Fwd: Trip to USA

This was left off the end of the Trip to US
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> Had a great time with them. We watched some good TV shows, went on some walks and did some grocery shopping. Will see them again in a few weeks for the family(-Ben) Orlando trip.
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> Salt Lake City was next to see Jacques family. Grand kids were excited to see me. Not as much as I was excited to see them.
> We went to Park City the day I flew in. We at at our favorite pizza place (Red Banjo) and did a little shopping. The next day we ate at Moki's. It has become a tradition. It's a Hawaiian place that we love in SLC. If you are in the neighborhood, you should definitely try it. Get the Sticky Chicken! Halloween was fun. It was the third year in a row that I was able to be there for Halloween. Kids had a great time and the weather was pretty pleasant. We had a few "Dance Party's". Disco lights and all! Love those kiddos. Was great spending time with them and my daughter and her husband.
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> Always time for a Smile,
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> Juliet
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> jacksoncrewjunk.blogspot.com
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Trip to USA

I started this trip in Idaho this time. I spent a week with my Mom and was able to see my brothers. Did a little shopping, watched some good Lifetime movies and helped my Mom get a few things done she needed help with. We did the usual Golden Corral, my brother really likes to go there. Went to the late showing of RED 2, loved it!
I was also able to see all of Darron's family as well. We had them over for a dinner at my Mom's place.

Next it was off to Houston to see my Son's family. We ate at our favorite Thai Restraunt! It was yummy! It was great to see Max again. They were just in Beijing visiting us about 8 weeks ago:)
We went to the church "Trunk or Treat" party.

Hello 😃

I am an American Mom.  I grew up in Idaho on a cattle ranch.  My father was up before the sun and many times still out after the sun went down.  I am the youngest of five.  When I was still a toddler my mother went to nursing school, in order to be able to help support my father and the ranch.  We didn't have a lot, but I don't remember feeling like we didn't.  My mother worked nights as a nurse and my father worked the ranch during the day.  I can't say I remember ever thinking, "when I grow up I'm going to be rich and have more than my parents had.  I'm going to be able to give my children more".  We were happy!
I did grow up, I got married and I had my own children.  The first few years of my married life were tough financially.  My husband was in college, playing football, tutoring, and I was pregnant!  He worked so hard to provide for us, for me, what we needed.  That's the American way!  Everything wasn't handed to us.  We had to earn it!
Our children are grown now.  They grew up doing the usual American things.  Football, basketball, swimming, track, piano, academic competitions, and video games.  They mowed lawns, took out trash, shoveled the drive way, babysat, had part time jobs and went onto college and marriage.  We taught them to love their country and God who created it.  To appreciate what they have and to be happy with what they have.  I don't mean to settle for what they have, be it great or little, but to be happy! Live for the moments you are in.
When did America change?..  When did it become so important to have "things" that we started spending money we dont have? When did it become ok to just sit back and let those who "have" provide for those who "haven't"?  When did the taxes we pay start providing a living for people who aren't even American's?  Don't get me wrong...I have no problem with helping the those truly in need.  I have a problem providing for those who refuse to provide for themselves and especially those who have never even paid taxes!
To me a Welfare system should be just like what we did with our children.  You need money for a bike...I've got just the job for you!  That bike was taken care of and appreciated way more than if it had just been given to them.  We've become a "Free Society". 

Living in Beijing these last few years I have noticed lots of people sweeping the sidewalks, going to the recycling, trimming hedges, ect.  I know they don't have the freedoms we do in America, but they do know how to work!

Hopefully, we can teach our children and grandchildren the value of a dollar.  

Ok, I'm done:)

I'm back!

Prepare for excitement in the near future!

MIA

We sure have been MIA, huh?  I will blame Mom.  We have been super busy, so I will give a quick update on the Butterfields....

Jackson started preschool under an autism diagnosis.  He has improved a lot.  He is talking way more now and learning to be social.  He recently learned to ride a bike with training wheels.  He loves swimming and beaches.  He is obsessed with cars, trains, planes, etc.

Belle is talking a LOT now.  She never stops talking and she just cracks herself up.  Her hair is finally gettign long and it's still super blonde and super curly.

We got a puppy in April.  She is so adorable.  Her name is Charkie and she is a morkie(maltese/yorkie mix).  She is so good with the kids, but we are still working on potty training her.

Both kids are potty trained. Hallelujah no more dipaers!!

Tom earned his BS in Operations Management.  Jacque earned her MS in Physics and is writing her thesis right now.  Both are currently applying for jobs and have their eyes on a specific set of jobs.