Lyman and Dee Gifford

Quilt

2012-01-14T21:54:00.001-08:00

Here is my final project that I have been working on for months. It is a quilt design that I have always wanted to do since I quilted for a lady in Centerville, Utah. So, yes, it has been a long time. I have a friend in the ward here in Midland, TX and I asked her to help me. She didn't think I could do it because I haven't pieced that many quilts. She helped a lot and gave me a lot of hints. But I cut, sewed, and sewed, and sewed the pieces together. Then came putting it all together and finally quilting it. It is now on our king size bed and boy it sure looks great. I can actually say that I'm proud of my self. Now I get to move on to the next project. I have got to do 2 baby quilts, one for our new granddaughter to be born in May and for a niece that is having her first. Let the quilting begin......

BTSR Fires

2011-04-25T14:28:00.001-07:00

The picture on the left is Lyman ready to go up with the firefighters to assess the damage at camp. It pays to be the CEO...lucky guy

We have been fighting fires at the Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch (BTSR) for the past 2 weeks. Here are some pictures that Lyman has taken.

As of today Monday April 25th the fires are still in camp. They were able to get out all of the livestock and moved to a place in Balmorhea. But as of today they will be moving them back to camp because the fire is going back to the city. Just can't get a break. Water line in the back country is down. Hopefully it will be able to get rebuilt before camp opens up in 5 weeks. We need all to pray for rain. Hopefully we can also get some donations for feed and hay for the animals.

It's SPRING Time!!

2011-04-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yea! It is finally Spring time here in West Texas. Love all the trees that have come out in bloom. We had such a cold winter that we are ready for the HOT weather. I know, I know, we will want the cold as soon as it gets over 100 degrees this summer, but right now we welcome the warmer weather. On March 15th 2011 ManDee and Scott signed papers as new home owners. They have been living with us since last July and now are excited to move into their own place. After the people moved out and they were ready to move in they decided it needed more work than they orginally saw. So for the next week they were busily cleaning, painting and fixing things so that they could move in. They are finally in now with still much to do, but at least they are in now and I think they love it (better than renting and cheaper too). It does look really nice with the new paint. So that now makes all of the kids in their own homes. We are so proud of them all and for all that they have accomplished. Shad has gotten new job responsibilities with his work and just loves it. He has put his marketing resources from his Masters program into play and really enjoys his job now. Brittany has been able to back off of work, but still works a couple days a week. The kids are growing up so fast we can hardly believe it. Brooklyn loves school, she turns 7 this year, Chandler is starting T-ball,he turned 4 and Easton is 7 months old now and growing up so fast. Can't wait to see their home to see their finished fence in their side yard for the kids to stay in the back yard. Lacey is enjoying her job. Just wish she could get the hours she needs for work, but doing OK. Hard to leave Cameron, but gives daddy time at nights. Tyler is busily working and going to school too. Cameron is 18 months old now and is quite the little man. The have gotten into a nice home and they are now going to put in the other side of the fence and then their yard will be complete. Lyman is busy at work as usual. He has a break from his Masters program also. He has had a hard time knowing what to do with himself as he is not as busy at night. He will start back up the end of the month and then is done in October. Quite an accomplishment for him as it has been a life long goal of his to get his Masters Degree. I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments. Busy guy he is. As for Dee, I'm busy with all kinds of projects for me and others. Finally got money (from Lyman) for my birthday to make us a quilt for our king size bed (which we don't have yet). I have always wanted to make a quilt for our bed and now I have the fabric. Just need the time. We have been working on family history for Lyman's side of the family. So much work to do, but fun to see the families come together. Well this is it for now. We sure enjoyed the conference talks this past conference. Always enjoy reading them when the Ensign comes out. I always pick one or two of the talks and work hard to make them a part of my life. We enjoy what the gospel has done in our lives and are excited to see the growth of each of our children and spouses and now grandchildren.

It's Almost Spring

2011-02-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

Haven't written for a while so I thought I would update the blog. We are so glad that it is almost spring here in West Texas. We had quite a cold blast here and we even hit an all time record. We got as low as -10 with the windchill and that is unusual for this area. It was so cold that it froze our pipes. Even when the plumber said that the new tubing would stand up to the cold to -31. (Has now renigged on that comment). Anyway needless to say it was scary to not have any water at all. Thank goodness we had water bottles that we could use for the time being. It sure makes you stop and think what kind of heat and water backup you have in case of a real emergency that lasts longer than just a few days. Other areas had their electricity go out, but we were lucky ours did not.
This makes us think, "Do we have enough food storage, water, blankets, gas for the generator, some kind of heating, etc. Guess we had better get on this so we won't be out in the cold next time.
For the last 7 months now we have had a lot of things in the house go out. Lets see, dishwasher needed to be serviced, a/c went out, then of course the heater needed to be replaced to make the upgrade of the a/c, water softener went out, we had a water leak in the house from the pipes in the slab under the house, (this plumbing all had to be replaced and they put the pipes in the attic) the water heater went out, (couldn't get a hold of the plumber so Scott and his dad replaced it for us) washer and dryer went out, and now we are waiting to hear about when the shocks on our car need to be replaced (OK enough already). Needless to say we are tired of so many things breaking down. It sure has been a test of our FAITH. We remember the scripture that says "after the trials of your faith the blessings will come." We have been blessed and thank our Heavenly Father for the trials that are sent our way so we can become stronger. Faith builds character ane will leave it at that.

Family Pictures 2010

2010-12-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

Here are our Family Pictures for 2010. The family is sure growing isn't it? We are thankful for each of our children and grandchildren. They are very dear to us. We love you all so much.

During this Christmas season we reflect on all our blessings throughout the year and can't help believe that we have been truly blessed. We have also been blessed with the knowledge of the gospel which is in our lives and the lives of our children. As we reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and all that he has done for us; we hope that we can be examples to others as He has been to us. We hope that this Christmas Season brings much happiness to all of our family and friends.

Easton Kash Gifford

2010-08-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome Easton Kash Gifford, 8lbs 15 oz 21" long. Big boy and glad that everything went OK. Brittany is great now and so is Easton. He had a bit of blood sugar problems but guess it is ok now. They are home now and adjusting to 3 kids now. Welcome little guy. More pictures to come soon. Can't wait to meet you in October.

Utah Trip #2

2010-08-27T10:36:00.001-07:00

More pictures. What do you expect from a Grandma.......Enjoy

Brooklyn and Chandler enjoy the tramp. Dad was outside mowing and the kids were having fun on the tramp.

They love their garden. Everybody helps.

Cookies. When I told the kids I was coming Brooklyn wanted to make cookies like last time. They are doing a mighty fine job. Best part is EATING the cookies.

Brooklyn was doing such a great job. Trying to figure out what color sugar she wants on her cookie.

Chandler loved pouring as much sugar as he could before Dee would see and stop him. Sugar everywhere. Oh well wouldn't be any fun if there wasn't sugar all over would it?

I was able to go see my Mom and Dad in St. George. Before we came to Utah, Dad had a memory loss on Saturday so Leslie and Vicki went to St. George to be with Mom and Dad and take him to the Dr. Les came home on Monday and picked me up on Wednesday and then we made the trip down to see them and Vicki also stayed. It was so much fun reminiscing about old times. Glad Dad is doing better now. He had to have a pacemaker put in, and looks like he had a mini stroke too.

Mom, Dad and Dee

We had the Moore's, Gifford's over to Lacey's house on Sunday and had a BBQ on their new grill. It was a lot of fun. Blake starting wrestling with the kids and they loved it. Even Gramma Dee got involved.

Shad, JJ, Spencer

Guilma, Lacey, Brittany, Chandler

JJ, Spencer, Guilma. Can't believe how big the boys are.

Well guess that is enough of the pictures. Hope you all enjoyed them as much as I have. It was fun to see everyone. I saw David and Kona Dee at Ferta-lawn, Craig and Cynthia and I went to lunch at my favorite place in Bountiful. Mom, Dad, Vicki and Leslie at St. George, Blake and Guilma at Lacey's house. Good times for me as I enjoyed everyone's company. Have to do it again someday. And of course my kids and grandkids. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Utah Trip

2010-08-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures that I took while I was in Utah to see my kids, grandkiddos, siblings and Mom and Dad Moore. Lyman was at the BSA National Jamboree in Virginia for 3 weeks for the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts. We drove my car up to Utah so I had transportation. I had a really great time with everyone so hope you all enjoy the pictures too.

I got to tend Brooklyn and Chandler while I stayed at Shad and Brittany's place. We did a lot of fun things and they loved riding their bikes. Good at it too, both of them.

Chandler riding his bike. He is so funny going down the drive way. He gets on his bike but his tummy is on the seat and he drags his feet to get at the bottom then off he goes down the sidewalk as fast as he can.

Family picture of Shad, Brittany, Easton (tummy) Chandler and Brooklyn. Great picture isn't it.

Family picture of Tyler, Lacey and Cameron. Cameron has gotten 2 bottom teeth so far. Now he has 2 top ones, one more bottom one and can even crawl. He is learning many things right now. His hair just cracks me up. Funny boy.

We went swimming with the gang. Didn't get pictures of Shad's family and Lacey sent this to me for Cameron's first swim party. He wasn't to sure of it.

Tried to get Chandler into the water and all he would say was "I'm going to die". Poor thing, but I got him in and he had a great time. They all went down the water slide and had a lot of fun.

Denali National Park, Alaska

2010-05-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Mountain range in Denali National Park

The grizzly bear came bouncing down the hill on the right side, then crossed the street and down the hill he went. Had to be fast in getting his picture because he went fast.

We were hoping that we would see wildlife and sure enough here are to 2 moose walking down the highway. Awesome, they came right behind us so we sat in the car for a few minutes and they came to eat at the bush behind us.

Got a picture of Lyman as he always gets mine. I had the camera this time!! HA

We saw these swans swimming and trying to catch their food for the day.

We saw about 4 herds of caribou. Some were eating and some were bedded down.

If you look real close you can see about 7 dahl sheep up on the mountain. Amazing how they can climb those rocks.

Alaska is beautiful country. We were glad that we were able to take this drive. We think we were able to see the tip of Mt. McKinley too. We were told sometimes you can see it and sometimes you can't. Guess it is like Mt. Rainer in Washington.

Fairbanks Alaska

2010-05-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

We got to see Santa's reindeer. Don't know which one this is, but seems to be pretty content.

Of course we had to go to North Pole City. This is Santa's house with all of his goodies in there. We didn't get to see Santa as he was on Spring Break. To bad.

This is Dee in Santa's Sleigh. Boy that was fun.

This is Lyman underneath the Santa sign. Pretty big sign so everyone can see where Santa's house is. Even the light poles were candy canes. Pretty cool. Yes, Virginia there is a Santa!!

Here are the trees that had a recent snow storm come through. The one we landed in. YUK!! Going into their camp.

This is the Alaska pipeline. I think it runs 180 miles through Alaska.

This is the Alaska range of mountains still covered in snow. It was awesome to see all the mountain ranges there.

Routine life

2010-04-25T04:20:00.000-07:00

We have not done anything very exciting this year. Winter has been cold and wet for West Texas. We have needed moisture as this area has been in a 12+ year drought. This storm brought us 6" of snow, very unusual for this part of the world. This town has no snow plows so when you get a little the whole town shuts down.

Lyman is working on his Master's Degree so he is very busy with that effort. Dee is working on new quilts, she is making Blue Jean quilts, baby blankets, and normal quilting projects she does.

We are getting ready for some travels this year. Lyman is teaching for National Camp School in Fairbanks, AK in May. He also has his annual meeting which will be in Dallas in May. BSA is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year so lots of activities around this celebration including their National Jamboree. Lyman will be attending and I am spending time with grandkids. Love those grandkids! We will also be attending part of General Conference in October enroute to another conference for Lyman in Las Vegas. During two of these trips Dee will spend time with her parents in their home in St. George, Utah. We have not been to their new home they moved into nearly ten years ago so it is probably time to do so.

We did enjoy a short trip to Florida this spring. Lyman had a conference in Orlando to attend. We took a few days and went to the Florida Keys. That was very interesting, it was in the beginning of spring break. Lyman also went scuba diving one day. Dee has not learned this skill yet.

January 2010

2010-01-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is almost the end of January. Can't believe it is the start of the New Year and even 1 month into it.
After we spent time in Utah for Thanksgiving we were able to come home and rest. Especially after Dee's surgery the first part of November. We were able to have a christmas open house Dec 5th so not much of a rest, but invited some friends from work and church over and had a fun time with good friends and food to eat. The main attraction was our smoked salmon that we brought home from Alaska from our cruise. It was loved by all.
We then waited until Christmas Eve when Lacey, Tyler and Cameron came here to Texas, ManDee and Scott already live here and had them all for Christmas. Of course we had dad's homemade omeletts and muffins that we all enjoyed for breakfast on Christmas morning. We had a good time sharing Christmas together and had some good times. But time went fast and had to send them back home after 10 days.Tyler and ManDee caught a cold and that wasn't fun being sick. We enjoyed their company and especially being able to play with baby Cameron. We did miss Shad, Brittany, Brooklyn and Chandler though.
We now have been back at work and school for Lyman. Weather here in Texas has been pretty cold much of the month. We are excited to have the warm weather once again. Back to the YMCA and eating healthy once again. Excited to see what this year brings. We already know we are going to be grandparents again. Shad and Brittany are expecting their 3rd in Aug.
We hope this year also brings much happiness to all our family and friends this year and hope you all have a Happy New Year.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with Lacey and Tyler this year. Shad, Brittany, Brooklyn and Chandler were able to join us too. We did miss ManDee and Scott not being able to be with us. Lacey cooked her very first Turkey and she did a great job. We all enjoyed it very much. We also got to go to the lighting of Temple Square which we have never been there on that day. We enjoyed ourselves and had a good time with the family. Here are some pictures that you might enjoy...

Beautiful pictures aren't they. We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We love this time of season, but most of all to remember what this season is all about. With all the hustle and bustle we all need to remember that Christ is the reason for this season. We also need to remember those who are less fortunate. Know that we love you all and are proud of all our children and grandchildren. You all make life worth living. Love to you and your familes.

Cameron's blessing

2009-12-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

November 29, 2009 Lacey and Tyler chose this day to get Cameron blessed. Tyler did a great job on the blessing. Cameron was awake the whole time and just looked around during the blessing. It was like he was listening to daddy. It was a special day and we were glad to be a part of it. We were there, Shad and family, Del and Debbie (upstairs), Brian and fiance' (Tyler's friend) and many friends and family there in spirit. It was definately a special day. And doesn't he look great in his blessing outfit? This is Lacey and Tyler's new family picture too. Lyman took this picture and isn't it a great one.

Annual Gingerbread Houses

2009-12-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

ManDee's House

Scott's House

Dee's House

Lyman's House

Chandler's house with Papa

Tyler and Lacey's house

Brittany's House

Brooklyn's House

Still waiting on Shad for his house as he chose to go to the BYU/UTAH game. What's up with that. We all had fun anyway. We love to do this each year as they get better year by year. This has been a family tradition for many years. We have got Brittany, Tyler and Scott to join us and they have all been good sports. We love this tradition and hope to continue every year. Now that they grandkids are up and coming they love to make their own and it was fun watching them. Grandpa would put the frosting on the house for Chandler and then Chandler would pick the candy that he wanted on his house. He loved it. Brooklyn did her house all by her self. Didn't she do a great job!! Of course the best thing about the houses is you get to eat it after....YUM!!!!

TRIP TO UTAH

2009-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Cameron Selby Voris was born on Oct 5, 2009. I was able to come to Utah and help Lacey and Tyler for about 3 weeks. That was especially nice of Lyman to let me go that long and I also got to see Shad's family too. Hated to leave everyone behind when I had to leave but I sure enjoyed myself and am looking forward to Thanksgiving and I will bring Lyman with me.

Mom and Cameron

Cameron. He doesn't look like he just entered this world, does he?

Taking Cameron to the Dr for his 2 week appointment.

Uncle Shad with Cameron and Lacey at the hospital. Grandma Dee made the hat. Cute isn't he!!

Cameron made his way into this world. Here I come, ready or not!!

Proud parents at home. Lacey and Tyler love this little guy and who wouldn't. He is a calm baby. Hope he stays that way. Welcome Little one!!

While I was there Chandler and Brooklyn helped me make a cake for their daddy. It was his birthday. We lit the candles and before we knew it Chandler blew them out. So we got to try again and sure enough he did it again. This kid loves to blow out candles. It was funny, but we did get to at least sing Happy Birthday to Shad and Grandpa using Skype. Then, yes you guessed it, Chandler blew out the candles.

It was a good day to go to the zoo.This is Brooklyn and Brittany on the carousel. It was fun

Here is Shad and Chander also on the carousel. Chandler was having a great time.

I'm not very good at taking pictures. But I at least got the whole family in. Where is Grandpa when we need him.

This was one of Brittany's favorite things at the zoo. The giraffe's. We went on a Saturday and found out it was halloween day too. The kids got to do some trick or treating. To bad we didn't know so they could have dressed up.

Here is the end result of our cookie making day. It was fun for us all.

Grandma Dee got to tend Brooklyn and Chandler so we made Halloween cookies to eat!!!!

Chandler had a good time putting the candy on the cookies. Most of all he got to eat one!!

30th Anniversary Cruise to Alaska

2009-09-16T09:34:00.001-07:00

When we got on the boat there was a dozen red roses and 2 plates of chocolate dipped strawberries for us to enjoy. Happy Anniversary to us both.

Well here we go. We had to have a practice drill on what to do in case of an emergency. Life jackets are the best.

We are on the boat on ready to sail. Alaska here we come.

Yes Virginia there is a Santa and he lives in Alaska!!!

They had the prettiest sunsets in Alaska.

The whales were awesome. We saw about 30 of them and that is the most that they had seen that day. We could watch them all day as they were so cool to watch.

We saw steller sea lions basking in the cool weather. They were having fun swimming together and playing with each other.

One of Lyman's favorite things to do is photograph flowers. Look at the bees on the flowers. This is a type of sunflower.

Lyman and I got to make our own glass ornaments. This is great as we collect ornaments on the places we have visited for our Christmas Tree.

This was in Tracy Arm. We got to see glaciers and they were the prettiest blue that I have ever seen.

30th Wedding Anniversary

2009-08-11T12:40:00.003-07:00

Lyman and I will celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary on August 16, 2009. We got married in the Salt Lake Temple where many family and friends shared the day with us. We can't believe that it has been 30 years already. We are fortunate to make it this far, because you just don't see marriages last this long anymore. Thank goodness we have the church in our lives to help us make it for "Time and All Eternity." We have something to look forward to and we work pretty hard at this marriage so we can be together with each other and our family forever. We are going to go cruising to Alaska in September and looking forward to the vacation. Just want to let Lyman know that I love him and appreciate everything that he has done for me and the family. I love you so much and I'm looking forward to spending another 30+ years with you in my life. Love ya.........Dee

Lyman's New Hobby--SCUBA DIVING

2009-07-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lyman diving with the turtles

The real dive at Balmorhea State Park. It feels like I'm in space. This has got to be the best.

They gave Lyman a coin to say "YOU PASSED!!!

This is Lyman with his full gear on in the BTSR Pool. "This is going to be great, I can tell"

This is the group learning how it's done. Can't wait until the BIG DIVE!!

Lyman had so much fun. Now he says, "Well guess where ever we go we need to let me go scuba diving. He loves this and wants to keep it up. Guess we will see where it takes us.

Lyman at BTSR

2009-06-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Lyman goes up to the scout ranch, BTSR each week and takes people with him to go into the back country. This is his favorite place to be in the summer other than riding horseback. It is a great camp. He even looks the part of Texan with his spiffy hat. Any one want to come down to Texas and have a ride in the back country?????

ManDee and Scott Laing's Wedding

2009-06-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

ManDee married Scott Laing on June 28, 2008 in the Lubbock Texas Temple. It was of course a great day weather wise and had no problems. Being a small Temple you get to take time in the bridesroom and Lyman was told by the Temple President that he will get to have a few minutes with ManDee in that room all by themselves. It was a great honor for them to be in there together for a few minutes alone. Grandma and Grandpa Moore as well as JaNae and Jim Kepple (Aunt and Uncle) came to be here with us as well as Shad, Brittany, Brooklyn, Chandler, Lacey and Tyler and many friends and neighbors to celebrate with us.

Lacey and Tyler's Wedding

2009-06-17T06:35:00.000-07:00

Lacey married Tyler Voris on December 20, 2007 in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a nice day with clouds in the sky. The ceremony which was given by Lacey's grandfather Gene Moore and was especially nice with having a lot of friends and relatives attending the wedding and breakfast. The reception that evening was a different story. The weather decided to pull a fast one and gave us a blizzard. There still were a lot of people that braved the weather and came to give wishes to the married couple and we thank them for coming and braving the bad weather.

We are finally HIP now with our new Blog!!!!

2009-06-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally did the blog thing. Guess we need to keep up with all of our family who has their own blogs. We will see how this goes because Dee is doing this and not very smart about putting this all together...............So be patient.