The Whipple Way

Happy 26th Birthday Ben!

2011-05-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

Still crazy after all these years!

Niels and Chelsea's Wedding

2011-05-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Niels Whipple

Let the fun begin!!!!

Niels and Chelsea officially tied the knot on May 7, 2011

We are so so excited that Chelsea is part of the Whipple Family, she is a fun, beautiful, energetic and very loving young lady.

Niels and Chels make a darling couple!

You can check out there wedding pictures at:

http://puruhito.smugmug.com/Weddings/chelseaandniels/16969022_6szfHj#1283328582_8dSxc2G

BIG NEWS

2011-03-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Look who's engaged!

The wedding is set for May 7, 2011

Welcome to the family Chelsea, we love you!

Happy Birthday

2011-02-26T23:26:00.000-08:00

My baby turned 21 today!

Time goes by way to fast, enjoy your children every minute, because before you know it they are all grown up!

Sedona Marathon 2-12-2011

2011-02-15T00:06:00.000-08:00

Ben finished his second Half marathon this weekend.

Great Job Ben we are all proud of you, way to go!

The traditional upchuck after the run!

His First Half Marathon

2011-01-31T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ben ran in his first half marathon on Saturday January 29, 2011

13.1 MILES

London's Run in Gilbert, AZ.

Way to go Ben , Amy and Athene

So proud of you!

Nuff Said!

2011-01-15T21:17:00.000-08:00

I love having Ben around, he always keeps life interesting, this is his latest self portrait.

Maybe it is his way of looking for new employment.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-01-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Roni

2010-10-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Roni's new Palmer family made this adorable Birthday video for her. The dancers are Dave's sister's, brother, brother in-law, nieces and nephew.

22nd Birthday

2010-10-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

Born a California girl, even though she has lived in Arizona most of her life she still has that California roots in her. Kelsie loves the sand, the sea, swimming and cooler weather.

1st Birthday

Kelsie has always loved to be outside, riding a bike, long boarding or playing soccer

If there is a party she is right in the middle of it! She can really plan a great party, and secretly would love to be a party planner as her occupation.

Full of personality and fun loving!

Double Birthday celebration with big sister

Loves serving the Lord on a full time mission in

Tallahassee, Florida

(Thanks Sister Hollet for the great Pics)

Kelsie loves her family and

We Love you Sister Whipple, Happy Birthday! We Miss you!!

Birthday Boy

2010-09-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

This Day in History

1774: The First Continental Congress opens in Philadelphia.
1795: U.S. buys peace from Algerian pirates by paying $1 million ransom for 115 seamen, followed by annual tributes.
1905: The peace treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War is signed in Portsmouth, NH.
1939: The United States declares its neutrality in World War II.
1972: Eight Arab guerrillas, members of the Black September terrorist group, invade the Israeli dormitory in the Olympic Village in Munich, Germany, killing 2 Israelis and taking 9 hostages.
1975: Pres. Gerald Ford is unharmed when a Secret Service agent grabs a pistol aimed at him by Lynette (Squeaky) Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, in Sacramento, CA.
1977: Space probe Voyager 1 is launched toward Jupiter and Saturn.

1980: Trevor Vance Whipple was born to Garry and Debra Whipple in Pasadena, Ca. Labor day weekend!

1997: Mother Teresa, who worked for decades on behalf of the poor and ill in India, dies in Calcutta at the age of 87.

2002: A gunman narrowly misses Afghanistan's Pres. Hamid Karzai after opening fire on his car in Kandahar.
2004: Hurricane Frances hits Florida after crossing the Bahamas, killing 35.

Happy 30th Birthday Trevor!

30 things You Should Know About Trevor

Great Son
Collects Nixon Watches (or any other cool watch)
Idea man
Great gift giver
Amazing deal finder
Godaddy
Fun to be with
Loves Music
Mini Cooper
Loves Art
Smart
Creative
Awesome Photographer
Good Brother
Computer Wiz
Loves a good Movie
Fashion forward
Thoughtful
Gives Good Advise
Likes to travel and love an adventure
Connoisseur of good food
Up on the latest Technology
Motorcycle Rider
Sushi Kee
Has a lot of Shoes and all ways wants more
Wants a Bulldog
Used to be in Jazz Band
Great Friend
Has is own language (Kakaw)
Sexy

Girls Day Out

2010-08-27T11:15:00.001-07:00

What a great day! I spent the whole day with my sisters in Utah, we visited and ate, shopped every little boutique from American Fork to Orem, Midway to Park City and then on to Salt Lake City. Later in the week we took and afternoon and evening together and visited two Aunts. They are both in rest homes (they are our mom's sister in laws), and are the only family members left from that generation. That was the best thing we could have ever done, they enjoyed it and so did we. We grew up with them and their families, one lived on each side of us all our growing up years.

Kathie, Peggy and I spent the rest of the week at BYU Education Week.

This year we were assigned to Merrill Hall (one of the boys dorms). We couldn't resist the opportunity to do some kind of a little joke!

We put this little sign on the bathroom door,

This is what you found when you went inside:

the signs said Refreshments, Plunge Right In, Cookies and Lemonade

We did leave a nice treat at all the doors on our floor also

We attended a couple of plays

The biggest event while I was there was Peggy's new Grand baby was born!

Welcome to the family!

Mother Son Outing

2010-08-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

West Clear Creek

This is a favorite spot of our family with some fun memories.

I believe it is one of the best swimming holes in Arizona.

There have been a lot of storms in north country and so the water was really murky,

but it was also cool and refreshing.

There are great cliffs to jump from and some really good water shoots to slide down

Beautiful scenery

The best part was the good company!!

Thanks for the trip Ben

Making Baby Gifts

2010-07-20T12:06:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share some cute bib idea.

I bought plain bibs from Target

and had fun embellishing.

I don’t know whether they should say “You have a baby” Or “The baby has you

The Garden Gal

2010-07-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have never been able to get anything to produce in a garden,

I have tried for years and had no success!

Last year I finally got serious about it and had my boys build me some above ground planters check them out here. This has been our best Garden ever!! I was out of town for a couple of days and this is what I picked when I got home, I was amazed!!

I have been eating Caprese Salad ever day

I love sunflowers and my brother told me they help keep a little shade on your garden, so I always plant a few, they make me HAPPY!!

Baby Shower

2010-07-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

The adorable mom to be

(due any minute)

We had a great menu:

Mini Bagel Bar

(fresh from Einstein Bagels)

Salmon Cream Cheese

Capers

Tomato

Red onions

Strawberry Cream Cheese

Plain Cream Cheese

Fresh Fruit

Yogurt and Granola

Spinach and Mushroom Soufflé

Sour Cream and Salsa

Sugared glasses for some extra sweet

The Wedding

2010-07-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Check out all the pictures from the wedding at:

http://www.dtpwebdesign.com/D&R-Wedding-
Photos/index.html

Mothers Day

2010-05-10T01:40:00.000-07:00

Mothers day means a little more to a MOM with a missionary! We had a really good visit with Kelsie today and heard all kinds of fun and crazy stories:

Alligators- they are coming out of hibernation
Rain- they get a lot, it is getting really hot and humid
Beaches- they take water breaks and just enjoy looking at the ocean
Companions (she is in a threesome right now)
Teaching- she loves it, and I can tell they love her.
Service- Habitat For Humanity and Library every week.
Training- Two new Sisters
Letters- she loves them and could use more
Great people in the South- friendly and very welcoming
Members take good care of them- food, laundry and pedicures

GOOD TIMES

2010-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Roni's Bridal Shower was FANTASTIC

Thanks to: Good Friends

Great Family

Wonderful tasting and looking food

We had home made Crepes and make your own yogurt parfaits .

Plus every kind of muffin you can think of!

Freshly squeezed OJ and Mint Cooler

Lots of Friends

Fun Fun Fun Gifts

Thanks everyone for making it such a great party!

Mr Mesa Pageant

2010-04-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

Meet the First Runner Up In the

MR MESA PAGEANT

TALENT PORTION OF THE CONTEST

"I LIKE TO PARTY"

The Young Adults in 3 stakes nominated 2 guys to represent their ward in the competition, along with the Talent, question and answer portion, they also had the Best Legs, Dance Off and Cheer Off Portion of the Competition. Ben did a great job, he made us all laugh and we had fun time watching him.

Wedding Stuff

2010-04-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

LET THE PARTY'S BEGIN

Roni's bridal shower is this weekend, if we missed anyone with an invite, please come!

2010-01-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

Delicious Goodness

Last night was Stake Standards Night, We used the standards from

"For The Strength of the Youth"

It was a very nice evening, I love serving in the Young Womens Program!

We made this beautiful and delicious dessert for the girls and their moms.

Sister Kelsie is on her way!

2010-01-06T22:28:00.000-08:00

This has been an eventful Month!

Kelsie when to the Temple

She spoke in church and did a great job. We had a send off Party for her.

We had our last supper together and gave her lots of hugs and kisses.

Then we had a cry fest.

We left her in the freezing cold at the MTC in Provo!

You can see what Kelsie is up to on her blog:

http://whatzupintallahassee.blogspot.com/

2009-11-30T18:30:00.000-08:00

Dave and Roni Are Engaged!

For details read Roni's blog

A Day to Give Thanks

2009-11-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

Family, Friends,and Food

What a great day!

Recently I started a gratitude journal,

it is so rewarding, to look back on my day and reflect on all the things

I have been blessed with.

Here are some of the things mentioned at our thanksgiving table:

Family

Moms and Dads

Employment

Children

Husbands

Wives

Good Health

School

Church

Amazing weather

Having people how love us

Siblings for best friends

The Temple

Eternal Families

Good Examples

Free Country

Sports

Love

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

New Blog In Town

2009-11-17T22:26:00.000-08:00

Check her out, Roni started her own blog!

Read all about her at: http://roni-lyn.blogspot.com/

THE GREAT ARIZONA ROAD TRIP

2009-11-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

G & D have been wanting to see what the great state of Arizona has to offer, so we hit the road for nine days of sight seeing, rest, and relaxation, no real schedule.
July 31, 2009-August 1, 2009

First stop Bisbee, AZ

old mining town

August 2, 2009
Attended Church in Douglas, AZ.

Everyone was friendly, there meetings were in English and Spanish

Crossed through the Coronado National Forest into Chiricahua National Monument

amazing rock formations

So many great things to see, windmills, flowers, rock formations and silos

Monday, August 3rd
(Side note-35 years ago today Garry started his Mission)
We spent the night in Safford, Az on the 2nd
and the next morning driving out of town look what we found!
The new Gila Valley Temple.
The new Stake Center is already built next door.

From there we drove through Clifton and Morenci, AZ, two very small and poor mining towns. The mine was huge it went on and on for miles.
We got on a kick and started to take pictures of Bridges for me to paint this is the first of many.

We Spent most the day driving down the Coronado Trail Hwy 191. A beautiful forest, until we arrived at Hannagan's Meadow. We ate lunch, went for a hike, sat and watched the many humming birds, visited with other guests, I knitted G read.
No TV
No Internet
No Cell service
No street lights
When the sun went down you were done for the night. So we went to bed about 9:00 and we both woke up at 4:00am ready to start the day.

Needless to say we hit the rode early, drove through Eager, Springerville and on to Greer for breakfast. Beautiful country side!

We made a stop at the Petrified Forest Museum, when Garry was 18 he helped build this Museum. The forest is quit unbelievable and the painted desert is beautiful.
Next stop was Ganado, AZ "Hubbell Trading Post", is has been in continuous operation since 1874. I was able to buy 100% lamb's wool yarn that had been hand spun.
One of the highlights of the trip
Canyon DeChelly
absolutely amazing! More impressive than the Grand Canyon!
You have to take a guided tour by the Navajo tribe to go down in the canyon. It was well worth the time and money, we spent half a day driving in the canyon on a jeep tour.
Other highlight of the trip
First Mesa, Az
It looked like we had stepped into a third world country (Afghanistan maybe), no living plant life, homes built of adobe bricks and dirt floors with openings for the windows and doors.
It is on the Hopi Reservation, the people there where some the friendliest that we met. We were not allowed to take pictures in their community, but I snapped this one down in Polacca, AZ on the way up.
We met Lawarance Nomoki, a Hopi artist and were able to purchase a beautiful piece of his work. He has pieces in the Smithsonian and Heard Museums. I loved it, it was so interesting.
An interesting tidbit- Both of the Hopi homes that we visited, had wonderful memories of shopping at "Whipple's Family Fashion" store. They said it was the only place they could get clothes for their children.

I'm a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona and such a fine sight to see,

It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me!

A quick stop in Winslow, G's home town

Yes we stood on the corner, bought the tee shirts to prove it.

Visited Garry's mothers grave site

Saw the Store front of the old Whipple Family Store.

THEN WE GOT THE HECK OUT OF WINSLOW!

Thursday, August 6th and Friday August 7th was spent in Flagstaff.

We took the Tram ride up above the tree line at the 11,700 foot level

IS WAS SPECTACULAR!

Rode the Grand Railroad Train from Williams to The Grand Canyon, we loved the Canyon.

Then we took a drive through Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, everyone should take a drive in this canyon is it very lovely.

Friday, August 8

we spent the night at "The Annabel Inn" a bed and breakfast.

One of the most memorable places that we stayed, the owner was absolutely delightful and she fixed us a great breakfast. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Saturday, August 8 and Sunday August 9th

Our stay we at the "JW Marriott Desert Ridge" in Scottsdale.

We have stayed here before and always enjoy it. We laid by the pool. Roni, Dave and Kelsie came out for the after noon and evening and floated the lazy river with us, we all had a nice dinner together and enjoyed the live music outdoors.

The best thing about it was that we were all rested and only had a 20 minute drive home.

DISCOVER THE GREAT STATE OF ARIZONA

Smurfing Good Times

2009-11-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

The Funniest Party of the year!

We opened our back gates and invited family, friends and neighbors

to stop by any time during the evening for:

Homemade donuts: glazed, sugared, sprinkled, chocolate, nuts, coconut about any thing you would want (We make them right on the spot in the back yard).

Homemade Soup, this year we had Baked Potato Soup, Santa Fe Chicken , Chicken Noodle Soup and Chili (Thanks for the Chili Lauri )

We had about 70 people join us for a Smurfing good evening

Roni and Kelsie decided that they wanted to match

and the rest of us jumped on the Smurf wagon

Smurfs Unite

Flamboyant Smurf (Ben), Brainy Smurf (Dave), Go Go Smurf (Roni), Terrifying (Tiff), Robot (Tyler), Nielsey Smurf (Niels), Vanity Smurf (Kelsie), Mama Smurf (Debbie), Papa Smurf (Garry), Count Dracula Smurf (Trevor, he wasn't here for the pic)

GREAT COSTUMES

Trevor and Kelsie carved these amazing pumpkins!

More Urban Renewal

2009-10-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Before:

I decided that my bed room needed a little pick me up, it looked way to boring. I have been loving the Aqua color that all the decorators are using, so I added some to my room

After:

I covered all my pillows that I already

had with some coordinating prints.

Then I made pillows for my foot bench

Used the scraps for a piecework pillow for the chair

I had a great time collecting frames and mirrors from around the house (one from a thrift store), to frame the top of the wall. This was a so much fun and it only cost a few dollars for fabric.

It's a Boy, I think?

2009-10-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Trevor was in a auto accident a few weeks ago and they totaled his Lancer. So he bought himself this awesome Mini Cooper Sport. It is fully loaded and has a Turbocharged engine. Have him take you for a ride it is a blast!

I think this about as close as we are going to get to a Grandchild,

so I guess will enjoy his new toy.

BEFORE AND AFTER

2009-10-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Urban Renewal

I've been having a good time with thrift store finds and spray paint lately.

First Project: An old hanging light fixture

Finished: A candelabra, complete with cob webs

Second Project: Dining Chairs (found two at the thrift store $5.00 each)

Finished Project

Third Project: Bar stools (I already had these)

Finished Project

Watch for more Urban Renewals to come!

Sisters!

2009-10-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

Sisters, Sisters,

there were never such devoted Sisters!

I smile because you are my sister,

I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it!

A sister shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost

What's the good of news if

you haven't a sister to share it?

Sisters annoy, interfere, criticize. Indulge in monumental sulks, in huffs, in snide remarks. Borrow. Break. Monopolize the bathroom. Are always underfoot. But if catastrophe should strike, sisters are there. Defending you against all comers.

How do people make it through life without a sister?

A sister is a forever friend

Happy Birthday

Kelsie and Roni

Life Is Good... Can You Tell

2009-08-12T00:14:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing Girls Camp this year. Our theme was "Life is Good...Can you tell?". The focus was on attitude. We taught a class about "Attitude is Everything"

The girls laughed , sang, danced, hiked, played ,gave service, learned leadership, crafted, rappelled, built fires, did knife carving, outdoor cooking, and all manners of other certifying. They built some great new friendships with each other and their leaders and had many opportunities to feel the spirit.

You can tell by the photos that as the Stake Young Women's Presidency we had a blast!

We had an evening that was "Road Show Night". All the wards participated with a song and dance routine. We were assigned a dance number that required us to dress like salt and pepper. This is our interpretation of it.

We dressed alike everyday, to help the girls identify us easier and get to know us a little faster.

Every evening we went from cabin to cabin and sang some sort of crazy goodnight song. I'm sure it really settled them down for the night.

Meet The
"Fantastic Four"

J, M, D, & T. Yes we really called ourselves "The Fantastic Four" we wore capes, goggles, flew around the cabins, did high kicks, made up super hero bedtime songs, wore glow in the dark lipstick, laughed ourselves silly and clapped away the skunks. We came home exhausted!
Thanks to all the ward and Stake Leaders who helped make it happen!

Gaint Sunflowers

2009-06-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

My brother suggested that I plant Sunflowers around the edge of my garden to help shade the garden from the hot Arizona sunshine. This week they all started to bloom, it is quit Spectacula! They are so big and so beautiful. I get such a thrill from the simple things in life. Sunflowers make me so happy.

Fathers

2009-06-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

With Fathers Day
this weekend
I wanted to honor
the Fathers in my life.

First "My Dad"
Dave Jones
He passed away 31 years ago, I was only 21. I have always wished I was one of the older kids in the family, so that I would have had more adult years, to get to know my dad better. Here are a few of my memories: His short buzzed hair cut, proud to be an American, dressed in his fatigues, jumping with the Utah National Guard on the weekends (yes parachuting was his favorite thing to do), working on cars, working on the house (remodeling something), working with the catering, washing dishes at the weddings, making pastries, hard worker, he could fix anything, dancing around the house, always smiling and gave big hugs.

Second My Father In-Law
Vance Whipple
When I married Garry, I was welcomed with open arms by my Father In-Law (my Mother In-Law also). He also passed away way too early, but I did get the privilege of getting to know him quite well. Some memories: Always complimented me and others, he would stop by the house on his way home from his buying trips to New York for a visit, tapes of fun music he liked to share with us, good business man, he was a great storyteller, loved to go for hikes, took the kids for picnics and hiked the rocks in Heber, and shared his good advice with us.

Third Grandpa
Wallace Stowell
When Garry and I married, one of the big perks for me was to gain an amazing Grandma and Grandpa. I never had the chance to know any of my own Grandparents, they all passed away before I was born. So to have a grandpa was a new and wonderful experience. Garry and I lived in the same ward as Grandma and Grandpa when we first married , they invited us over for Sunday dinners and family nights. Grandpa taught us so much about how to treat each other, serving others, serving in the church, to love chocolate chip cookies and a hand full of chocolate chips out of the freezer. I loved having the influence of a wise and loving Granfather in my life, I really miss him!

Fourth My Favorite Father
Garry Whipple
When you got married you really have no idea what you are getting as far as whether your spouse will make a good father. For me I didn't know Garry's family to be able to judge, I just knew that I really loved him and that he was fun, kind, loving and a gentleman to me (not to mention he gave me butterfly's every time I was around him). I really struck it rich when I found Garry, he has been a great husband and father ( still gives me butterfly's).
What makes him a good dad? Works hard, plays hard, good provider, the rebar genius, full of good advice, good example, dedicated to church service, idea man, problem solver, loves his family, loves his wife, will do anything to protect and defend his family, forgiving, keeps everyone posted on sports and current events, master of useless trivia, great letter writer, amazing smile and a good storyteller (if he could only finish one dang sentence).

Garry as a new father, WOW! Time changes things.

WATCHING THE GARDEN GROW

2009-06-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have never been much of a gardener! I have tried for years without much success.

this is my garden in 2007

This year I decided to really do it up right

Niels and Ben built me two 5ft X 17ft long raised garden beds

they put pavers around the whole things and it is just right for me to set on the edge and take care of it. No more killing my knees and back.

We filled it up with some really great soil!

Then we planted

Here is our first little seedlings

This was about 2 weeks ago, everything is growing and really looking good

Much thanks to the boys, they have really helped keep it watered and weeded. Ben calls it his garden and in truth it really is.

We are trying to go totally organic, no pesticides, so we have released over a thousand lady bugs, planted garlic, onion and marigolds and hatched Praying Mantis.

Here's what we got going on

BEANS & GARLIC

WATERMELON

SUMMER SQUASH

TOMATOES

CANTALOUPE

ZUCCHINI

CORN

CUCUMBER

SUNFLOWERS

We also have PEPPERS and RADISHES,

I have loved watching it grow and it is really starting to produce!

Garden 2009

2009-05-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Check out Trevor's new blog,

he created it so we could keep in contact while he is on his trip to

Grenada

http://trevor.thewhipples.us/

Here's the scoop: Trevor has a friend (Jeff) that has been studying at the Univerisity in Grenada for the last three years, veterinarian school. He is graduating this week. Jeff has been wanting Trevor to come vacation in Grenada with him for the past 3 years, so off he went for 10 days !

Where is Grenada?

Grenada is a group of three larger islands (Grenada,Carriacou, and Petit Martinique) and several tiny islands in theCaribbean, or West Indies. It lies just northeast of Trinidad and Tobago, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is famous for spices and is known as the "Spice Isle", being a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa.

Wedding Bells

2009-04-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Big news at the Whipple's

TYLER and TIFF are engaged!

They are planning a November Wedding, Fun ,Fun, Fun!

Busy Times

2009-04-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

Serving in the Stake Young Women's Presidency keeps me busy from time to time!

We served a dinner to all the young women in the stake and their mom's after the General Young Women's Broadcast. We made 360 chicken bake sandwiches ,

they turned out really yummy.

Here we are cooking up a storm!

For dessert we served cute girlie looking cupcakes, we made 400 cupcakes! Ben helped bake them and Tyler and Tiffany helped decorate.

THANKS GUYS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

The broadcast was on Saturday and our Presidency left the following Monday to attend the General Auxiliary Training in Salt Lake City. The training was fantastic, we attended two sessions and had lunch at the Lion House. It was freezing in Utah and us Arizona girls had to really bundle up to survive. We enjoy each other, and it is a good thing we do since we spend so much time together.

That evening we got together with the Stake Relief Presidency for dinner. We talked, laughed, ate fried pickles (that was a first), got to know each other better and solved all the problems in the world.

Too Much Time On My Hands

2009-03-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

I saw some really cute cupcakes on the Internet and became obsessed with them. I decided to try to make them for a Stake Young Women's dinner we have coming up at the end of the month. These are my experiment, the ones I saw were made using only fondant, but fondant doesn't taste to good, so I decided to try them with regular frosting and just a little fondant. I think they turned out kind of cute. Now the question is how long will it take to make 400? I feel like I am going back to my roots, back to my families catering days! We used to knock out 1000pastries in a couple of hours. Granite there was 9 of us working together. Those were good times! Thanks to my talented sister DeAnn for all her expert advice.

Love Is In The Air

2009-03-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

I think I have gone into the Invitation/card making business. Not on purpose, there has just been a lot of baby and bridal activity in my area. I have had fun creating these invitations for my cute friends. I always love a party, so it has been fun getting ready for the events. Best wishes to all of you in your new life adventures.

Lucy's Bridal Shower

Emily's Bridal Shower

Caden's Bridal Shower

Susie's Baby Shower Invites

Valentines for the family

Spring Has Sprung

2009-03-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

I wish I could bottle the smell in our back yard and send it to everyone, it is the most amazing smell. We have 28 orange trees and they are all in bloom, there is nothing quit like it. If you want to breath it in, stop by and you can set on the back porch with me and we will enjoy it together.

ORANGE BLOSSOMS

I love this time of year in Arizona, the weather is just right, not to hot and not to cold, the time of year that I walk every morning and enjoy all the beautiful flowers that are in bloom in our yard.

Here are some of my potted plants

PEACH TREE IN BLOOM

ROSES

HONEYSUCKLE

HIBISCUS

RENUCULA

MORE HIBISCUS

LANTANA

DAISIES

Cape Honeysuckle

My How They Grow

2009-02-26T21:21:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY NIELS

I can't even believe my baby is 19 years old already

Here are some of the things his family Loves about him:

Roni- I love that he calls me big sister even though I think he calls Kels that too, I love that he cuddles and always hugs me

Ben- He is a sweetheart, always nice to people

Dad- His great work ethic

Mom- I never have to ask him twice to help me with things, most the time he does them before I ask, he gives me a good night hug every night and will still cuddle with me.

Tiffany- Smart and Witty

Tyler- He has a good head on his shoulders

Kelsie- He is funny, Mr."Cool", a good friend, terrible liar(he can't lie to me and Roni), very hard worker, keeps his word

Niels- "My name"

We all reminisced about some of our favorite stories about Niels.

1. Niels and Ben wrestling matches in the back yard, were both of them ended up crying.

2. When he was 5 year old and split his head open going down the slide at school and had to have a bunch of stitches. He told everyone he hit his head on the slide but he was really sliding down the stairs (no one knew until he told us all last year!)

3. His secret loves

4. Biting off his brothers toe

5. Interesting places that he used as a bathroom

6. Skim boarding in the retention basin with Kelsie

You will have to ask Niels for details!

Thanks for being a great son, brother and friend Niels

We love you! Happy Birthday

Look Who's 25

2009-02-12T23:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Tyler

Here a just a few of the many things

we love about Tyler

(from the Fam)

He is very personable (people like him).
He is artsy
Makes us all hip
His all around style
Great friend
His beard

Our talks together
His smile and laugh
His fun personality
His Enthusiasm
He is the "Jr. Master of Useless Trivia"
He Likes to spend time with his mom
Love that he is a good shopper and enjoys it

Tyler's 1st birthday

His Humor
Trust/reliable
His creativity

He has the drive to go after what he wants
Dedication
Works hard and has a lot of potential to do really great things
He's generous will always help you out any way he can
Reliable

His Opinion
He is sensitive to other people's feelings
He listens to others when they speak
He shows respect to women, especially his mom & sisters

Love that he's sort of a hipster
His music
Creativity, he's a deep thinker
That he loves his family
His humor (witty)
His style has great taste

We Love You

Tyler

Happy 25th Birthday

The Smell of Fresh Bread

2009-01-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Garry got me a couple of new toys, a Bosch Mixer and a wheat grinder. The store that he purchased them from has weekly cooking classes. So I decided to attend one the classes, I really learned a lot and it got me all jazzed up to use my mixer and get grinding some wheat. I didn't realize what a difference a good mixer would make, first off it can easily make five loaves of bread at a time, my old mixer maxed out at about three. Second, it kneads like no other, the texture of my bread and rolls comes our so much better and that has improved the taste. The classes have taught me what the different kinds of wheat's are used for, and that whole wheat bread needs a couple of tablespoons of dough enhance and a little high gluten flour, things I better store if we are going to store and use my wheat. I have never been a very good whole wheat bread maker, my bread always taste okay, but dries out really fast and always cracks on the side and usually has air bubbles in the middle. Not any more, this mixer change my life! So now I won't be using my wheat only for bean bag making and sprouting for Easter grass.

It only took about 8 minutes for me to grind 14 cups of wheat.

I was really excited because I made bread from the wheat that I have from "Lehi Roller Mills", Lehi Utah, my home town!

THIS BECAME

THIS

I made some whole wheat multi grain, earlier in the week and then I made whole wheat today.

I've got to go I'm off to another cooking class!

A Christmas Of Giving And Love

2008-12-29T22:55:00.000-08:00

This year we wanted to find a way to help someone for the holidays. We have a man in our ward who serves at the prison and holds LDS church services. He gave us the name of a family that was in need of some help for Christmas (their father is in prison). It was a Mom with two teen age children. We got together with the Hale family and divided up the list of the things that they needed. We spent some time shopping and wrapping, Cindy even made some homemade rolls for their Christmas dinner. On December 23rd our family and the Hale Family met in Peoria to deliver the goods. All twelve of us entered their home single file, each with their arms full of pretty wrapped packages. It was a good feeling to see the smile on their faces. We sang them a few Christmas Carols and then went on our way.

The Next morning we all got together again and put together some little Christmas bags full of helpful things, when you are in the hospital for an extended stay. We then loaded up and headed over to

"Banner Baywood Hospital". They have a floor there called "Rhodes Rehab". It's for recovering stroke victims. My mom spent some time there a couple of different times, it is a great facility and I really appreciate what they did for my mom.

This is Mom on her 81st Birthday 2005

she spent is at "Rhodes Rehab"

Getting our gift bags ready

Brother and Sister Love

We Caroled to every room on the 3rd floor,

and delivered our little goody bags.

Rachel and Melanie even played a piece on the piano, it was so sweet many were in tears. Thanks to the great harmonizing talents of Dave and Cindy's ability to keeps us on tune and add some variety to our repertoire. We didn't sound half bad!

Brothers

It was really a lot of fun and I know that it

brought a little Joy into the hearts of those who had to be

spending their Christmas in the hospital

Annual Christmas Eve Family Photo

We still line up by age to come up the stairs on Christmas morning

Brother Lovin

Father Son Lovin

Good old fashion marshmellow gun fight

Christmas Homemade Style

2008-12-28T00:10:00.000-08:00

Ben got me one of those fun digital photo frames

and filled it full of Pics of him, they are a crack up

Notice the tree hugger?!

Roni has become a DOMESTIC DIVA, she really got into the Christmas spirit this year, for about 2 months before Christmas she did scrapbook night every Tuesday. She made this amazing calendar for her dad for Christmas. Very impressive!

Way to go Roni!

Roni got me all caught up in the fun of surprising someone with the perfect homemade Christmas gift. So I made a photo memory book for each of my kids.

This is the outside cover,

they each have there own name on them of course

inside the front cover

inside pages:

Every Wednesday night Roni got together

with a friend for Sewing night.

She made these adorable aprons for me for Christmas

This one is reversible

Didn't she do a great job!

Tyler got in on the homemade action also,

he did this cool frame for Roni

The Christmas Spirit

2008-12-27T23:09:00.000-08:00

I love everything about the Holidays!

Especially having my family together.

Sitting on Santa's lap was a highlight of the season

We went to the light parade in Phoenix with the Hale Family.

Uncle Dave's float took a blue ribbon!

Kelsie and Niels are both home for a few weeks,

FUN, FUN!

Here's a little Christmas home tour

I started these Christmas socking last year.

Yeah I finally got them done and hung this year.

Merry Christmas and

A Happy New Year!

Family Christmas Party

2008-12-27T22:24:00.001-08:00

Every year we get together with extended family

for a fun filled Christmas Shindig

We ate and sang some songs

Relaxed and visited

Posed for some great Pics

Enjoyed each others company

We had a special visitor come

and bring gifts for all ages!

Everyone got in on the action

Some enjoyed it more than others

Santa had our full attention

We had the first annual

"Jones Family Gingerbread House Building Competition"

Who won? You be the judge I couldn't choose one!

A Family Feast and Festivities

2008-12-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

We started the afternoon with horderves outside

under the Ramada, it rained that morning

but the afternoon was beautiful.

Spent some time visiting while the rest of dinner was prepared

Ellie enjoyed picking the flowers

Jonas loved running around after the other kids

Morgan and Maddie looking cuter than ever!

We even had athentic Indians joins us for our meal!

Spencer is the cutiest dang Indian chief I know!

Bring on the Food

You know what Turkey does to ya! NAP TIME

(Maybe it is just time to do dishes)

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Tyler bought "Call of Duty 3" and all the guys joined in!

INTENSE!

The kids made their own kind of fun

Wrestling

We finished the evening up with a game of Farkle,

most important was reading the newspaper ads to prepare for our

BIG SHOPPING DAY

ON BLACK FRIDAY !!

Katie even got in on the action

"BUILDING STRONGER NEIGHBORHOODS"

2008-11-21T21:40:00.000-08:00

We had a really great Stake Service Project last Saturday November 15th. We were part of a program that the City of Mesa has that is

"BUILDING STRONGER NEIGHBORHOODS".

Stake Young Men Young Women

Presidency

Here's some of the Projects that we did:

Painted numbers on the curbs of about 400 homes
Cleaned a vacant lot (it was over grown, trash, furniture, shopping carts, basically used for a dump).
Painted over the graffiti, in the park and around the neighborhood
Painted the electrical boxes, light poles and BB Q's in the park
Cleared an over grown ally
Cleaned the playground equipment
Raked and cleaned out the sand lots at the play ground
Scrapped the gum of the sidewalks
Sorted and disposed of the nuisance signs from around the City
Passed out fliers to the neighbors from the City

We had about 260 youth at the project everyone worked really hard for about 2 hours.

Fun with e-mails

2008-11-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

I sent an e-mail out to our family members this week so that I could get new family phone books made up. This is my e-mail:

Dear Family,

Would you please send me an update on you families info for the Jones Family Phone Book.
NAME
HOME PHONE
ADDRESS
CELL PHONE
WORK PHONE
E-MAIL
BLOG
BIRTHDAY
Please include any new little ones

Thanks for your help
Debbie

I recived a response from my funny husband while he was at work in California, that I haven't stopped laughing at.

Debbie,

Are you serious? Especially about the new little ones? Do you think I have a love child over here? If so, does the love child’s mother get included in the list? And if so, will she have her own section or will she have a subsection under our family? And if so, what will we call her, love child’s mother or a friend with benefits? Do I have to start a blog to be included in the directory? Have you forgotten my birthday? Did this help?

Garry

If you've sent me your info already, thanks if not I would love to have it soon.

Got To Love Arizona (after a trip to California)

2008-11-18T00:07:00.000-08:00

Roni and I went to California last weekend for the wedding of a friend of ours and also to see Niels. It was quite the adventure! Saturday morning the three of us (Roni, Niels and I) rode down to the beach to see an Aunt and Uncle, after our visit with them we decided to take a spin down PCH. We love to visit the shops and the pier at Huntington Beach. So we parked and took a stroll. We noticed that there where police cars parked on every street corner, sometimes 2 or 3. When we got to the corner of PCH and Huntington Blvd and there was a large group of demonstrators for No on Prop 8 (the signs said "HATE 8"), blocking the street and causing a commotion trying to get everyone cruising PCH to honk for them. We had to cross over the picket line to get down the pier. It was pretty crazy!

After the wedding reception Saturday night, we still wanted to do something, so we decided to drive over to Hollywood and take a walk down the Blvd. The traffic was unbelievable getting there, if was about 11:30 PM down town LA and you would have thought that it was evening rush hour, bumper to bumper. We exited the freeway on Sunset Blvd and at about 12:30 (we left home at 10:30). We cruised down Sunset which took about an hour, then decided to try and make our way up to Hollywood Blvd. the traffic was completely grid locked! We started to notice that there where police parked on every corner and then a couple of helicopters stared circling over head. We wondered what was going on, by the time we got to Hollywood Blvd. we could see that the police had closed off the street and that there where hundreds of people in the street marching and picketing (after checking the Internet, we found out that that there was 1000 demonstrators). Roni and Niels wanted to park and get out and go see all the crazies, but there was no way we could have found a spot to park and I was not interested in getting involved in that mess. It took us about 2 more hours of setting in traffic to even get to the freeway. IT really made me appreciate the traffic that we don't have on our freeways in Arizona! As for the Demonstrators, YOU LOST GET OVER IT!

HALLOWEEN, FUN TIMES!

2008-11-02T21:27:00.000-08:00

On Halloween we had a really great Party! This year I took a few invitations around to our neighbors. We opened the gate to our back yard so anyone that came by could come on in, the turnout was fantastic! Between family, friends and neighbors we had about 75 people stop by. We ate homemade soup and fresh homemade donuts, it was all delicious!

THE PUMPKINS

Ben and Teri did the carving

THE DECORATIONS

THE FOOD

Bloody Dracula Finger Cookies

Pumpkin Bread Bowls

Santa Fe Chicken Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup
Baked Potato Soup

THE PARTY

Great Costumes

Tyler and Ben looked great !

The Roller Derby Girls

Debbie the Cat, Kelsie & Roni part to the tutu Roller Derby Girls

The Roller Derby Girls in full dress

This is the best view of the tutu girls

All of Ben's friends

Ben, Gavin, Princessa

Amy, Hong, Josh, Alba, Niki & Matt

Roni's Mad Sewing Skills

2008-10-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

Roni has been working on her sewing skills lately. She just finished this Tutu for part of her Halloween costume.

About a year and a half ago Roni made a quilt top for her bed. It has sat in the cupboard all this time, for her birthday we finally got it quilted! She loves it and everyone else is enjoying it also.

This week Roni made a pillow to match her quilt. She plans to make others, It looks great with her new quilt. Keep up the good work!

Iron Man

2008-10-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Back To His Beginning!

Niels was born in California but moved away when he was only three. Looks like he developed his landscaping skills when he was just a little guy. He was so young when we moved from California that he really didn't think he had any memories of his life there. While visiting him this last week, we went on a little trip down memory lane, he did remember the big tree in Glendora and took a climb on it, and the lion's head water fountain at the park.

That was then, this is now!

Dad and Junior

(that's what dad calls him)

Four weeks ago Niels took the plunge and went to work in the family business, he is officially an Iron Worker, living and working in the Los Angeles, California Area

The first few weeks was a bit of an adjustment, getting his body used to packing the rebar around on his shoulder, he carries 50 to 75 pounds a trip, moving on the average of 1000 to 1500 pounds of bar a day by himself. He has learned to handle the tie wire, and is getting quite fast at that and although he had to be in great pain from all the hard work, he has never complained about it. He now has some great callouses on his hands and his shoulder has toughened up. He is enjoying the work and has taken amazingly well to the complex freeway system in California. His work has taken him to downtown LA, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks and Hollywood, it takes him about a hour to drive to work every day. He can get there with very little problem (it hasn't hurt to have the help of a personal GPA System, and a Thomas guide). The work has gotten easier for him and he is really enjoying it. He is loving his visits to the beach, the tree lined streets and exploring new places.

Getting ready for the first day on the job!

Niels your the man!

The Iron Man

4X4

2008-10-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Lauri Tagged me for this blog:

I went to my picture files-- 4th folder, 4th picture.

I have been scanning in all my family pictures. I love this picture it is of my Dad, taken in 1977 when Mom and Dad were living on a farm in Monroe, Utah. This is the Shetland Pony I spent many hours riding as a little girl, her name is "Maisie". Pictures bring on so many emotions, this one is a happy sad for me. My dad loved the farm and this facial expression is one that I remember well, it makes me smile. Dad passed away about a year after this was taken and I didn't get enough time with him, I really miss him!

Cindy...tag, to you!

Vegas Baby!

2008-10-11T01:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday

Calie, Roni and Kelsie all have October Birthdays. They decided to celebrate in Las Vegas, they invited their mom's along. We had a great time!

The Ultimate Destination in Vegas was the Broadway Production of Mamma Mia! We got up early the morning of the show and went to the Tix 4 Tonight booth and kept our fingers crossed that they would have 1/2 price tickets for the show that evening. We scored great seats on the 14th row. ! Perfect for singing and dancing!

What Happens In Vegas

Stays In Vegas!

We bought boas to wear to the show and we danced and pranced ourselves down the Las Vegas strip to the "Mandalay Bay" hotel. Yes we definitely were a spectacle and caused quite a bit of commotion. Of course we came out of the show singing and swinging ourselves and our boas. We had women bowing down to us and men wanting their photos taken with us. It was a blast!

The theatre attendant was as excited about the show

as we were and was very willing to take pictures of us,

he even marched us down in front

and took our picture in front of the stage back drop.

The girls wanted to get the full experience of the Las Vegas strip,

so they rented this funky little 3 wheeler car and had a ball driving up and down the strip. People honked and took pictures. They felt like celebrities.

Coyote Ugly

Sunny , Calie and Roni!

This is the fulfillment of a life long dream for Calie

dancing on the bar at "Coyote Ugly".

Kelsie was really wishing she was 21 for this one,

next year!

We can only say "GOOD TIMES"!

Here's a funny little story, one evening we had been out about town, it was late and about the only place that was open to eat that wasn't a bar was "Fat Burger" a 5 and diner type place. So we stopped in to get a milk shake (they make great milk shakes). The place was packed, all the tables were full, and people were lining the walls waiting for their orders. There was a man standing by us that was trying to get his wife's attention, he was at the front counter and his wife was standing in the middle of the diner. She was fiddling with stuff in her purse and wasn't answering his text messages. We told him we could get her attention and asked what her name was, he told us "Tish". So we started pumping our hands in the air and chanting "Tish, Tish, Tish". The cooks and kitchen staff started chanting "Tips, Tips, Tips" and group of people in the back started chanting "Tits, Tits, Tits". The whole room was chanting, it was hilarious. Needless to say it got Tish's attention. I tell you only in Vegas!

Niels Eagle Court of Honor

2008-09-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Whipple's Newest Eagle Scout

We officially have four Eagle Scouts in our Family! On Saturday we had Niels Eagle Court of Honor.

Ben thought Niels needed help to really look good!

Tyler gave a little help also

Niels looking respectable

the whipple way

2008-09-16T13:31:00.001-07:00

The Whipple Way

Happy 26th Birthday Ben!

Niels and Chelsea's Wedding

BIG NEWS

Happy Birthday

Sedona Marathon 2-12-2011

His First Half Marathon

Nuff Said!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Happy Birthday Roni

22nd Birthday

Birthday Boy

Girls Day Out

Mother Son Outing

Making Baby Gifts

The Garden Gal

Baby Shower

The Wedding

Check out all the pictures from the wedding at:

http://www.dtpwebdesign.com/D&R-Wedding-Photos/index.html

Mothers Day

GOOD TIMES

Mr Mesa Pageant

Wedding Stuff

Sister Kelsie is on her way!

A Day to Give Thanks

New Blog In Town

THE GREAT ARIZONA ROAD TRIP

Smurfing Good Times

More Urban Renewal

It's a Boy, I think?

BEFORE AND AFTER

Sisters!

Life Is Good... Can You Tell

Gaint Sunflowers

Fathers

WATCHING THE GARDEN GROW

Wedding Bells

Busy Times

Too Much Time On My Hands

Love Is In The Air

Spring Has Sprung

My How They Grow

Look Who's 25

The Smell of Fresh Bread

A Christmas Of Giving And Love

Christmas Homemade Style

The Christmas Spirit

Family Christmas Party

A Family Feast and Festivities

"BUILDING STRONGER NEIGHBORHOODS"

Fun with e-mails

Got To Love Arizona (after a trip to California)

HALLOWEEN, FUN TIMES!

Roni's Mad Sewing Skills

Iron Man

4X4

Vegas Baby!

Niels Eagle Court of Honor

the whipple way

http://www.dtpwebdesign.com/D&R-Wedding-
Photos/index.html