last post of 2011

We've never been big partiers - just hang out with the family and yell "Happy New Year" IF we make it that long! So, here we sit - watching TV, eating our last bowl of ice cream (17 Day Diet begins January 1st), playing Plants vs. Zombies (iPad) and counting down the minutes! We did splurge on sparkling cider! We aren't total losers - we did our food shopping, took Gma to War Horse (this was a tough one for me as I love animals), dropped into a reception (open house) then came home to 'veg'! After a busy holiday season - vegging is my favorite thing to do!

Christmas was GREAT this year! We had a FUN time - everyone came home except Schuyler and Whit as they went to their own Christmas cabin in Utah. The report back to us was they had an amazing time - starting their own family tradition! We missed them but I love to see families establish their 'own thing'. We had a house-full of family - all beds were filled - not a lot of wiggle room. Three of us (me, Ashley and Cameron) were so fortunate to be sick for the entire time - kind of miserable but we made it through. A week before Christmas, I came down with the dreaded 'bronchitis' but got to the doctor for some antibiotics and breathing treatments which saved the day. My poor family had to listen to me hack all day long and for that, I apologize.

Note: Just thought I should mention that we do not have any snow - only a light dusting from a small storm that came through last night - no snow! I've lived here for over thirty years and I've never seen anything like it nor has anyone else. 40 degrees during the day! Hummmmm, what's going on here?

During some of my 'vegging-sessions' I've been trying to contemplate what to do (different) for 2012! What a daunting task! Better not think about it too much OR I'll get stressed - haha (who me, stressed?). I am setting goals rather than resolutions - I didn't for many years but feel it's much more productive to set goals. I was fortunate enough to be able to reach many of the goals I set for this year! Rah-rah-rah! Don't think I'll divulge, just yet, what I've decided on - but maybe later I'll give you a sneak peek.

My overall view of 2011 - challenging - very challenging, not only for our family but for the world as a whole. I'm hoping 2012 will be calmer - maybe a little breather before anything else comes our way. I do have a feeling that world and national events will not be calm - but will continue to escalate in scope and intensity - that's just the way the world is going. It's a little scary to think about but I just keep reminding myself that 'God is in charge' and my faith in grows stronger and stronger every day I'm alive and witness what's happening around me.

Hang in there family, hang in there friends - we'll make it with each others help.

happy new year -

2012 here we come, ready or not!

r.u.s.h. triathlon - 2011

I am finally getting around to posting these photos because I gave them to Bob for Christmas. I backed them with foam core and now they are in his office. I really didn't know what photo to 'do up' for him so, I made a collage hoping he would pick what photo to settle on! Well, he hasn't so, he's stuck with the collage!

He did a great job this year in his race - finished a great time and amazingly finished! I wouldn't expect anything different as he's one stubborn guy and would drag himself over the finish line if he had to - but he didn't have to - of course he ran across the finish line. I'm sure there are many races ahead of him.

I'm getting my 2011 blog book ready to print and will change the date of this post soon to fit it where it belongs - so it will disappear from this spot in a few days - just in case you were wondering - haha - like you were wondering - haha!!!!!!!

happy anniversary to us - 43 years and going strong

Oh man - it's here . . . again . . . an anniversary. This year, we're totally boring, and I do mean BORING! We were going to head south and spend the weekend but guess what? We have (3) dogs and have a really hard time getting away. Two of the three dogs are old and would be really stressed if they went to a kennel. So, we stay home. I did get a good 'tip' on what to do with the dogs so next time we can get away AND no not put them to sleep ! ! !

This is what we did! Went to dinner with grandma to Wingers ! ! ! Okay, when you stop 'booooooing' I'll continue! She offered to take us to dinner and when our trip south fell through we thought, why not. We never got used to 'fancy' anniversaries as it falls so soon after Christmas that we were always broke and had to settle for the simple when it came to us! Having (7) kids and going through Christmas was like squeezing blood out of a turnip - just wasn't anything left after the holiday. So, don't feel sorry for us, we're used to it - lame as it might be!

Has being married for 43 years been easy? No, might I say, "Heavens NO!" Has it been worth it? "Absolutely-positively YES!" The BEST is yet to come!

christmas memories - christmas eve favorites 2011

“If there is one single secret to long life, that secret is moderation.”

― George Gallop

December 31, 2011

Forgive me - it's taken awhile to post this special announcement - grandbaby #15 - and proud of it.

This (above) photo happens to be my favorite photo of Cortney and Ashley before baby Theo arrived. It doesn't need any explaining - pretty much speaks for itself. Cortney (my son) reminds me so much of my father as my father used to look at my mom the same way he is looking at Ashley!

After some scary months prior to Theo being born, November 22nd was such a relief to his family as Theo was born - all tests indicating that he is normal in everyway - just a little squirt and he is now (as of December 17th) a whooping 5 lbs. 10 oz. When he was born, and when this photo was taken, he was 4 lbs. 6 oz. I was so happy to be able to be at his birth and was able to take photos of his grand entrance and first breath! Lucky Grandma Berta.

Medical opinions were that the outcome for baby Theo would be any where from still-born, severe birth defects or mental retardation. Ultra sounds found problems and some doctors were skeptical as to the outcome. Family and friends from all over the world joined together in fasting, prayer and MUCH FAITH in behalf of baby Theo as whatever Heavenly Father had in store for this little soul we, as a family, would meet head-0n. This little family has been blessed in so many ways. WELCOME to the family Theodore Bunker Boice!

journal update

HOME SICK:
No, I'm not away from home - I'm sick at home! Not too bad but could get worse - it's the yearly 'dread' that has struck - hacking-never-ending cough, snot nose and assorted other physical ailments. Do you know the sweetest thing? I received a blessing tonight from two people I love very much - hubby and son Shawn - saying I will be over this sickness soon and I'll be able to enjoy the holidays. I will remember tonight for a long time - thanks Kandee for holding your nose and breath for as long as you could (so you wouldn't get sick) and sitting close by. So thankful I have people in my life that have a deep faith in God and live good lives to be able to give such sweet blessings.

Above is another reason I love my hubby - he leaves sweet messages like this to help me cope with life at times! When I traveled to Utah to be with Cortney and Ashley about a month ago, I left him messages to find during the day and hubby retaliated with messages like that above! That was a nice unexpected retaliation! I keep all his messages in a file and once in awhile pull them all out and read them - super sweet and super thoughtful! He does nice things like that!

So glad I got some wrapping done yesterday as Grandma came over and we wrapped until it was done. Family will start showing up this week about Thursday evening. I'm pretty darn excited to see everyone. All will be here except Whit, Schuyler and boys as they're going to do Christmas in a cozy cabin in Utah. They will be loosing their dog Taho (my granddaughter) soon as she has cancer and they figure they will have to put her down after the holidays (tumor growing so fast) - there's nothing harder than having to say goodbye to an amazing family member, your pet (actually your kid)!

FAMILY IS COMING THIS WEEK ! ! ! NEVER ready BUT always excited to see everyone! I'm SOOOO excited to have grandkids here on Christmas morning - loved watching them last year at the Christmas Cabin and will love to see the wonder in their eyes once again. I guess early morning wakeup call will be part of the territory! Our new grandbaby (a whooping 5 lbs now) Theo will be here but I probably won't be able to hold him with my cold as he's just too small to chance any kind of infection. I remember when Cooper was born I wasn't able to hold him for over a month as I was really sick then. CHRISTMAS, I'm excited it's almost here - I'm needing it for many reasons.

3 years - that went fast!

Today, I was released from Young Women (presidency) in our ward! I knew it was coming as it has been three years since we were called however, I thought it would be the first of 2012 that we'd be released. Not! I didn't think it would be as hard as it was - it was hard! Bitter- sweet actually - ready for a change but loved the girls enough to know that I would truly miss associating with them on a regular basis.

We spent some fun-crazy times together and some deeply spiritual times as well. Tonight there was a knock at the door and Amanda Moeller (in my class) came by with a plate of cookies that she made and a sweet card. Then I got comments from other girls. This one touched my heart from Ariel:

"You taught me so much! I had a very great start to my teenage years because of you! Remember the pencil tease??? Hahahah lovvvvved that! I will definaltely remember my proud months as president and being able to work with you all the way threw! I'll always be grateful to you and how much you have impacted my life! I'm definaltely crazy and mustve been.. Interesting to work with:) !! I'm so happy to be in your guitar class and get to exPeriment with the instrument! Oooooooo hhh remember the heart attacks the class did? I thought that was a huuuuuge success! Elizabeth still talks about how much she misses you guys, and says the leaders over there aren't nearly as caring and kind!!! I enjoyed my beehive experience much, and miss it to this day! You are ammmmaaaazinnnggg!! I would totally would type more, but I'm on an iPod an I already have many spelling errors! Again I'm so grateful you are part of my life!!"

See, hard to leave!

something to think about

t. y. l. e. r.

just a thot

“Maturity is the capacity to endure uncertainty.”

― John Finley

morning musings . , .

News Flash: it's cold outside (26.7 degrees) - not our first snow but definitely looks like winter is fast approaching - the 'gray' is back. I'm trying to grasp onto any 'fall' that is left on the ground (the crunch of leaves - even if they are all brown) but as I look at our trees, the leaves are gone so it's almost like it gives winter permission to move in.

Christmas music is playing in the background (can you hear it?) and I'm all snuggled in with my three dogs laying by my feet - you getting the Norman Rockwell visual? Working on Christmas for the family and ordering 'on-line' this year. I posted 'that' thought on facebook and got a rebuttal from a business owner that wasn't pretty! Oh well - I pretty much support the local businesses all year long - no worries.

Grandma and I are going to sneak away this afternoon to the show and see Breaking Dawn - crowds should be pretty small especially where it's snowing outside! Self-control! Pretty impressed how I've waited this long before racing to the theater! I'm pretty much a Twilight geek - I'm old, NOT DEAD!

These beautiful eggs are brought to you by chickens that live near the Tetons - aren't they beautiful - and delivered here in our little town! Bob picks them up on his way to school (supply your own egg cartons) - organic and delicious! Still trying to eat healthy - up a few pounds but holding steady!!!!

Let's make it a point to HAVE A GREAT DAY!

just a cup of comfort

Yummmmmm, can you smell it – comfort soup is cooking on the stove . . . .

It’s been a wild and crazy few weeks and nice to sit for a minute and take it all in. I remember a talk given not long ago by a wise and wonderful man who gave examples of many challenges he faced in his life and the life of his family – not easy challenges – from everyday things to actual death of a grandchild. He remembered something his mother said, “Come what may and love it!” Now, in theory, it would seem simple but to actually apply it to ones life is something all together different.

“Come what may and love it!”
My family had a few trials come along in the last little while and tried applying this sage-wise advice and you know what? It works! There’s always something good in everything you experience - you just have to look for it. Sometimes you don’t find it immediately but be patient, the answer WILL come. Our ‘emotional-selves’ always react immediately to a situation – but if you allow a little time to pass, things clear up and come into ***focus*** for what they really are – a teaching moment. Things happen for a reason and God teaches us lessons we need to learn in ways that only He can teach.

“Come what may and love it!”
Some lessons come in the form of jaw-dropping, paralyzing events and we wonder “why” or “how" could this happen”? I think the hardest thing to do is watch your own child suffer – I actually can’t think of anything more gut-wrenching. I would much rather take the pain of this life than watch my child(ren) be subjected to it. But, that’s not part of God’s plan – we’re here to learn and grow, make mistakes – correct mistakes and go on – head held high because we are His child.

The first thought that comes to mind, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10).

The future looks bright and full of possibilities.



Now, for a bowl of that soup - so good - just a cup of comfort.

i am thankful for . . .

(please scroll down and turn music off . . . i know, it's a pain - so sorry!)

j u s t a t h o t . . .

“It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.”

― Abraham Joshua Heschel

uggggg, daylight savings time

Disclaimer: I hate the word hate . . . just thought you should know:

Some people hate winter - I hate day light savings time . . . UNTIL I heard something on a television program the other day. They said that the lack of sunlight is, at times, good for us. We as a society try and rethink nature (prolonging daylight for an example) by creating something like day light savings time. When you think about it, NATURE is the wisest of all - there is a reason the sun doesn't stay around as long in the winter - nature has its reasons therefore it must be good for us.

Since I heard that explanation I have changed my mind and will ACCEPT less sun in the winter just knowing that it's good for us - for some reason.

Note: I just had to get a post in on 11/11/11 at 11:11 pm ! ! ! !

thank you veterans

"YOU" were blessed - "YOU" came home - some did not! I have "MY" freedom because of "YOU" . . .

Forever grateful to "YOU"

H u g s , B e r t a & f. a. m. i. l. y.

from fall to winter - just like that / self doubt

"fall get-away"



Our fall has been a little strange this year - went from 60 degree weather to 20-25 degree weather just like that! Pretty shocking to the system. I do have to confess something today in front of 'everyone' - for the first time since we moved to Idaho some 39 years ago, I do NOT want winter to come - I simply had too much fun walking and biking this summer. With the cold weather has come 5 lbs of unwanted baggage however, I am attacking it - go away, go away!

"nature's cathedral"

I have fallen off the blogging wagon and had to do some self-analysis to figure out why! Not sure I came up with a satisfactory answer but I think it comes pretty close! It all stems from 'self-doubt' - (((((conversation with myself: #1 - who cares what I have to say? #2 - who'll ever read all this journaling anyway? #3 - am I wasting a bunch of time & money? #4 - my life is boring, boring, boring !))))) I hate it when I do that - doubt myself! I'm pretty confident in most areas of my life but EVERY-ONCE-IN-AWHILE 'doubt's' ugly little head pops up. I decided to banish it from my life ONCE AGAIN - so here I am blogging.

"eyes to heaven"

I'm easily distracted as well - think I might be A.D.D. - have so many things that interest me but really can't focus on any of them so I wander from thing to thing. I have a remind myself to focus, focus, focus. I think it maybe why I keep so many lists - to keep me on track. Really, nothing wrong with that - just can't F.O.C.U.S. "Doctor, please give me your opinion on this matter!"

"fall at waters edge"

So many things have happened since I last wrote - "END OF WORLD" as noted in my daily planner (October 21st) - sure GLAD it didn't happen, we would have MISSED HALLOWEEN ! ! ! I was listening to Glen Beck's radio show one day when he commented on the event and I laughed and laughed! He thought the guy who predicted the END of the WORLD should have gone out in style by leaving a heap of clothing in the middle of a room (depicting the rapture) for someone to find ! ! ! Get it? How FUNNY is that?

"fall at north fork of the snake river"

We had our 3rd annual Halloween Carnival at church and it was SUCCESSFUL and FUN! The young men and young women organize and 'man' the booths for all the younger children and, as an added bonus, this year the special needs children/teens were invited to the carnival as well.

"swan valley delight"

The next day Grandma and I traveled over an hour to what we thought would be her hearing-aid fitting BUT, found out they totally LOST her impressions (molds) and would have to travel over an hour to have the impressions taken again! I was a little 'miffed' but got over it quickly because I always love getting out of town. We hooked up with Whit and kids briefly and headed to Costco for a little fun-time. The boys are getting so big and so fun - always love walking down the toy aisle with them - their faces are precious beyond belief when they see something they love - priceless.

"fall creek dreaming"

As you can see, Bob and I got out and took some photos of the fall colors - so beautiful this year - our area has some gorgeous colors and scenery. This season is one of my favorites and doesn't last long enough in my opinion. Now, we have to wait an entire year for it to return - maybe that's why I appreciate it so much!