LaLa Land

Is it a Kitty? No, she's a Bunny!

2009-10-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

This is her official name. Bunny.
She is never far from me.
She is warm and squishy and
I think I will love her!

Hello kitty!

2009-10-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

There is someone new at our house! What shall we name her?

She hasn't been out of my sight since I brought her home. She has abandonment issues. She is very cuddly and sweet. She has a deep, scratchy meow and is very playful.
I originally called her Charlie, then on the way home her pink ears made me think she looked like a Bunny. Bill says he doesn't think he can call "it" Bunny. Of course, we can all guess what he would call "it"!
In "his" defense, as soon as she was home he brought out the cat tree and then he ran around and picked up the mouse poison so "it" wouldn't get hurt AND he petted "it" this morning and let "it" get in the bed! Progress! Maybe that's what I should call her!

Lala Land Summer in 15 Pictures

2009-09-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe summer is over, whew that was fast!
We started the summer with a great visit from Bill's brother Richard,(wife) Tami and daughter Chela with baby Landon. Dad and Grandmom Jackie were here too!

Bill took Rich and family to Arches and Canyonlands.

Next, we had a Johnson family reunion (Grandma Janice's side) in Twin Falls. Ken, Ellen, Katie, Bill and I went up to the "oh so awesome, Ice Caves".

Kendall is a hoot to be around. I love him!

Then I did my pilgrimage to Oregon for a little r&r with sister Sue. The coast was beautiful. You can't see well, but we were watching some gray whales breaching below.

Sue is THE BEST traveling partner.

This is Cape Foulweather - not today!

Then to top the summer off, we (me, Jayleb and Babes) went to check out Green River. This is the temporary Conductive Composites Company facility. Pretty bleak.

Miles of blacktop! IT'S A RUNWAY!!

Then we went into town for some free watermelon. Me and my girl chomped!

I will say Green River is delightfully small town, with delightfully odd folks!

Then out to the Future of CCC. I'm still not sure what to make of this. It has it's own kind of beauty, just not sure if this is where I want dwell.

What do you think?

This is a beach on the east side of the river. Lots of people hangin out.

And this is where people go when they die in Green River. Yes, those are above ground mounds.

These things make me Happy!

2009-06-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Cherries Galore! Aren't they beautiful. It was so much fun canning with Jayne and Hannah. Thanks Caleb and Bill too for the hot & heavy lifting. Now those of you who get cherry pie from me will know I REALLY love you!

One pot at a time.

A happy moment for Jonah. He's such a cutie!

So the next few pictures are why I love living in Timber Lakes.
If you ever need a get away...come visit.
Every time I leave the city, I breath deep and relax, cause I know I'm going home to this...

My backyard. Enough said.

okay, another.

A gentlemoose visitor. Taken from the deck.

Can you tell their antlers are still in velvet.

SSSHHH! What is that crazy human doing crawling on her belly across the deck to get a picture!

We have done a little landscaping. We can't water grass here, so I'm left with decorative rocks and potted plants. A work in progress.

Bill's artistic side!

My pretty front porch

Levi and I made these wall boxes. I love them.

Bill gave me these planters for Moms day.

30 Years of Daddihood!

2009-06-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

The whole gang was up on Sunday. That makes for a very fun, noisy day.
Happy 30th Fathers Day to Bill. Didn't you have hair like Zachary's at one time?

AND happy Papa day! The best part of Papahood is sending them home (sometimes)!

OR sharing rhubarb pie!

Dad and his boyz (and Emmy).

Makes me proud! (Mom)

On Saturday, our friend Nate, let us pick his cherry tree. Even though it was raining, we scored big with the pickins. Emmy discovered tree-candy!

Thanks Kate for going up the ladder - battling the hairy cherry spiders!

Jonah are you happy? You've got books, cards, toys, drinks and yummies. Yep, he's happy for the moment!

Emmy's job was to pick out the leaves - and spiders. Thanks Ems!

Jayne was having way to much fun. Is this the mommy of two?

Where's monkey? He's in there!

This tree was awesome. I'll post the bottled results asap!

It's late...

2009-06-19T23:31:00.000-07:00

It's late and I can't sleep, so here are some random pics from my camera. Enjoy!
The almost constant rain has made for an unusual lushness around here. Yes, this is Utah and we're loving it!

This little guy was at my house this week and was a good helper (sort of). Leland loves sweeping!

Hey Leland, you missed a spot to the left there!

Bill took this great shot from our front yard. We've been seeing lots of rainbows this spring.

Bill and I organized a 'road home' clean up day for our community. These are all the folks that showed up to help. We live in a great (clean) place! You can check us out at timberlakesutah.com

Gardening Time

2009-06-04T20:20:00.001-07:00

Okay, so most of you are well into gardening, but please remember one month ago we were still getting snow!
Our family has made a big commitment and acquired a garden plot from the city. It is a whopping 14 feet X 24 feet. We have planted potatoes, beans, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, tomatoes and corn. Oh, and a pumpkin. I will get more pictures when it doesn't look like we're growing dirt.

Okay, so here is a question you can respond to: What would be THE best straight from the garden meal?
For dad and I it would be corn on the cob, watermelon and raspberry topping on ice cream! Yummm!

Family Time!

2009-05-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Look at this darling face! So kissable!

The lake is almost full and the big critters are starting to visit.

Last Monday we had our monthly family activity. It was my turn and I decided to take the family to this great park by Katie's house for kite-flying, frisbee and picnic fun.

We are so glad Amanda is home and could come play...sort of:)

Jungle-gym fun!

This is the best Papa ever...one of the kids!

Keep an eye on little man Leland, the boy is a wanderer!

Almost tuckered out!

THE cutest grandboys....(sorry Aunt Sue :()

"Emmy, take my picture!"

Levi catching air!

Leland was loving it!

Like father, like son!

(another Emmy photo of daddy) The next series of shots are by the ever-so-talented 'Em'. We call them "Walking".

Happy # 1 Birthday to Jonah!

2009-04-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

Jonah Benson Kepsel is 1!

We had a fun party.

These little people make me VERY Happy!

2009-04-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

This is how my spring break started, sooo...

I left.

March is Birthday Month!

2009-03-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

We kind of missed sweet Emmy's Big # 3 birthday as she was very sick! BUT, she is all better now AND 3 years old!!!

This is a typical Friday night for "the man" and me, but this month their has been lots happening!

Zachary's 23 birthday...love you son.

Amanda's 23 birthday... Happy Day sweetie!

AND...Leland Hobbes 1st Birthday!!!

He is such a riot! The sweetest personality, calm temperment, easy going, fun...must be those awesome genes he inherited from Papa and Lala!

Valentines Day! A Good One!

2009-02-14T20:27:00.001-08:00

Our warm weather trip

2009-01-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

A couple days after Christmas, Bill and I took off for warmer weather.
We headed to Alamogordo New Mexico where Bill's Dad and Jackie live.
They've got a great place near the AFB, and we really enjoyed visiting with them.
They live just a few miles from White Sands Nat'l Park. What an amazing place. Then we headed to Phoenix to visit Sue and John Mullen, our winter friends (okay-year round!).
These are backwards - sorry.

Hiking at South Mountain.

See that little slit in the rock -fat man(or womans) misery!
I made it! I made it!!!!

Lovin' the 70' sunshine!

So, we are driving in the desert of New Mexico, I suddenly
I see African Oryx's roaming! What the heck? I made Ben
go back so I could get a picture. They are one of my favorite critters.
Some rich guy brought them over and they are quite happy here.

This is the entry into our future abode.

Dad and Jackie.

This is White sands. Lots of people there sand sledding.

The happy birthday couple.

This not snow...thank goodness!

2008-12-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!
Here are some of our family's special moments.
We did homemade or thrift store remake gifts this year,
this made for some hard work and good laughs!

Jayne to Levi, a handmade beautiful quilt.
Good job Jayne!

Kate to Mom, a thrift store makeover (obviously)
Thanks Kate :)

Aaaaahhhh! Emmy is easy to please!

Lala to Emmy. a princess mirror.

Emmy being Mary as we put on the nativity
and read the bible story. Leland was Joseph,
Jonah the innkeeper, papa the donkey!

playtime - all day!

Under the mistletoe!

Katie to Amanda (sweater). Awesome Kate!
(ok Amanda, you don't have to wear it again!)

Leland and his loot

Lala and her little Christmas boys! HAPPINESS!

For your viewing pleasure

2008-12-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Merry Christmas Everybody!

2008-12-20T17:09:00.001-08:00

Here are some fun pre-Christmas pics of the house and sweet Leland playing under the tree.

Trip to Lake Powell

2008-11-15T22:18:00.000-08:00

The first weekend in November, Metal Matrix rented a houseboat for an employee get away. It was great! The houseboat was comfortable, the food plentiful and the company the best! We had a ski boat for getting around to see beautiful slot canyons - even Rainbow Bridge which was amazing. We had wave-runners, fishing, snorkeling.........!

Thanks George and Cyndy for a great weekend!

Catching up

2008-11-15T14:14:00.000-08:00

So its been awhile since i've posted and we have had some great adventures to share.

We will start with the most recent trip to Zion and work back.

Bill and I headed down to Zion with Caleb, Jayne and the kids. It was Caleb and Jayne's 5th anniversary and we went with them to watch the kids while they got some quality alone time.

Zion is so beautiful this time of year.

Happy Thanksgiving Charlie Brown!

2008-11-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

I love Charlie Brown. Has nothing to do with this post but oh well!

Happy Holidays to All My Family!

Thanksgiving is only four weeks away and we hope you are planning on attending the family feast!

Here's what's happening:

All the family from Oregon will be here and they are so excited to see everyone.

Kendra and Brett and their new baby Carter will be here. We will be having a little baby shower for Kendra and Carter so be sure to bring your gift for baby Carter.

Jake and Anne will be getting married Saturday and this will be our family celebration for them.

Now a few situations to be aware of… Jake and Anne's wedding is the next day, but we are choosing to celebrate on Friday and not attend the Saturday activities. Ken and Ellen are okay with this. Just let them know what your plans are. We are going to have a special cake for them and in lieu of gifts I am putting up a money tree, so bring what you'd spend on a gift and hang it on the tree.

Mom and Dad and Ilona need to be here and they'll need rides. So if you are in a position to help with this, please let me know.

Mike, Brooke and Leila are the only ones that won't be here but we are going to Skype them so that we can all see each other and tell them we love them. They have baby #2 due at the time and we are so excited for them!

The festivities begin at 2:00 pm.

Would you like to help with food? I'd love your contributions. My family is providing the meat, potatoes, rice and breads. So that means we need Ellen's pretzel salad (Bill made me add that), snacks and drinks.

Please give me a call and let me know you're plans are and for directions.

Love, Karla and Bill

Cutest Halloween Ever!

2008-11-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

The kids looked so cute last night. Emmy was a giraffe and Jonah was...himself!! Jonah in a Whale to be exact. If you look at Jayne closely you will see that she is the ocean. It was great. Zach and Amanda, we need pics of Leland!

Grandpa & Grandma Kepsel

2008-07-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Ben and Grandma Jackie came to visit this past weekend and we had a wonderful time. It was so nice to catch up and they were able to meet three new grandkids! We took them up to Cascade Springs, it was just beautiful.
We also took about a million pictures of all the boys in the family (us girls don't really count). It was fun to get four-generation pictures with the new babies though. Priceless.
We hope to see you again soon Grandpa and Grandma!

Caleb & Katie's Birthday Party!

2008-05-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hello All! I think it's finally spring here! Our last snow was last Wednesday- a mere 8 inches! The lake is filling nicely and we are loving our new home.

Katie had a family and friend get together at her 'ranch' to celebrate her and Caleb's birthday. We won't divulge ages it makes ME feel old.

To say the least, we are so happy all the kids and grandkids live close by. Enjoy the pics...keep in touch!

New pics/Mother's Day

2008-05-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

They're In!!!

2008-04-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well they did it, they moved in. Here are last pics before move-in day. Pics of the finished product are forthcoming.

The most important part of helping with the house...holding Jonah.

Papa and Emmy dancing in the kitchen. She loves to dance.

House update!

2008-04-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Despite my mom's misgivings the house is coming along. It is really so pretty. Dad, Mom, Levi and Caleb are doing an amazing job on everything.

Kepsel Baby Boom!

2008-04-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hello family, We have another new baby boy (his name is Calvin...for today). Caleb and Jayne's little one was born at 2:49 am on the 3rd of April. He was born at home with Chris the midwife and grandmas Karla and Joann (Caleb was there as well!). It was awesome to witness his birth. He is perfect. Our little Leland is 2 1/2 weeks old now. He too is perfection and he and mommy are doing great! Life is wonderful........don't ask about the house :)

New Grandbaby Alert!

2008-03-17T07:53:00.001-07:00

We have a beautiful new baby boy in the family. Leland Hobbes Kepsel was born on Sunday the 16th. He weighs exactly 7lbs and is just perfect. Congratulations Zachary and Amanda!

The House...

2008-03-10T20:28:00.001-07:00

Post-most of the paint :-)

Our Backyard...

Sue's Backyard...

Need i say more?

My amazing closet!

It's very blue!

The House...

2008-03-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, a lot has happened since the last pics went up. Here are all the pics pre-paint:

Master bedroom

Basement

Great room

Guest Bathroom

Not quite sure...

Triple Baby Shower!

2008-03-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful baby shower for Jayne, Laila and Mandie. We had webcams set up at Katie's and Laila's houses and were able to play games and have a great time.

Oregon Trip

2008-03-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

Katie and I flew out to Oregon for a few days to see Laila's beautiful new baby boy Jacob.

Emmy's 2nd Birthday

2008-03-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Jayne threw a wonderful party for Emmy on her birthday. There were red and pink balloons everywhere and Emmy looks so grown up with her little pigtails.

Christmas 2007

2008-03-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

I know it's March, but better late than never! We had a lovely Christmas this year. The whole family gathered at Caleb and Jayne's house Christmas morning. Bill read the Bible story and we then preceded to shower Emmy with gifts. She is the center of our world right now.

Bill's Surprise Party!

2007-12-31T08:13:00.000-08:00

We threw a surprise birthday for Bill on Saturday. He turned the big 50 this year. We had a wonderful time and I think that he was actually surprised.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2007

2007-12-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was spent at Katie's house. We were supposed to go to Ken's house, but blizzard conditions kept us in Heber Valley.
It was great having everyone together!
Zachary, Mandie and ?
Emmy found salsa in the fridge and was chowing down! Sue, note the socks!
Christmas morning we all gathered at Caleb and Jayne's. Emmy was mesmerized by her new aquarium.

2007-12-26T14:34:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived!

2007-12-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

Just in time we finished the exterior. I'm thrilled with how good the board and bat look. We still have to put a railing on the deck and the downstairs deck we'll finish in summer. We have a lot of landscaping to do and there will be rock along the bottom about 18" high.
This is the place! It's a little bare, but it looks a house.
This is Emmy's happy place. Grandpa's lap! Watching Lion King!

2007-11-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

Hello to all! We have had the best weather for building, which is good because it is going really slow. We have the deck on and we are starting on the exterior wood.

This is turning out to be a pretty big house --- a great family gathering place.

Can you guess what color we are doing the outside? Karla's favorite color! Pictures soon!
We have a new neighbor. He is nocturnal and has BIG claws! A badger, just feet from our back door!

Girls getaway to Jackson Hole

2007-10-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend me and my girls escaped to Victor Idaho. We stayed at one of Kt's residence club cabins (yes, a 3000 sq.ft. cabin). It started snowing right after we arrived and continued all day Saturday so, poor us, we just cuddled up and read by the fire, soaked in the jacuzzi tubs, ate yummy stuff and entertained Emmy. A great,relaxing weekend.
Emmy wore out on our one outdoor adventure!

The little cabin!
Beautiful, just beautiful!

Jayne read the entire book Twilight, much needed mommy-to-be time!
Emmy was adventerous in a box!

Zachary Vaughn and Amanda Kepsel

2007-10-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day for a wedding! Everything was perfect for Zachary and Amanda's big day.
This was the first time she saw her ring. Zachary had a pearl (her favorite) set in a white gold setting. It was just what she wanted.

A great day for the whole family!

A family effort

2007-09-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

You will have to view these happenings backwards, the picture below is the result of an all day effort to get all the octagon central support beams up. We hired a crane (and guy) to lift the tree in place and then scaffolding was placed around the 16ft. tree and the precision cut (thank you Levi) beams were lowered on top of the treee and secured with strapping and custom made iron brackets. You'll see in one picture where Zachary was on top of the scaffolding awaiting the next beam to be lowered when a huge bolt of lightening hit right over us. You never saw a quicker descent of man and crane. A short break was needed to get our breaths back then the sun came out and the job was finished! Thank to all my guys, Matt Pettit too!
I hope that is a strong tree, alot is resting on it! Good job Levi!
Bill and Zachary securing beams.
BIG NEWS!!!
Zachary and Amanda are getting married! We are very happy for them and welcome to the family Amanda!
Zachary and Amanda have been dating for several years. We are exctied they have decided to get married and be together forever.

2007-09-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

Last wall pour!

2007-08-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

Rained Out - Now Back to Work!

2007-08-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

The concrete is done in the basement. Bill is scoring the floor in a pattern, later we will do an acid stain to color and seal the concrete.
Levi putting in floor joists, that is Stephanie in the background tying rebar. John and Stephanie are friends of Levi's - Thanks for the help guys!
It was an overcast day -great for working. The rain set us back two and a half weeks for getting the concrete poured.
Pouring! YEAH!!!
The Job Supervisor!
The boys starting on the downstairs scoring. Levi working up top.

2007-06-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

Levi and I (Karla) spent 2 days stacking all this block. The block is 48"wide x 16" high, between each layer we place lengths of rebar and then wire tire it all together. Its a tedious, but interesting process.
Back view.
Levi and Bill finishing corners.
Bill is cutting in the bathroom window. Caleb is laying the foam for the radiant floor heating. This is still the basement.
I am enjoying the spectacular sunset!

The Kepselfam

2007-05-28T18:16:00.002-07:00

Brotherly love! Caleb and Zachary
Uncle Levi and our favorite baby---Emmy!
For those of you 1st time visitors, here is our awesome family.Caleb, Jayne & Emmy. (back with hat) Levi, Katie, Zachary, Bill and Karla.

Trip to Seattle

2007-05-28T18:16:00.001-07:00

Who's the prettiest flower of all?

Katie and I took a trip to Portland to visit Sue and we all drove up to Seattle. Great city!
Guess where we are?

House in Progress!

2007-05-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

The foundation is done! Yes, it's a very long house. We are thrilled with how things are going.
The house is being built with ICF block. It's very cool stuff, easy to work with. Karla and Levi hard at work.
Break time! It's the end of May and the lake has finally thawed.

2007-04-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

Emmy learning to ride a 'hog'.
Uncle Zachary's loving influence.... scary!

2007-04-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

Emmy is now 13 months!

We have a hole!

2007-04-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here is our new home site. Yes, it is April and the lake is still frozen. We will be at 7400 ft. I never will bake again! That is the Wasatch Mountains in the background.

We have a hole! The excavation has started and we are so excited!

We're in Action!

2007-04-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yeay! This is working! Hello family and friends. I am learning to 'blog'. This is a pretty exciting time in mine and Bills life. We are building a house in the mountains above Heber Valley. It will be an adventurous summer. Our children all live near by and together we are bulding the house ourselves. Caleb and Jayne have recently moved to the valley and Levi is quitting his construction job to work on the house full time.
We will keep you posted on what's happening. In the meantime, Caleb, Jayne, and Emmy (and Zachary) live with us. There home will be ready to move into mid-April. SO, I will post pictures of our little Emmy, whom we just can't get enough of.