Ranel's Wedding

My mom got married in Decemeber. It was a lot of fun! Since Steve and his family are musically talented, we have a variety show with lots of singing. It was a blast for those of us who were in it, and hoped that everyone liked it too. Here are some pictures from the wedding.

Idaho Happy Feet

As some of you may have noticed, we have an additional blog to our blog list. No, we are not talking about the movie, "Happy Feet," with dancing and singing penguins, we are introducing a new business to our friends and family in the Idaho area. Last year, we purchased an Ionic Foot Bath, which cleanses the body through the feet. It may sound strange, or even impossible, but it works, and you feel a million times better after a soak.
Since we are expecting a baby, we have decided to move back to the Idaho area to be close to family and friends. The foot bath is an introduction to the new world of healing that we are entering. Ted is planning on taking foot zoning classes in March, and will be offering his expertise after the classes. He will use essential oils, energy work, and natural healing techniques to heal and connect the body, mind, and spirit.
Yes, we know, this is way out of our usual business venture of cell phone accessories, but we feel like this is something we can do to help others in ways that retail never could.
Check out our blogspot website for more information. idahohappyfeet.blogspot.com.
If you are interested in an appointment or have questions, call Ted at 808-633-6728, or even me, 208-681-3280. We would be willing to give you a free 30 minute foot soak the first time so you can experience the natural healing power and feel the difference. Thank you for reading! Hope to see you soon! Tell your friends and family. We love referrals and would love to give them the free offer as well. Just have them tell us your name and that you referred them!
This is a great opportunity, because foot bath treatments usually range from $20-$70. Take advantage of the savings and start feeling better today!

5 Years of Adventurous Love

These pictures make me laugh. I love them. The first one is of me and Ted this fall in St. Louis. It is the best most recent picture of us together. And, the second picture, as you already know, is on our wedding day. I look at the two and compare our faces, and we have really changed. Marriage has been good to us. I am so happy to see a few more smile and stress lines, and added weight to our bodies. Those are signs of a good life.

I would sit and list all the things I love about Ted, but you would probably start yawning at number four. Oh, who cares...this is an anniversary post, and I am allowed to dot on my husband every once in a while. Besides, everyone needs a little public pat on the back at least once a year.

A Few Reasons Why I Love Ted:

(These are just the ones I can think of at the moment. There are many more stuck in my memory, but I can't access them.)

He makes up songs about me.

He sings to me.

He dances for me.

He cooks better than I do.

He laughs at me when I throw up, holds back my hair, and cleans the bowl.

He unclogs the toilet.

He is independent.

He is confident.

He is a go-getter.

He is self-motivated.

He is tall.

He is handsome.

He has big blue eyes.

He has curly blond hair.

He has red facial hair.

He's stubborn.

He's strong, inside and out.

He has big muscles.

He likes to cuddle.

He is very passionate about life.

He's adventurous.

He's not afraid of anything.

He's protective of me.

He works hard to make a living for our family.

He has integrity.

He honors his priesthood.

He is dedicated to his religion.

He is honest in his dealings with other people.

He doesn't like conflict.

He doesn't argue.

He's a leader.

He doesn't get mad.

He doesn't lose his temper.

He is gentle.

He has a deep heart and gentle soul, full of love.

He is easy to read.

He has the biggest smile, that lights up a room.

He has a great laugh.

He enjoys BBQing dinner.

He makes the most beautiful dinner creations.

He's creative.

He's open-minded.

He listens.

He likes to socialize and meet new people.

He has tons of energy, and puts it to good use.

He enjoys watching movies.

He falls asleep in movies (he catches the beginning and end-the two most important parts).

He likes to sit on the porch and talk after work.

He takes time to ask me about my day and find out how I am doing before he talks about his day.

He helps me do dishes.

He helps clean the house.

He takes out the garbage everyday.

He eats my leftovers.

He never complains.

He likes to find solutions to problems.

He likes to fix things, even if they're not broken.

He enjoys walking with me every morning, even after his hour long workouts at the gym.

He values my opinion, and listens to what I have to say.

He tries to make all my dreams become realities (I have a lot of dreams).

He loves me.

He cherishes me.

He respects me.

He adores me.

He's kind to me.

He's friendly and outgoing.

He makes friends within seconds.

He has a great memory for names and occupations of people he's met.

He kills the bugs and spiders in our house.

He texts me several times throughout the day to let me know how he's doing.

He calls just to tell me he loves me.

He puts me first.

He is selfless.

He loves his family.

He loves my family.

He loves his friends.

He loves people (in general).

He has a big heart.

He is forgiving.

He is understanding.

He is forgetful.

He is a sifter.

He doesn't like details.

He loves spending money on me.

He is thoughtful.

He is optimistic.

He is positive.

He likes to see other people succeed.

He strives to do and be his best self.

He is accepting.

He is open hearted to all walks of people.

He is Christ-like.

He is genuine.

He cares about people.

He smells good.

He cuddles me in his sleep.

He likes to fall asleep in the same position every night.

He kicks off all the covers, then steals them in the middle of the night.

He is hot (warm-blooded).

He gives me amazing foot massages.

He compliments me, even when I look or feel awful.

He is supportive of everything I do.

He never tells me no, and always comes up with a way to make things work.

He picks up odd ends and things at the store for me.

He never complains about how much money I spend.

He makes sure I have everything I need/want in life.

He enjoys Nicholas Cage, Matt Damon, and Angelina Jolie movies with me (and other action and adventure movies).

He even lets me watch chick-flicks without complaining.

He discusses plans and life with me, and we make decisions together.

He's an open-book.

He only takes five minutes to get ready.

He's a great kisser.

He's a man's man.

He's my best friend.

He enjoys spending time with me.

He makes every second count.

He plans fun activities to do on his day's off, and makes sure I am okay with them.

He opens doors for me.

He's a gentleman.

He's great with kids.

He isn't afraid to get on stage.

He's a great teacher.

He's an incredible public speaker.

He loves the youth.

He makes me smile.

He carries my purse for me when I need him to.

He carries the groceries and pushes the cart through the store.

He treats me like a queen.

He always lets me have the window seat when we fly.

He is patient with my navigating skills.

He keeps me connected to the world through nice cell phones, computers, and Internet.

He encourages me to do things for myself.

He loves when I get ready for him, and will still gawk at me.

He accepts me for who I am.

He doesn't try to change me.

He nurses me back to health when I am sick.

And, he lets me have pets. :)

So, those are a few reasons. I have many, many, more stashed away. Sure love you, Teddy G!

Mama's Fish House, Paia, HI

Have you ever walked into a restaurant that comes highly recommended from more than one source, sat down, and about lost it when you saw the prices on the menu? Yesterday Ted had the day off, and as we do on all Ted's days off, we explore. This exploring expedition took us to the quaint little town of Paia, which reminds us of a mini-version of Jackson Hole, WY, except replace the mountains with ...ocean.

This trip was going rather well. We'd done a little shopping, walking, and driving down unknown roads, until lunch sounded like a good idea. We'd heard of a place off the Hana Highway. It's the last stop in Paia. Mama's Fish House. Doesn't sound too intimidating. More like a roadside stop.

So, we swung our Mustang into the parking lot. Valet service greeted us. Ted rolled down his window and asked if he could park anywhere, and the valet man kindly told us the service was complimentary. Delighted, we jumped out of the car. Well, Ted jumped, I kind of slurped. I'd been snacking on Saltine Crackers, and left a nice crumb trail on the seat. Need to clean that up. Oops. I felt kind of bad leaving a dirty car for valet service to park.

After valet tucked our car into a tight spot, yes, we watched, we were welcomed by a friendly greeter. She was behind a rock pedestal, with a computer inside. She got our names and sent us on our way along a stone path that led to the beach in front of the open air restaurant, and then to an elaborate hostess station. By now, we should've figured out this place was going to be expensive, but we were too enamored by our surroundings.

A hostess informed me that no outside beverages were allowed in the restaurant. I'd brought my water bottle from the car. Luckily, it was almost empty and I relinquished it willingly. I wondered if they wouldn't let us in the restaurant if I'd refused. Too late to test that theory.

We were seated a few seconds later, after a walk through the belly of the place, boasting awards, pictures of famous people, and unique design. The owners were in one picture, smiling proudly. The whole place was packed with people at 2pm on a Monday afternoon, and we were excited that this place must live up to it's reputation.

The hostess showed us where two washrooms were located. Ted left to wash his hands. A waiter (the ones who only fill water glasses) filled my water glass with filtered water. He handed me two wine lists, and informed me that my waiter would be with me in a moment.

Ted returned, and we relinquished our wine menus to a new server. He looked disappointed we didn't order wine. Should've told him we were Mormon, but he was already handing us menus, and suggesting the two most expensive dishes.

We stared at the menus. Neither said a word for a few minutes. I scanned the prices, searching for something under $20. I found it. An appetizer for $18. I joked about ordering that. Ted suggested a sandwich for $30. I gulped and told him I'd rather get a real meal for $42, only $12 more, with all the fixings. He laughed and said he'd get the most expensive item on the menu then. And, we did, ordering the exact items the server suggested.

After ordering, I asked Ted if he thought anyone had gotten up and left the restaurant after looking at their prices. He was going to suggest we do that before I told him I would just get a real meal for $42. We laughed, wondering if we'd made the right decision to stay. Too late now. They were probably already cooking our food.

I got up and washed my hands. The washroom looked like it belonged in one of my interior design magazines. I stayed in there and surveyed the ornately carved wood changing table that looked more like a hallway table that belonged in a million dollar mansion.

Returning to the table, I checked out the unique design of the restaurant. There were sugar cane augers and boats used as upright supports. The roof was made of tan tarps, stretched tight like sails on a boat. The wall behind us was made of wood, like the exterior of a cottage from the island. And, the back walls were rock. The floor had tile, with rock walkways where the high traffic areas were. And, the wicker chairs we sat in were surprisingly comfortable. I sat back and enjoyed the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean as we awaited the arrival of our food.

Poppysead bread arrived a moment later, along with a cup of soup, compliments of the chef. Mine was whisked away a few seconds later, as the server knew I was allergic to coconut, and that was a main ingredient. The soup was replaced with pineapple slices. So sweet! I ate all of them, until my tongue was numb.

The main dishes came later. They were huge! And the food, beyond perfection. My plate had mahimahi, fried bananas, Hawaiian sweet potato, poi, pulled wild boar meat, and tuna salsa. I consumed the mahimahi, which I never do, because I hate fish, but the server reassured us that all the fish was caught daily, by select fishermen from the island, and since it was never frozen, it didn't have the fishy taste. He was right, it didn't. The menus had the name of one of the fishermen, like he was famous or something. I would google him, but his last name was too hard to remember. His first name was Shawn though. The guilt washed away with every heavenly swallow. I almost cried at the amazing taste of the fish, wondering why I hadn't taken advantage of this delight before. I haven't had a meal that good since Chico Hot Springs in Montana. Then again, the prices are comparable.

After being offered desert, the bill came. Ted estimated $100. And, after the tip, our bill came to $114. Ted shook his head as I signed the receipt. We'd never paid that much for lunch before. Dinner, well, that was a different story.

We lingered, and enjoyed the beach for a while watching the wind & kite surfers, taking our time to get back to the car. If we were paying for the ambiance, might as well take advantage of it. Along the way, we counted 3 menus and asked ourselves why we didn't look at them before entering. But, it was a memory maker, and a record breaker. I reminded Ted that lunch was just a meal, like dinner. And, as long as we enjoyed our time together, it was priceless. He agreed, and we drove away a little happier than we did leaving our seats.

Unfortunately, the valet got short changed. Ted told him that we would give him more, but $2 was all we had to spare because the people at the restaurant stole the rest. Ha ha...gotta love Ted and his humor.

Overall, very pleased. The reviews are true. But be prepared to dish out the dough when you visit Mama's Fish House in Paia, HI. It's more than just a roadside stand.

Oh, and funny fact: We paid only $6 more at Costco for a two week supply of food that same night.

Harvest

Sunset over the pines in Island Park

My mom and Steve at the EISF.

Me and Ted at the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

Josh Turner Concert

West Yellowstone, Montana. God is watching over you.

Harvest

We put a clear bra on the cars. And, tinted their windows. Ted got the lights smoked on the Stang. If you ever want tint done, go to Dave's Tint Shop in Pocatello. They do amazing work. And, their fast.

Sunrise over my mom's front lawn

Linear. Keep it walking straight, or you're going to be in a world of hurt.

Missy, Sparkle, and Pistol.

Stetson and Cisco.

Ted took me to Bar J Wranglers. We had a blast! It is the best tradition we've ever had.

We also drove through the Yellowstone National and Grand Teton National Parks. Amazing how two plates colliding can create such a masterpiece.

Harvest sunset

Pierce (Adam and Morgan's little boy), loved riding in the tractor with me. We had so much fun bonding. It is the first time I've spent any amount of time with him. We had an awesome bond. He became my best friend and tractor navigator. He even knows how to drive! He is only 18 months in this picture. Such an incredibly smart boy. I don't think I've ever met a baby so smart and observant. He has sooo much personality. I LOVE IT!

Pierce loved my sunglasses. When he got bored driving the tractor, and the radio didn't keep his attention enough to dance, he would turn around in the seat and slowly pull my glasses down. Then, when he saw my eyes, he would laugh and put them back in place. This was repeated a couple times, then he'd move onto something else. Like climbing on top of the steering wheel and full body driving.

Getting done early for the day, because of breakdowns. I ran the grain cart again. We had tons of those this year. It seems like every year brings surprises, and your planned two week harvest turns into three, or four. But, this year, we thought we'd be great, because we got a new combine. Turns out, the old one worked just as good. If not better. Grr... So, we had another three and a half week harvest. That makes for long weeks, as I stay at my mom's home, and don't get to see Ted except on the weekends.

Adam with the combine. We packed lunches and toilet paper, because once we get started, we go until all the trucks and bins are full. This makes for 12 or more hour days. For three weeks. Weekends included. The only day we get off is Sunday. Gotta love them!

My mom and Steve. Steve really proved himself. He worked side by side with us through those long hours, and into the night. I think this really helped my mom open her mind about him, and come to respect him more.

Old combine and trucks

New combine

Love this picture. One of my favorites. Nothing but grain fields, a combine, and sky.

Harvest went relatively well. I thank Ted for those Sunday days off. I needed them.