The Saga Continues. . . .

We've had quite the weekend. We started with six baby chicks and one baby goose. Dan built a fancy brooder to house our precious fowl. Something was amiss in the coop, one of the bigger chicks was being pecked right down to the skin. Dan separated them. But alas at no avail, they continued to peck her and a couple others. I am new at this business so I had no clue these little rascals would turn on each other. Put a bunch of women in a small space and look out. . .there will be some pecking going on. It's hard for me not to be graphic in my description of what transpired. Oh my heck, the large chick that was being picked on was near death on Saturday morning. Dan gently placed her in a shoe box for her to die. Well the day went on and she was still alive in the shoe box in the dumpster. We now call our dumpster. . .the "dumpster of death". Ethan, the soft hearted lad that he is, decided he'd better take matters into his own hands and put the little chick out of it's misery. He got his BB gun and asked me to leave. He didn't want me to witness what was about to happen. I assured him that I could handle it but he insisted that I go in the house. It was hysterical to watch him and his friend, Dixon attempt to put an end to the suffering. They were so cute (tender-hearted) and a bit on the jumpy side. Ethan said it was hard enough for him to do it, that he didn't want me to watch.

We decided (actually Dan decided) that the chicks had their feathers and they could be put outside, the open space would alleviate all the back biting (get it? back biting). That evening as I checked on them one last time, I thought they looked cold as they huddle together in the pasture. The truth is, Dan was tired of cleaning up their messing in the fancy brooder.

To my shock on Sunday morning, Dan informed me that they were all dead. It appeared that a Magpie or pies had gotten to them in the night. Those damn Magpies (excuse my French).

The baby goose, Francesca was alive. She is the intended mate for Frank, the old fart. We put her in the pasture with the other large animals and Chester, the duck has taken her under her wing. Frank, has left Ophelia, the goat and has turn his attention to the two new ducks. The ones we held the contest to name, it's probably prudent that we wait to name them as we see if they live. You put a name to an animal and it becomes personal. What will become of Francesca? Will Frank ever imprint to her? We intended them to mate for life and hatch us some mini Franks. The saga continues on the Balls Ranch. Stay tuned!

Taylor is holding one of the now deceased chicks. It's a tragedy.

P.S. Ethan, Dixon and Luke decided that Cheeks (the pregnant goat) needed a proper burial. Just before dusk they set out to dig a grave back by the dog run. I just had to watch this adventure unfold. They worked as a team, with Ethan spouting out the orders. It grew dark and cold, and I was asked to bring them a flashlight. The hole got deeper and deeper, as they tried to estimate the size of Cheeks. I suggested that they get Cheeks' body out of the Dumpster before it was too dark. They placed gardening gloves on their hands and painting masks on their faces and dove into the Dumpster and the fortunate Ethan stayed on the outside to lift out the goat. Can you tell who's in charge here? The boys wrapped a string around the gathered tarp and Ethan lifted the body out. They all gagged a few times in the process. I laughed to myself as they dragged the tarp to the back. They were three boys on a mission, an important mission. I held the flashlight as they shoveled dirt onto Cheeks as well as the masks and gloves. I didn't want to wear those gloves while gardening. Dixon said a couple of times that tonight was a GREAT NIGHT! ! I cracked up.

Sad News about Cheeks

Our pregnant goat named Cheeks died this evening. We surrounded her body as she took her last breath. She's the one on the right. We think she was trying to deliver last week and the babies died thus causing her death. She too was wrapped up into a tarp and gently placed in the family dumpster. We've found that living on our little farm, death is common place. It's an adjustment for all of us except for maybe Dan. You didn't hear me say that he was cold hearted when it comes to farm animals. I'll deny it.

Looking on the bright side of 50

PERKS OF BEING 50!
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you. 2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first. 3. No one expects you to run--anywhere. 4. People call at 9 pm and ask, did I wake you???? 5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac. 6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way. 7. Things you buy now won't wear out. 8. You can eat supper at 4 pm. 9. You can live without sex but not your glasses. 10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans. 11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge. 12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room. 13. You sing along with elevator music. 14. Your eyes won't get much worse. 15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off. 16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service. 17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either. 18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

Win Big Bucks by naming the Ducks

No using Pink as a name. . . .

They could be a boy or girl,

unisex names

Shaquira's final resting place

Her final resting place. . . our Dumpster

Poor Shaquira passed away as she drank from the animal's small plastic swimming pool, we think she fell in and to my great surprise, chicken's can't swim and their feathers aren't water proof. Who knew!

Reasons Why I Blog. . . . .

The wonderful quotes from President Hinckley and President Erying are one of the reasons that I blog. It's a marvelous way to journal and scrapbook at the same time. A blog makes for a much more interesting read. I also blog to keep in touch with family and friends. To those of you that have the courage and time to visit my blog. . .bless you. Much of what I write, may not be of any interest to many, but it will serve my posterity and I will be doing as the prophets asks. My plans are, at the end of this year, I will have my blog printed and bond. Won't that be a awesome journal for 2008! ! ! ! There are great sites that will do this, it's pricey but worth the money.


"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experience." Gordon B. Hinckley, 2006

"To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest to you that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous education effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many--now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings." --President Gordon B. Hinckley


"When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day... The prompting came to me, I'm not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down. I recorded those things so that my children could have the memory someday when they would need it. Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today? I urge you to find ways to recognize God's kindness." --President Henry B. Erying

King of the Hill

Our fun little Gilbert loves to stand on your back.

It's his way of being the King of the Hill.

Dan, Livi and Gilbert

Gilbert popping Danton's back

Megan and Gill

Amber, Ashlynn Evans and Gilbert . Our great neighbors

Motto to live by . . . .

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, Pepsi in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming

'WOO HOO what a ride!'

What makes me SMILE

Many smiles begin because of another smile

Dan with the grand kids and his new baby chick brooder

Sharing our animals with Olivia and Megan, they share our love of animals

Brady and his mini me, Konnor. Seeing the expression of joy on Brady's face is PRICELESS. He make a great day someday.

Hanging out with my favorite guy, Bill. Enjoying our beautiful home both inside and especially outside.

How happy Brady and Jess are!

Jess and Konnor, the counter or table monkey. Jess is Konnor's best friend. He just loves her to death

Having family dinners and getting birthday bikini cake with grandpa and Nancy. . .YUM

Just another day

Feeding Gilbert, he always so ravenous

Some's sleeping in my bed. Cricket and Livi watching cartoons together

Dana and Taylor holding one of our new baby chicks

Dan and Dana together again

My sweetheart, Billy Bob

Ethan holding Baylee as he plays X-Box or something. Baylee seems to be enjoying it.

She has left a profound impact on many

My dear friend, Deniece lost her battle against breast cancer on April 2. She peacefully slipped away at 6:25 p.m., surrounded by her family. Wow, the seven year battle has ended. She has been in some sort of pain for the entire time. No more. It seems so weird to see her name in my email addresses and know I won't be emailing her anymore. I'm so thrilled for her though, to be pain free and have a whole and healthy body (spirit).

What a lady. She has left a mark in so many lives. She will be missed. I write this as tears trickle down my cheeks and my heart aches a bit. I only cry for myself because of the hole there will be in my life. Twenty-Five years of friendship, seems like a life time of memories.

Do you think she'll see President Hinckley. I'm so jealous.


I didn't sleep much last night so I will close for today. But one more thing before I do. Deniece asked me to write in a journal everyday, something that I have to be grateful for. Today's entry will be, "I am so grateful for a wonderful friend named Deniece." Good night all.

To the Liljenquist Family

Comfort In The Hour Of Death by

Heber C. grant

"I can testify of my absolute knowledge that nothing short of the Spirit of the Lord ever could have brought the peace and comfort to me which I experienced at the time of [my son] Heber’s death. I am naturally affectionate in my disposition. I loved my last and only living son with all my heart. I had [built] great hopes on what I expected him to accomplish. I expected to see him a missionary proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I hoped that he might live to be a power for good upon the earth; and yet, notwithstanding all these aspirations that I had for my boy, I was able, because of the blessings of the Lord, to see him die without shedding a tear. No power on earth could have given to me this peace. It was of God. And I can never speak of it or write of it without feelings of gratitude filling my heart, far beyond any power with which I am endowed to express my feelings."

Kelly, Kandace, Chase and Wilson. . . .please know that you are loved by many. I know you have felt the prayers of hundreds, what a testimony of the love and compassion that our Savior has for each of us. No one will know the pain you feel at this time as you let Deniece return home. You've done all that you could and can let her go with peace in your hearts that this is the Lord's will. You have been so remarkable in your care for Deniece. She couldn't have had a better husband, as you Kelly. She loved you very, very much as you did her. Please feel peace and comfort that all is well.

We have so many fond memories of the times we've spent together. Over the last 25 years, we've been through a lot. There are too many good times to count. In our times of trials and sorrow, you were always there to support us and we hope to do the very same for you. I appreciate the time I was given to be with Deniece these past few months. I will always cherish them and keep them close to my heart. Thanks Kelly. I've learned much from you and Deniece. . . .your example of patience and most of all compassion. Thanks for letting me be apart of this process of the Plan of Salvation.

We love you all,

Jan and Dan

Update on Deniece

Around 7 p.m. tonight, Kelly (Deniece's husband) called and said that Deniece wasn't getting any better. Her breathing was growing more difficult and her tumor was growing. Kelly asked her if she had been praying about her condition and she said, "yes." Kelly asked her what had Heavenly Father told her and she said, "to come home." With all things considered, they decided to end her suffering and put her into a morphine induced coma but would continue giving her oxygen. I was told that she was at peace with dying and was ready.

I will miss her terribly but know she has alot to offer Heavenly Father in the Spirit World. She'll be a great asset there and will bless many lives as she did while here on earth.

Deniece's valiant battle with cancer

Deniece is still in the American Fork Hospital struggling to stay alive. I have such mixed emotions. . . I want her around a little longer but I know she's suffering. I never really got to tell her good bye and how much I loved her and learned from her. She is an amazing person, touching countless lives.

If she can get well enough to leave the hospital, she'll be taken home to live out the rest of her days. She's not afraid to die. She feels like it's just not time. I hope so. . . selfishly, I want one last visit with her.

They called their son, Willie, who is serving a mission in France, to let him know of his mother's condition. He seemed to handle the news as well as could be expected. Before leaving on his mission, he knew there could be a possibility that she wouldn't make it until he got home, but he knew he was to serve a mission.

All that we can do is pray that she will feel comforted and be at peace, and that her family will also. Years of suffering, and she still feels like she needs to be here on this earth. She's an amazing lady. She asked me one day if I knew what she should be doing, what could she do to find favor with her Heavenly Father. That was a hard question for me to answer. We also talked about the two long years of Willie's mission. She said that he wanted her to pick a gift that he could bring her from France and said I want nothing more than to have Willie come home and watch a movie with me like they often did before his mission. The past year and a half have been spent just trying to endure all the pain and suffering and do all that could be done medically to kill her cancer so she would be here when Willie gets home in August 2008. She's an amazing lady.

We have gotten to have her one more day. I know Kelly is grateful for that blessing!

Deniece's daughter, Kandace and her husband, Shane bought themselves a new puppy, named Max. Both the dogs are the Pug breed. Through out Deniece's many chemo treatments and feeling terrible, Buddy was always at her side in her favorite chair. When sleep was not always an option for her, her friend Buddy continue to be at her side whether it was to go downstairs and eat a Fat Boy or let Buddy outside to do his thing. They hung out together all night long.

Grandpa's 82nd Birthday Dinner

Fun times with grandma and Nancy. . . . I think he loved his cake that I made especially for him. I used myself as the model. . . . .lol!

Dedicated to my dear friend

I'm very sad today. I received word that my dear friend, Deniece Liljenquist is not doing well and is in the hospital. She has breast cancer and the tumor is in her chest area and has doubled in size. She isn't able to have chemo due to her poor health. Their hope was to start chemo as soon as possible but now it's too late. She is struggling to breathe. Her doctor said they can't treat her cancer anymore and will make her comfortable. It breaks my heart. She was trying to stay alive until her son, Willie got home from his mission in August. She was determined to prove the doctors wrong. Deniece is tough and has battled this for seven years.

I have been so privileged to spent time with her this past month and in Feb. We had some good times together. She was well enough to go shopping, out to eat and even stayed up late with me watching our favorite shows like American Idol, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars and Lost. She was a trooper. Always so positive, never complaining. We spent hours talking. After talking to Deniece, you feel better about yourself because of her many kind and thoughtful words. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with her. A small miracle in my eyes.

My family was so awesome to let me go for days at a time. Dan took care of everything at home.
I really dreaded driving to Pleasant Grove especially in the winter. I usually had to psych myself up to go. I think I inherited this anxiety or fear from my mom. But this time was different. I was so blessed to come and go with the breeze. I actually enjoyed the drive. The roads were always dry and the sun was shinning down on me. My little bug drove like a dream. I have been praying for a miracle in my life, could this have been it? I didn't care what miracle, I just desired one with all my heart.

If its the Lord's will, she'll be here to greet Willie with a smile. If not, she was needed at home with her Heavenly Father.
Love ya Deneice

The Balls Menagerie

We're hoping our three female goats are with kid (child) and will deliver in May. Cross your fingers. Frank, the goose, is a great guard dog. No one gets by him. He loves to pick on children his own size and corner them. . . sounds like we should put him down. He means well.

The Evolution of my SnowWoman * Frostine

Ethan and I created her, one delightfully sunny Sunday afternoon when the snow was perfect for making a snowman. To our wondering awe, she continued to evolve. The next day, Livi and Megan came over and helped add some very important feminine details to help distinguish her from all the other Snow People. She is playfully known as Frostine but her closest friends called her Frost for short. Frost was a giant among men, measuring over seven feet high.

As she began to melt and the days got warmer (is that possible in Cache Valley), I started adding snowballs to enhance her beauty. To make the process go faster, I filled a small bowl with snow and pounded it onto her. My friend, Emily Ashcroft came over several times to assist me. As you'll notice, there are flowers in her hair.. . flowers everywhere!

She's melting, melting. . . . there's nothing I can do to save her. As a result of my valiant efforts to create my master piece, I herniated a disc in my lower back. My doctor said, "No more making snowmen." She brought a lot of joy and happiness into my life and to those that passed by on the road. I received many comments about her. The only disheartening thing was my family did not notice her. . . they didn't appreciate her girth and magnificence. I have learned to forgive my transgressors.

As she melted it was impossible to keep her face on, I feel that way somedays after experiencing a hot flash! I can relate.

I was wondering. . . .

Is it Spring yet? ? ?

Grandma's ROLLS

The Main Dish. . . . .

Oh my heck! Grandma's rolls are to die for. They are so moist and delicious.

Easter Sunday and Brady's 24th Birthday

I made Brady a special cake. Since his birthday is close to Easter, he usually get a cake centered around Easter. I have to get creative to make a different each year.