 minutes... Im sure the police had there hands full tonight.

We actually didn't have to buy any new fireworks this year. We still have lots of leftovers from last year in Utah. :)

Dad lighting the getting ready...

Savannah wasn't feeling so good. So Brenton went into the house, & came outside with his Cars Camping Chair for his sister to sit on. I am always so taken back by how thoughtful and sweet Brenton is.

The Kids LOVED the Fireworks.
They were so memorized...

We also had fun with Sparklers...

Here is a Recap of Our past 2 days...

We Hope Everyone had a Great 4th of July!!!

2011-07-04T19:48:00.001-05:00

4th of July Weekend
Part III

Historic Galena

We all loaded up in the car...

This time we went over the IL Bridge aka Mississippi River...

We decided to spend Our Afternoon in Historic Galena, IL. (15 Min drive) It is a Quaint, Picturesque town in the middle of no where. Home to President Grant. And also Voted the Top 10 Most Charming Small Towns in 2011!!!! Think New England meets Midwest! Antique Shops, Stores, Ice Cream Parlors, & 4-5 Star Restaurants! Alan calls it a "Tiffy Town" aka everything is so stinkin' cute it could be in a postcard!! :)

We window shopped for a few hours.
And stopped to get a Ice Cream to cool off... Yes Savannah made me feed her Ice Cream to her, so she wouldn't get Dirty!
What can I say.. they take after there Mother!! ;)

On the West Coast you may see Pioneers.
And on the East Coast you may see Revolutionary Soldiers.
However in the Midwest you see Civil War Soldiers!
I just love Rich Texture Backdrop!! :)

Time to get home for Our Own Firework Show...

2011-07-04T14:23:00.002-05:00

4th of July Weekend
Part II

The Morning of the 4th we enjoyed Our Backyard...

Savannah wanted Pigtail Braids with Red Ribbons.
Here is a Somber Savannah... which is not a common Site..
Brenton was Running around NON-Stop pretending to be a Car!! (A very common thing for him to pretend) This is the only photo I got of him!!

Brenton begged to have My Photo taken as well...(Thanks Brent!)

Getting Ready to Go...

2011-07-03T23:33:00.002-05:00

4th of July Weekend

Part I

Dubuque Air & Fireworks Show

If you ever want to experience a Midwest 4th of July...
Head over to Dubuque, Iowa!!!

WOW!!!

I think this was the BEST 4th of July Weekend, I have EVER had!!!! Which says alot. I have done the BOSTON scene before.. which up to this point, I thought was a pretty amazing 4th. But this hands down beats it out!!

So what makes it so AMAZING??! It is a different kind of Patriotic. Life is SLOW here. People really value there Family time. There is so much Respect and Gratitude toward the people serving Our Country. People are out Celebrating, & Enjoying every moment. Iowa is & has by far the NICEST people you will ever meet!!

Okay back to Day 1...

We enjoyed a nice Big Brunch as a Family. Around Noon we hurried & got ready for the rest of the day, as well as preparing a Picnic for Dinner. At 2:45 we headed out to find the Perfect Spot for the Annual Dubuque Airshow & Fireworks.

At first we quickly parked across from one of the Casinos, at a Park. Turned On & Turned Up, Our Radio! The show is broadcasted with Patriotic Music and commentary about the planes that fly overhead. We got out & sat on the hood of our Jeep. We watched the first B2 Stelph Bomber blast through. He went up and down the Mississippi for a few runs & then was headed to Mt. Rushmore for their 4th of July Celebrations!

Next we got to watch Parachuter's jump out of a Military Plane. It was so fun to watch them! Especially with the Red Smoke for dramatic affect!
We decided to head over to one of our Favorite Spots. We went over the Wisconsin Bridge, aka over the Mississippi River to the banks on the other side. This is where we set up for the Evening. Can you blame us for wanting to watch with views & a backdrop like this?!
We put out our Picnic Blanket, & just looked up at the sky with hundreds of others on that bank.
Naturally in between the planes, we took some more pictures of the kids....
Skipped Rocks on the Mississippi River....
We waved to the Local Fire Department driving by....
And then watched some more...

After a few hours we had Our Picnic Dinner. Which consisted of Hot Dogs on Buns, Deviled Eggs, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fresh Strawberry's, Fruit Snacks, Italian Ice for Mom & Dad, & Ice Cream for the kids.
The Sun began to set on the Mississippi, creating the most stunning views. I remember once again why this is one of our favorite spots. If you cant have the Ocean close by this with def do!!
The Kids wanted to have their turn at taking some Photos too!! Here is Brenton's Photography....
And Savannah's...

We got out Our Glowsticks as the sun went down...
The Final Sunset was Breathtaking!!! I think we have fallen head over heels in LOVE, with the Mississippi River!!

Sadly my camera died right before the Fireworks began... :( Overall it was a AMAZING day!!! We will post a Video of Our 2 Days on the next post... ;)

2011-07-01T21:41:00.006-05:00

Slip N' Slide

It has been HOT here in Iowa.

As in 93 Degrees... but then you add in Humidity, & you have a Heat Index of 103!!!

YUCK!!

Aldi had a deal on a Cars Slip N' Slide for 5 Bucks! So what better way to keep cool?!

We had a few hours to kill before Alan got home from work & the Missionaries were coming for Dinner. We currently have 5 Elders... aka lots of cooking & preparing. Def not my favorite thing to do when your A/C is already struggling with the extreme temps. All & all it was a really hot afternoon/evening.

Here is Our Video...

I have kindly edited out, Me showing the kids how to do it... Pretty Sure no one wants to see my white butt checks flashing the camera!! Yes I just gave you a TMI visual, however that is still much better than what you would have seen. Eeek! :/ And lets just say it put my slide video to shame!! haha!!

2011-06-26T23:49:00.000-05:00

CARS 2

We have been looking forward to the release of CARS 2 ever since we heard it was coming out!! We waited until Saturday so Dad could come with us! We made a whole day of it!! We had Breakfast at IHOP to kill some time.

Brenton was beyond excited!!! Check out how excited he was...

He was ecstatic over the Movie Cutout!!

Finally it was time to see CARS 2 in 3D!!
Oh and don't worry my flash didn't bug anyone because we had the theater to ourselves during opening weekend!! Yup gotta LOVE IOWA!!

For Dinner we even had Cars 2 Mac n' Cheese!!

2011-06-25T23:38:00.001-05:00

Goldfish...

We have a small pond in our backyard.
We noticed last week that there was little tiny bugs moving... aka Mosquito Larva. Yuck!! So we heard that Goldfish LOVE to eat them! Within 48 hours the pond was clean! The kids had so much fun picking them out. And love feeding them everyday!!

2011-06-23T23:19:00.007-05:00

Monarch Butterfly...

Our yard seems to attract Butterfly's of all shapes and sizes.

I was taking a few photos of some flowers...

All of the sudden I noticed something on the bush..

A HUGE Monarch Butterfly was caught in a Spiderweb!!

Very carefully, I got it out.. and the kids loved seeing this HUGE butterfly up close.

Unfortunately it flew off right when Savannah was about to hold it. :(

2011-06-22T23:00:00.004-05:00

Our Kids 1st Firefly's!!!

Previously when Alan & I went firefly hunting.. the kids were already asleep! So we let them stay up super late the next night to catch some firefly's.

Here's a Video of the Kids...

After dusk... when the bats stopped flying around the house. We realized it was kinda noisy... and low and behold look what we found next to our Pond!!!
By the time we headed to bed it was almost 11pm!!
However the kids def had some awesome night lights! ;)

2011-06-22T19:44:00.001-05:00

A Typical Thorpe Summer Evening...

Lately Our Favorite thing to do, on a hot humid night, is head to the porch after dinner. The kids grab a Ice Cream Cone to cool off. While Alan & I, grab our favorite, Italian Ice!! YUM!!
We just sit and watch the clouds.. or storms roll in.

I totally have a OBSESSION with Lemonade Italian Ice. It doesn't hurt that they are only 100 Calories too! Oh Snap!! :)
I think we have adjusted to life in the slow lane! ;)

2011-06-21T22:33:00.000-05:00

Alan's 1st Firefly!!!

When you grow up in Northern California... you tend to miss out on what seems to be normal growing up.

We are talking about Firefly's!! I was talking to the BFF aka Ginny on the phone, when I looked outside and saw twinkling lights!!! I quickly ran into our Bedroom and told Alan to get dressed so we could go outside!! (He was already in pjs for bed) I hung up with Ginny and grabbed my camera!!

Alan looking for Firefly's...

Naturally you need Video's to capture the Important first's... :)
(On our YouTube Channel)

2011-06-21T20:27:00.000-05:00

Lacy Bear...

Lacy is our little girl toy poodle. She is such a sweetheart!! She is always cuddling up and wanting loves. Lacy literally lets the kids do anything they want to her. How many dogs do you know.. that let a little girl dress them up like Minnie Mouse for a tea party?! :)

2011-06-20T13:25:00.002-05:00

Tornado Warnings

It's days like today that I DO NOT like living in IOWA.

The Clouds were kinda swirly this morning...
(yes this is the sky currently... Wouldn't that make you Nervous?!)

The STAT's for the day...

HIGH 82 Degrees
HEAT INDEX 86 Degrees
HUMIDITY 98%
GUSTS 25mph

TOR/CON List has rated us a 5 today and a 6 tomorrow.. For those of you who aren't sure what I'm talking about... 50% chance of tornado's today and 60% of tornado's tomorrow.

Knowing a Storm is coming makes your anxiety go thru the Roof.

Here are some Tornado Facts...

•They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
•They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
•The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
•The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
•Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
•Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
•Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
•Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.
•Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.
(I actually find comfort with this during morning thunderstorms)
•The most powerful Tornadoes occur in the United States.
•A typical tornado only lasts for a few minutes.
•Every tornado has its own color, sound and shape.
•Tornadoes is from the Spanish word, tronada, meaning thunderstorm.
•Dust Devils are strong tornadoes that pass over desert areas.
•Some people in ancient times thought dust devils were ghosts.
•The chances that a tornado is a F5, the highest classification for a tornado on the F-scale, is less than 0.1% (so far 6 for 2011)
•Tornadoes have been reported in every state in the US and also in every season.

Tornado Myths

MYTH: Areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.
FACT: No terrain is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain.

MYTH: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead.
FACT: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage.

MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.
FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a basement, interior room, or bathroom without windows.

2011-06-19T19:20:00.001-05:00

Cotton Candy...

Doesn't this look so luscious?! It actually makes me want to find some Cotton Candy... ;)

2011-06-18T20:20:00.003-05:00

Drive Home from Airport

Sadly, Our visit with Grandma Thorpe went to fast!! :( We are extremely glad we had such Amazing & Gorgeous Weather!!! We had a blast, & created some wonderful memories!!

Our closest airport is in Madison, Wisconsin. It's a whole whoppin' 2 Hours Away!!! However it has to be one of the most prettiest & calming drives. I feel like I haven't really shown much of Wisconsin. It is wide open farm land. It actually reminds me alot of PA. A Summer Storm was rolling in... & I just can't help myself... Alan drove home hence why all the photos! ;)

2011-06-17T21:12:00.003-05:00

Dubuque Arboretum

After Dinner we headed over to the Dubuque Botanical Gardens for a evening stroll. I didn't end up taking tons of photos. Mostly because we were busy exploring & playing at the park. However here's a few of our evening...

2011-06-17T20:23:00.004-05:00

Crystal Lake Caves

Next on Our Mark Twain Adventure was Cave Exploring!!! I have been wanting to do this for a few months now!! My Granparent's (Mom's side) have always taken us to caves, growing up! While Alan & I were dating we went caving/spelunking in Nutty Putty in Utah!! (it is now closed off)

Crystal Lake Caves are 3 miles South of Dubuque. Along the Mines of Spain & the Mississippi River. It is Iowa's Oldest & Longest growing Cavern!! We actually had to change into sneakers and jackets. It was really cold & wet in the Caves.

I got the Kids Caving Hats with working lights!!!

Took a picture of this small opening in the cave...
Question; What is that?! Is that a dead bat on the floor???

Here is Crystal Lake...
It actually should have been more like Crystal Puddle...

The Kids were so Quiet!! They were in there own little world... whispering to each other.

So many different formations...

There were lots of passages...

Soda Straws...
We actually walked under hundreds of these.
The fence was to protect from touching and hitting your head.

We really weren't expecting much, but we were pleasantly surprised! We had so much fun!!

2011-06-17T18:23:00.003-05:00

A Steamboat Ride down the Mississippi River

You cannot live on the Mississippi River, & NOT take advantage of a ride on a Steamboat!! We had Our Own Mark Twain Adventure today. It was full with lots to do and see!! We climbed aboard The Spirit of Dubuque in Dubuque Harbor for a 3 hour Eco/Sightseeing Tour! We were so excited to try some new experiences with Grandma Thorpe!!! :)

Watching the Paddles...

I love seeing all the different types of Architecture & Design of the Bridges here. Each one is so Unique!!!

It was a perfect day to be out...

We even saw a Pelican...

& A Baby Bald Eagle!!!
Do you see it?? Its all Black!! :)

They moved the Train Bridge so we could get by!! So neat to watch swing open over the Mississippi River!!

Putting there Binoculars to good use! ;)

LUNCH Time!!!
We had a table next to this HUGE window! So fun to eat & enjoy the scenery at the same time!!

We saw a Tug Boat!!They were actually giving it a Paint Job on the River...

& even a few Speed Boats...

Apparently one of the Biggest Convents in the US are located here...

The kids got to Meet the Captain & even Help Steer the Boat...

We ♥ Our Grandma Thorpe!!!
Hanging with Grandma...

Mines of Spain....

I ♥ My Sweet Brenton....

I ♥ My Miss Savannah Lynn....

We saw even more scenery...

Off to our next Adventure...

If you would like to watch Our Video of Our Steamboat Adventure check out
Our YouTube Channel!!! :)

2011-06-16T23:11:00.001-05:00

I Love Weather...

10 FACTS WHY...

1-I love how brilliant and colorful the skys are.

2-I grew up watching, The Weather Channel, every day. If the TV was on, & no one was watching... My Mom had the weather on.

3- My Grant Grandfather Mascari actually use to help record rainfall, snowfall, & weather reports for his area. I guess you could say its in my blood?! :)

4-I have experienced EVERY kind of weather.
(Blizzards, Snow, Thunderstorms, Rain, Hurricane, Tornadoes)

5-In 6th Grade, I memorized all the different types of cloud formations. And often today tell Alan & the kids what they are seeing! haha.

6-If you go thru all of the photos I have ever taken, you will find nature, weather, and clouds in EVERY Album.

7-Every Morning & Every Night we check the weather.

8-I have 3 App's on my Blackberry to tell me the weather. All which include Doplar Radars, & Weather Alerts.

9-In addition to my Blackberry, I also check 4 websites daily... WeatherBug, TornadoAlleyLIVE, WeatherUnderground , The Weather Channel. (All in which I check Dew Point Levels, Instability & Rotation in the Air... although I can usually tell looking at the sky now. Signs of Vortex Signatures, Mesocyclones, Tornado Reports, Doppler Radar, Heat Index, Humidity Levels, Storm Details, Interactive Radar Prediction, Rainfall Totals, Lightning Strikes, National Map Warnings, Pollen Levels, & Wind Speed.)

10-I know you are probably sick of seeing so many cloud photos, & you probably are thinking Tiffany is kinda OCD. Well get use to it!! I cant seem to get enough!!! :)

2011-06-16T21:44:00.001-05:00

Mud Lake

Mud Lake Park is located six miles north of Dubuque along the beautiful bluff land scenery of the Mississippi River. This river access area offers excellent picnic and camping facilities with showers and restrooms.

Ice fishing is popular in the winter and this area provides access to the backwaters of the Mississippi. Mud Lake Park also serves as the site for the Osprey Reintroduction Program; a hacking tower is located in the SE corner of the park. A year-round Park Ranger is in residence at this site.

After dinner at the Olive Garden, we came for a Sunset Stroll on the Mississippi River. A typical Iowa Thunderstorm was just moving out. I was driving, but asked Alan to quickly take a few photos!

The first time we came here, it was the kids, the dogs, and I. We happened to stumble upon Mud Lake, on a random drive (or as we call it a Adventure). It was during our first few weeks in Iowa, and still very cold. Immediately we became enchanted with mighty Osprey swooping over the Mississippi. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera.

I knew we had to come back to show Alan! We walked all around, & even talked with some locals as they were fishing!

Here are where the Osprey live...

Alan was being attacked by bugs... His Mom & I actually laughed quite a bit about it. He looked so silly trying to walk with his arms swinging about.

I think, if we were to ever buy a house here. I would want to build on one of these Stunning Bluff's, overlooking the Mississippi. The scenery never gets old.

We would have stayed longer... if the bugs hadn't been so aggressive. In the end, I think we all ended up having at least one bite. :/

2011-06-16T20:38:00.000-05:00

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Downtown is the Port of Dubuque!!

There is a little something for everyone!! ;) Catch a Steamboat down the Mississippi!! Gamble at the Casino! Stay at The Grand Harbor & enjoy it's Indoor Water Park!! Or perhaps take a stroll down the Mississippi River Pathways. There are endless options!! But most people come to visit The National Mississippi River & Aquarium!!!!
We purchased a Year Membership. A perfect excuse to get out of the house. Another great Incentive was receiving half off (to some of our other favorite) Zoos & Aquariums around the country!

The Museum & Aquarium does a AMAZING job of representing all aspects of the Mississippi River!! There is so much to learn about this 2,320 mile River!

We began by learning about the different sections of the Mississippi River & how it was used in the 1700-1800's. Our area, the Northern Mississippi, was mainly used for FURS. The kids really enjoyed being able to see & feel so many different animal furs! We also got to see and touch a Craw fish!!

Next we headed to (one of my favorite sections) What is In the Mississippi River?! (I have mentioned before how we love watching RIVER MONSTERS!!!) Most people have no idea what BIG FISH & Animals that are lurking about. Thankfully the Northern Mississippi River does not have any Swamp Wars going on. (Oh yes we watch that too!!!) However... you will find freakishly HUGE FISH!

Catfish that are 130 lbs, or how about a 327 lb, 8 1/2 foot Alligator Gar?! Occasionally you will even hear about BULL SHARKS being caught as far north as Minnesota!! I could probably blog all day about all the different types of fish. Just know there are some Giants out there, & you may want to think twice before diving in for a swim!!

Upstairs we checked out, Creatures of the Dark! Brenton was brave enough to stand in this GIANT hanging BAT. Savannah was content on being 15 feet away from it! haha. We learned about all sorts of animals that come out during the night.

Naturally if you have Bats, most likely you will find CAVES!! We have so many Caves in our area. It's defiantly on our list of THINGS TO DO while Grandma is visiting!
When you think about the Mississippi River, you usually think about Steamboats & Mark Twain.

The kids got to drive an artificial Steamboat.

We watched a few black & white clips about Steamboats.

Learned about how they loaded cargo...

Best hands on example of learning, how to Fuel a Steamboat! The kids were absolutely fascinated with this!

Climb aboard a River Raft & Steer a Giant Captain's Wheel!!

Here's a Video of the kids spinning the Wheel! ;)

The kids even posed with Mark Twain for a few photos!!!

Whenever I hear about Mark Twain, I instantly think of this quote...

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-- Mark Twain

In its very essence, it is how we feel, being so far from family & friends. We are on our Own Adventure.. Exploring, Dreaming, & Discovering!!!!

I am always so taken back by the Natural beauty here!! The air is so clean!! Rain or Shine the sky's here take my breathe away!!

We climbed aboard the William M Black Steamboat & learned how it helped carve out the Missouri River!! Apparently they had to make it deeper and wider!! Grandpa Culotta & Great Grandpa Culotta would especially enjoy this!!

Dad caught the Trolley to meet us after work!!

We went inside a Indian Hut & a Pioneer Cabin and noticed we were being watched...

Of Course We played for a bit too!!! :)

Unfortunately we ran out of time and didn't even have the chance to check out the other half of the museum! Oh well... Next time!!!

2011-06-15T23:40:00.000-05:00

Mines of Spain with Grandma!
Part II

We decided to try the Catfish Trail, which is about 2 miles.

This trail covers a wide range of area. The Lower portions find its way along Catfish Creek which gives the trail its name. The Upper portion goes past rock out-croppings, through white Birch and River Birch forested areas. A savanna area on the east end includes Indian Mounds and 200+-year old Oak Trees!!

This hike is Stunning!!! I am constantly taken back, by the Green & Beauty, Iowa seems to offer! More & more we are understanding, why people love to live in the Midwest! I definitely feel like we are embracing the Midwest mentality!! Living & taking things slow, & enjoying the small things in life!

Along the bottom of the trail, the low laying plants are almost as tall as Me! You feel like you are in a Sea of Greenery, swimming your way through it.

At one point, I was leading, and came around the bend. I was not prepared to see, a Large Doe, 2-3 feet in front of me! To say that I was caught Off guard is a Understatement!! I probably jumped 5 feet backwards and screamed as if I saw a snake!! My Mother In Law definitely got a good chuckle!! As you can imagine, that Deer took off so fast up the hill! That I wasn't able to grab a picture of it. However looking back, I don't think I had enough time, to compute what had happened until after it actually occurred!

The Kids seemed to be in there own little world! Talking amongst themselves of being on a Adventure. My Mother In Law asked me to snap a few photos of them in that moment...

After my run in, with the Deer. I was definitely done being in the front! So I moved to the back. I had stopped for a moment, to take some more photos.

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I suddenly realized that everyone was far ahead of me! I started walking faster to catch up! (Picture the Oprah Power Walk! Swinging arms & all!!)

All of the Sudden, WACK!!! A HUGE BUG flew into my EYE!!! It was stuck in my Eyelashes!!!! Note to self... Eye makeup & hiking are not a great combination! I did what any City Girl with a dime sized bug in her eye would do. I freaked out!! After I got over the initial shock, of the heebie-geebies!! I bent over, face to the ground, hoping gravity would do its thing! My eyes watered profusely, making it impossible to see! Trying to flick the bug away, & not poke myself in the eye; would have been a funny sight if my family was around to see it! But instead they kept moving forward, & never even noticed that I was gone. Needless to say, I really didn't take the experience in stride.

After 5 traumatic minutes, I wasn't fully convinced the bug was totally out. So when all else fails,
and your all ALONE... take a picture of yourself to make sure!! hahaha.
Now I realize this isn't a very flattering photo of myself. (But it was the best one, in the series of photos I had taken.) It captures the moment and really gives me a good laugh!!

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The Wildflowers are so delicate! The Wildlife was unfazed by our presence. We saw a ton of Wild Birds, including the Downy Woodpecker. Bunny Rabbits, Squirrels, Chipmunks, and even a Snake! (My Mother In Law decided it was for the best, NOT to tell me about the Snake until later. Seeing how I reacted to the Deer earlier.. haha)

Now, I should have payed attention to the description of this hike! (Keywords being marked in bold above) Over a Mile of this hike was going UP Stairs!!

We thought, we had finally Reached the TOP!!!

However... When we turned the Corner, low and behold MORE Stairs!!

At one point, Savannah was getting sluggish. Brenton offered to help her up the stairs!
I LOVE how much they look out for each other!!!

When you FINALLY Reach the top it is breathtaking!! I could have stayed up there ALL day!

And well what comes up, must come DOWN...
What a workout!!! The kids did amazing!! Not one single Complaint!!
It was definitely a Interesting Hike... One I will never forget!

2011-06-15T21:53:00.005-05:00

Mines of Spain with Grandma!!!
Part I

When we first came to the Mines of Spain, ONE Person came to mind!! That we HAD to bring with us to Explore... Grandma Thorpe!!!

My Mother in Law is a polar opposite of me. She is a Nature, Hiking, Outdoors type of Woman!! (She is a 7th Grade Science Teacher & in charge of Girls Camp!) So naturally, when she comes into town she would rather be outside exploring! Surprisingly, I really don't mind stepping out of my element and trying something new!

First we took her to Julien Dubuque's Monument!! We had absolutely perfect weather!!

Downtown Dubuque...
Illinois Side...
Oh and Ironically we parked next to this...

Next we checked out a dock on Catfish Creek; a small creek that adjoins the Mississippi River.

MADISON ZOO

2011-06-13T19:53:00.010-05:00

Madison Zoo

Grandma Thorpe flew into Madison this morning at 9am! Since its a 2 hour drive one way, We decided to head over to the Madison Zoo before heading home! Grandma loved our Free Zoo! The kids were tickled pink to show her all the neat animals and there "Iowa"!! :)

We saw lots of Animals...

Oh and Remember the Tornado Shelter??!
This is what I was talking about...

We Rode on the Carousel...

We also Rode on the Train...

We feed the Goats...

Of course the kids took turns holding there Grandma's hand... :)

And naturally, we had to get a little silly, & take a picture in this cutout of Chickens!!

MY TWO

2011-06-12T18:15:00.000-05:00

MY TWO...

These Two are so Fun!!! I can't help but laugh all the time with them!! They are so funny!! I also love how you can see there cute personality's shine thru! ;)

Thanks Savannah for taking Mommy's picture too!! :)

Bedtime...

2011-06-11T21:45:00.000-05:00

Bedtime...

Every Night we have the same Bedtime Routine...

PJ's
Brush Teeth
Pick Out a Book
Reading Time
Family Prayers
Hugs & Kisses
Get tucked into Bed

And Everyone always sits in for Mom to read a Story.. Even the dogs want to listen...
(Lacy is actually behind me)

The Garden & The Lawn

2011-06-11T19:40:00.000-05:00

The Garden & The Lawn

We finally got the Garden planted! We waited because up until last week were were experiencing random nights of Frost!! We had to rent a Rototiller and weed like crazy! It has definitely been a Family effort! I love that the kids are seeing how much work goes into it. I know it doesn't look like much but we actually planted more seeds on top of the others we started last month. :) Hopefully we will have several Harvests out of it!

Also it seems odd, that Iowa is where we would finally end up buying our First Lawnmower! We borrowed the landlords for a month until we decided on one. We picked out a Craftsman Self Propelled. It does a great Job and there's nothing like freshly cut grass!!

Thank Goodness we had a nice day to get all of this work done!! :)