retiredducks

Finally updating the Year 2011

2012-02-07T11:21:00.023-07:00

Hazel (1) and Stockton (3) Smith

Zackary Maddux 4 yrs.

Hot Dog Roast Madelynn Maddux (2 yrs) with John

Beautiful Blooms in the yard

A trip to Michigan for 12 year old Kaden ordained a Deacon

Reeli (13) with her welcome sign. Very creative!

Kaden Threet 12 years old

Jarom Threet (3) collecting pumpkins

Kaden

Isabelle (4) and Garrett (7 months) Drage

Zackary and Maddie Maddux

A fun and busy year for us. We love visiting the grand kids.

Summer Fun

2011-07-28T14:47:00.016-06:00

Here are a few pictures of our baby's babies. We drove to Cottonwood Arizona to see Katelynn, Josh, Isabelle (3 1/2) and Garrett 2 months old.

More pictures of Grandchildren

2011-04-03T16:13:00.014-06:00

Katelynn and Isabelle came for a visit the last few days of Feb. and the first week of March.

We got together with Zack and Maddie, when someone wasn't sick.
Zack and Isabelle had fun at the Children's museum.Life as grandparents is bliss.

Grandkids of Course

2011-03-08T09:41:00.005-07:00

In February we took a quick trip to help Rachel.

Stockton had new tubes put in his ears and had his adenoids removed.
Stirling was on army maneuvers so we were a helping hand.

Stockton recovered fast. Except for the IV mark on his forehead. Stirling got home after the adenoid surgery, but in time to celebrate his birthday.

Stockton's face doesn't show delight in this photo, but he does like his blue slide.

We always have a great time with our grand-kids!

The Best Decemeber Ever

2011-01-10T10:11:00.024-07:00

December started out by flying to Washington

to be with Hazel when she was blessed.
We drove to Mount St. Helens.
Here are three Helens at Mount St. HelensI volunteered to make a blessing dress for Hazel.

Hazel was all smiles when she arrived at our house .

Having grandchildren here for Christmas is the best!

Let's not forget the bold and beautiful.

How about a game of 'Cornhole'?

More pictures at:
http://madduckfamilysite.shutterfly.com/

For a few moments,
may we set aside the catalogs of Christmas,
with their gifts of exotic description.
—and direct our thoughts to those
God-given gifts that endure.

President Monson, April 1993

Stockton's Birthday

2010-11-14T17:42:00.018-07:00

Stockton celebrated his 2Y birthday in
September
with all the trimmings.

Mom and Grandma made a special birthday cake.
Great 'finger-food.'

Are all these presents for me?
This is the best birthday party ever!

*********

There is nothing wrong with trying on some of these old hats
after eating my birthday cake.

Hey Grandpa come and find me!

More pictures of the party and hats at:
http://madduckfamilysite.shutterfly.com/

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
Anonymous

I am not hungry, but I am well fed;
I am not cold, but I am well clothed.
I am not suffering for a hat,
and when I go outdoors I have my hat to put on;
...I have everything that a man [or woman]
needs or can enjoy
if he owned the whole world.
President Brigham Young, 1870

An Announcement of the birth of our granddaughter

2010-10-21T20:58:00.013-06:00

Announcing (somewhat late) the birth of our granddaughter, Hazel Helen Smith. Born September 12, 2010 at Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Washington. She is 6 pounds, 12 ounces and19 inches long. Her heart is healthy, digestion is flowing, appetite is gargantuan, and lungs are thunderous. All of her wonderful attributes are great blessings from our Heavenly Father. Mother and daughter are doing great.

She arrived with a head of hair and promptly asked for a bow. She then asked for a pink outfit and took a nap. She is all girl.

More pictures at:
http://madduckfamilysite.shutterfly.com/

It is our solemn duty,
our precious privilege—
even our sacred opportunity—
to welcome to our homes
and to our hearts
the children
who grace our lives.

President Monson, 1991

Camping at Capitol Reef

2010-09-06T21:58:00.009-06:00

It just doesn't get any better
than camping with

Grandma and Grandpa.Yep, camping is fun.

Grandpa's in my eyes because I'm in his heart.

The apples are great and you get to pick'em.

We made it all the way to Hickman Bridge.

Come on Grandma, up here with me!

More pictures at:
http://madduckfamilysite.shutterfly.com/

A good man [and woman] leaveth
an inheritance to his
children's children:
Proverbs 13:22

2010-08-26T21:51:00.003-06:00

Collage of snapshots of our grandkids taken during our visits to
Arizona and Washington, the Fourth of July, enjoying a free cookie at the bakery,
and Madelynn's first birthday.
More photos at our new web page -
http://madduckfamilysite.shutterfly.com/.

You [we] are all part
of a great family.
Thank Him
for friends and
loved ones,
for parents and
brothers and sisters,
for family.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, 2001
.

2010-04-27T20:24:00.004-06:00

Oh, grandma I don't care if your living and family rooms are a mess from remodeling. I can have lots of fun with your toys anywhere.

Grandma, why did you tell Madelynn about taking a bath in your new sink? Anyway, my sister say thanks for the fun. Hey, when I pull up on this round cap the water goes out. Did you know that Grandma?

"We urge all senior members,
when possible, to call their families together.
Foster wonderful family traditions
which will bind you together eternally."
President Ezra T. Benson

A personal spa

2010-04-24T22:38:00.003-06:00

The best place to take a bath
is in Grandma Maddux's
new kitchen sink.
How sweet it is!
It just doesn't get any better!

"Everything is a miracle.
It is a miracle that one does not
dissolve in one's bath like a lump of sugar"
Pablo Picasso

2010-04-18T21:11:00.012-06:00

This year's Easter Egg hunt was held in the house due to cold and snowy weather. Madelynn had more fun watching her brother search for eggs filled with his favorite candy. Next year Madelynn is planning on finding more eggs than Zack.

OK, Grandma where's the Easter egg?

Grandma, I'm having a lot of fun at your house.

Grandpa, is it over, no more eggs?
Can I have a Popsicle?

"What a glorious time of the year is Easter!
Easter is the day when we,
with Christian people everywhere,
celebrate the most significant event in human history —
the Resurrection from the grave,
the return to life from death,
of the Son of God."

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Kitchen remodel update

2010-04-02T19:33:00.005-06:00

Remember the pantry when you were growing up?

Well, check out the pantry today!

How about visiting the new island?

Now, do you like the floor color?

"Your treasure map is now in place:
Learn from the past.
Prepare for the future.
Live in the present."
President Thomas S. Monson, April 2008

2010-03-21T17:59:00.013-06:00

The week of March 8, 2010 was very eventful for us. It started early in the Provo City Courthouse where Madelynn Marie Maddux legally became our granddaughter. (although in our eyes she already was our precious granddaughter) Tuesday March 9, 2010 we enjoyed the blessings of having her sealed to Chrissom and Chelsea in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. She wore a dress Chelsea made in college. Zackary, all in white, got to stand next to Chrissom and be part of this event. Even though Maddie cried and Zack tried to climb on the alter we were filled with joy to be there and witness the importance of temple ordinances. On Sunday March 14, 2010 Chrissom pronounced a name and blessing to Madelynn. She was quiet and smiled at the congregation when Chrissom held her for all to see.
The following are pictures of the Maddux Family and all who attended.
Isn't she the sweetest little girl! We love her!

Come on judge hurry up!

Look at all the people who love me.

Modern Tech in Action

2010-02-06T18:04:00.026-07:00

For the past few weeks we have enjoyed 'seeing and talking' to our grandkids who live in Michigan. Thanks to our joint 'web cams' and the internet we can talk face-to-face. We know they are becoming smarter and better looking each week.

Take a peek at the following web cam pictures from this week and see if you can pick the 'real grandkid'.

Think about...

Is this the real Reeli?or...

Is this the real Reeli?

How about.....

Is this the real Kaden?or...

Is this the real Kaden?

Now consider.....

Is this the real Jarom?
or...

Is this the real Jarom?

Now examine...

Is this the real Suzanne?or...

Is this the real Suzanne?

We know that each of you chose the correct picture. Check back for more pictures and more tech in action.

“Those who understand our Heavenly Father’s eternal plan for the joy and happiness
of His children will be better prepared to not only make good choices
but also provide good choices as the information superhighway rolls across the world.
The computer, television, satellite, microchip, and even the telephone all can bless
and enhance our lives, or can make them miserable.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard, July 1996

Christmas

2009-12-29T10:43:00.019-07:00

Now that you've had time to see our Thanksgiving pictures we want to post some of our Christmas pictures. Only the Utah kids were with us for the special day. We miss the others, but we know they are creating memories and traditions of their own.

From our home to yours Have a great Holiday season and a great New Year!

Holiday Festivities

2009-12-27T15:31:00.044-07:00

It's almost 2010 and we haven't posted any pictures of our fun. Rachel and Stirling hosted Thanksgiving Dinner 2009 in Dupont, Washington. Five Maddux children, four spouses and four grandchildren along with grandma and grandpa Maddux were there.

What a grand time we had!

We started off with a trip to the Children's Museum in Seattle.Isabelle Drage

Zackary and Madelynn Maddux

Stockton Smith

We took a walk to the Puget Sound

Threw rocks in the water and enjoyed one another's company. One tired 2 year old took a nap.

We had a great dinner, played games, celebrated Isabelle's birthday the day after Thanksgiving and finished our fun by going to the Boeing Air Museum before leaving for SLC.

Fall Trip

2009-11-12T20:17:00.032-07:00

In October
we traveled again to be with
our grandchildren.

Reeli ran in the
Girls' Fall-Cross-Country match.
She completed the course and
won the cutest and
happiest girl in the race.

Kaden ran in the
Boys'-Cross-Country match.
He completed the course and
won the most
determined and handsome
boy in the race.

Of course, Jarom
won the best cheerleader, hands down.
(all from the comfort of the sidelines).

We took a short trip
to one of the many lighthouses.
The weather was cool,
but our hearts
were warm by being together.

The autumn colors
were bright.

Our next visit will include
a round of golf
with our grandkids.

and beating the 'local pro'.

Create meaningful family bonds that give your children
an identity stronger than what they can find
with their peer group or
at school or anyplace else.
"What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest"
Elder Ballard, October 2005

Fall Carrot Harvest

2009-10-30T15:51:00.005-06:00

Today we celebrated the
First Carrot Harvest on Tameron.

We enjoyed making and tasting
Tropical Carrot Apple Juice.

Through the miracle of life, we planted the seeds and produced
delicious fresh peas, .... carrots, ....onions, and potatoes from our garden.
President Faust, November 1999.

...that a seed may be planted in your heart;
..to enlarge my soul;.. to enlighten my understanding.
Alma 32:28

Busy Saturday for Zack and Madelynn

2009-10-05T22:27:00.003-06:00

I'm going to take a short nap after
helping dad and grandpa
decorate Madelynn's room.

I really like my bedroom
but it's taking forever.
Hurry up you guys
and cut out the horse'n around!

Autumn colors from AmFrk/Alpine-Loop/Cascade Springs

2009-09-29T22:44:00.013-06:00

The colors are brilliant.Nectar for all creatures.Cascade Springs.Lunch is always better with the one you love.

Walk with faith,
rejoicing in the beauties of nature,
in the goodness of those you love,
in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine.

President Gordon B. Hinckley - March 1992

Capturing Madelynn's smiles

2009-09-23T20:32:00.026-06:00

We were fortunate to capture some of
Madelynn's first smiles.

Of course I know who you are.
You are my grandma.

I'm a member of this family

to bring joy and happiness to all.

Hey, where's Zackary?
I want to play with him.

Grandma, you are beautiful. Please go get my bottle.

Do you like my pretty pink outfit?
My mom dresses me in the best colors.

Nap time, but my hands are out and ready to play.
Just wake me up and we will play all day.

Successful families have love and respect for each family member.
Family members know they are loved and appreciated.
Children feel they are loved by their parents.
Thus, they are secure and self-assured.
President Ezra Taft Benson - August 1993

Happy Birthday Zackary. Two Years Old

2009-09-14T19:27:00.010-06:00

Zackary celebrated his second birthday
at Grandma's and Grandpa's
(albeit) a few days late.

Let's get to the present.

Thanks Grandma. Can I play with Elmo now?

Finally, a bowl of ice cream
with Grandpa.
But where's the cake?

"You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake." - Bob Hope

Summer Fun With Our Grandchildren

2009-09-06T22:14:00.018-06:00

Grandchildren are the best creation.
Why didn't we become grandparents first?

Zack loves to sit on Chrissom's shoulders.

Madelynn Marie is the newest grandchild. Born Aug. 12, 2009.

Everyone agrees the party is at grandma's and grandpa's

Come and join the fun!

Fun 4th of July neighborhood parade and breakfast

2009-07-05T22:01:00.006-06:00

Zackary was Grand Marshall and happy about it.

Zackary with 2nd cousin Lily

Announcement of Winners

2009-07-03T14:31:00.017-06:00

The Lily Bud has finally bloomed.
If you entered a guess of:

RED, incorrect

ORANGE or light orange, incorrect

PINK, incorrect

THE CORRECT COLOR IS YELLOW

The common name of the flowers is FOXGLOVE

OUR WINNERS OF THE LARGE PIZZA(S) ARE:
AMY for Foxglove but guessed Orange for Lily.
ROBYN for Foxglove but guessed bright pink for Lily.
RACHEL better luck on the next quiz.

Love is like a flower .... it needs constant feeding. ...
The tender flower would wither and die without food and water.
And so love, also, cannot be expected to last forever unless it is continually
fed with portions of love, the manifestation of esteem and admiration, the expressions of gratitude, and the consideration of unselfishness. Spencer W. Kimball, “Oneness in Marriage,” Liahona, Oct 2002.

Stand tall

2009-06-24T09:23:00.012-06:00

Sometimes we stand alone,

A few Snapdragons in mom's raspberries.

but let's always stand for our values.

How about a bowl of granola, pecans, chocolate chips, and RASPBERRIES
for breakfast?

(Try not to forget the granola.)

"I challenge you to stand for that which is right and true and good."
President Hinckley, June Ensign 1996.

More spring flowers.

2009-06-01T14:51:00.021-06:00

Tulips.

Columbines, Colorado's State Flower

Lily Bud.
Guess the color of the Lily, and win a large pizza from Retiredducks.

Guess the common name of these flowers and win a large pizza.

A lesson from the garden pea:
Our goal is to grab the correct string,
hang on tight,
and grow tall.

"Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing, and gladness. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet; it is the foundation of our faith and an anchor to our souls."
President Uchtdorf, October 2008

Fun times at Grandma's

2009-06-01T14:22:00.004-06:00

Care to join Zackary for a 'dip' in his new pool?

The water is great and there are treats for everybody after we've had fun!See ya at Grandma's and Grandpa's but you better hurry before the water gets cold because Grandma will not heat another pot of water.

"To you parents, express your love to your children.
Pray for them that they may be able to withstand the evils of the world.
Pray that they may grow in faith and testimony.
Pray that they may pursue lives of goodness and of service to others."
President Monson, April 2009

Where is Spring?

2009-04-24T15:17:00.006-06:00

Spring is on its way.

Spring has arrived and Mom's flowers are in bloom!

Zackary enjoyed his first Easter Egg Hunt at Grandma's, finding many eggs with special 'treasures' hidden in her flower beds.

On February 4, 2008, President Monson said he loves the color yellow. He loves it because it gives other colors their light.

On the Lord's Errand: The Life of President Monson. http://www.lds.org/move/index.html?type=conference&event=178&lang=english&articleid=068

Vacation Journey

2009-03-17T22:43:00.005-06:00

Blog Entry - March 17, 2009

Today Stockton began his 2nd vacation journey to Grandma's and Grandpa's home in Sandy. Buckle your seat belt Stockton, hold on as Grandma can't wait.

Do you remember Alma’s counsel to his son Helaman: “Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." Does not Alma's counsel apply to you and me today?

2009-03-01T13:17:00.008-07:00

Not to be outdone by our grand daughters, Zackary has a new hairdo styled to perfection by his grandma and grandpa.

"That is a great and marvelous gift, which we have to give to the world—a true understanding of God. We are His children. It does not matter our nationality. It does not matter where we were born. It does not matter whether our hair is light or dark. It does not matter the shape of our eyes. Each of us is a child of God." - President Hinckley, Valdivostok, Russia, July 31, 2005.

Seeking Tending of Grandchildren

2009-01-26T10:43:00.052-07:00

We are seeking new opportunities for tending our grandchildren. We include the following free services:

The greatest peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwiches!

If one does not like raspberry jam, we offer toe jam sandwiches.

The funniest books to read.

The best seat in the house. On the front row, center section.

The most comfortable bibs in the world!

The greatest free treats all the time.

One never has to shave!

The best baths ever!

The most fascinating "Slim the Snake" stories.

The most current "Slim the Snake" stories.

The most comfortable place to take a nap.

Free hairdo for all the granddaughters.

Fun times playing in the park.

Jarom was just told that he gets to go to Utah and visit Grandma and Grandpa!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-17T10:35:00.006-07:00

Christmas 2008 was most special. We were honored to have three of our six grand children in our home. Our home was filled with love, action, fun, and a heavenly spirit for five days. Our Heavenly Father has blessed us more than we deserve.

Stockton - Zackary - Isabelle

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."
The Family: A Proclamation to the World

2008 Blessings Updated

2009-01-12T17:02:00.003-07:00

The blessings continue to flow in.
Eric and Marie celebrated 1 year of marriage.

Their Christmas was celebrated with Stockton

2008

2009-01-12T09:27:00.039-07:00

Many have said that 2008 was a dismal year, a trying year. However, for our family it was a year of wonderful blessings and miracles from Heavenly Father. Each blessing or miracle was an answer to daily prayers.

JANUARY:

Isabelle is blessed

MARCH:

Jarom is born

APRIL:

Zackary joins the family

JUNE:

Amy returns from Japan

SEPTEMBER:

Stockton is born

OCTOBER:

Zackary is sealed to Chrissom and Chelsea

DECEMBER:

Katelynn, Josh, and Isabelle are sealed

Demonstrate love

2008-12-21T08:22:00.002-07:00

One certain way each can demonstrate genuine love for mother is to live the truths mother so patiently taught. Such a lofty goal is not new to our present generation.
President Thomas S. Monson, January 1974.

Love of children

2008-12-20T21:11:00.001-07:00

"We ourselves can learn from our children and grandchildren. They have no fear. They have no doubt concerning our Heavenly Father’s love for them." President Monson, October 2004.

First/Second years

2008-12-12T11:51:00.009-07:00

Our first year of marriage we were separated by the war in Viet Nam while I was stationed in Thailand and my bride worked for the Genealogy Department.

Our second year of marriage the Army sent us to the war of Fort Hood. Here, we enjoyed being together, sharing our humor of being in the Army, and loosing all sense of time.

Welcome to our blog

2008-12-09T20:24:00.002-07:00

We have been married for 40 years on December 9. We were married in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Here is a snap shot of the beautiful bride on that glorious day. Of course, we could not afford color pictures back then. As a mater of fact there never was 'digital'.