tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28471620958835630832024-03-13T09:56:14.597-07:00Burkes Boys n BaggageConnie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-37692219179682760182013-01-07T12:09:00.000-07:002013-01-07T12:09:29.006-07:00Getting Back on Track!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, its time to get back on track and do more Burke family posts for the whanau at home in New Zealand and other family members who aren't near by. We just recently had a bonfire at our home in the back yard. The boys just love getting into all kinds of mischief when a fire is going.<div>
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Paul is pulling some splinters from his fingers from the old dry wood!</div>
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Tai showing us how to 'fish' for fire!</div>
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Jordan telling us a funny story.</div>
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Roger wearing his Seahawk hoodie for the playoffs!</div>
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We had a great time and since we've all decided to be healthy ... again... there were no marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers tonight. That was tough!</div>
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Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-29392428016864315002011-03-29T19:00:00.003-07:002011-03-29T19:02:08.635-07:00Professor Mana Burke...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93TH9QtXiQE/TZKO6C2jLCI/AAAAAAAAAdA/tZWXBNhLalg/s1600/2011%2B03%2B29_0216.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589687215369432098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93TH9QtXiQE/TZKO6C2jLCI/AAAAAAAAAdA/tZWXBNhLalg/s320/2011%2B03%2B29_0216.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><div align="center">"Hey mom, guess what? I can actually see better now with these new glasses!" We love them and hopefully it will keep him from running into the walls and doors.</div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-5570626318849839222011-03-28T14:50:00.003-07:002011-03-28T14:54:33.822-07:00ASU Bound!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrM6ex1YxUY/TZEDUU-4P0I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/-x7x0p_LI3A/s1600/sundevils.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589252260308205378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrM6ex1YxUY/TZEDUU-4P0I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/-x7x0p_LI3A/s320/sundevils.jpg" /></a> <br /><div align="center">When Jordan gets back.... he's been accepted to Arizona State University.... Go Sun Devils!</div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-16250899749674931482011-03-14T18:51:00.010-07:002011-03-14T20:12:28.371-07:00Aloha Spirit in Tempe!<div align="left">Here we go again... we just can't get enough of the Aloha Festival. Its an event my whole family looks forward to every year. The ono grinds, smells of the flower lei's, seeing old friends and most of all the beautiful dancing. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p>We first stopped at L&L Hawaiian BBQ for our lunch on Happy Valley Rd... okay, we weren't at the Aloha Festival eating the food offered from the vendors but we prefer a $7 plate over a $12 plate anyday. Plus L&L brings back the old memories of living in Hawaii. Once we arrived at the festival we could hear the pounding of the distant drums, palm trees swaying in the breezes, smells of the kalua pig being roasted (not really but maybe chicken) and we knew we were home again.</p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p>We enjoyed watching Kilali's Hula troop first. They were incredible! Gladys and Nauma Apelu are the founders of the group and they worked in the Samoan Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center when Mel and I were there working in the Maori village. She's still gorgeous as ever as well as Nauma being handsome and now its their children that are keeping the heritage going. After hanging around in the HOT HOT weather for a couple hours I was all pau! (done) and Mana looked like he was ready to expire so we retired to our hotel room.</p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><p>Maryella and I are such cheap skates we always look for great deals on lodgings (usually with Pricline) two or three days before we need to be there. That way hotels release more rooms at a bargain price. We ended up with one we have never been to before, the Fiesta Inn Resort. It was hey okay for the price we got. $70 per room and no resort fees... Yes! The beds were super comfy and the pool area was just fine, it cooled the boys off and that's what matters more than anything. </p></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><p>We then had our annual BYU-Hawaii/PCC party in Mesa. I love getting together with our old friends from way back in the day. They are like whanau, aiga, matavuvale, family. Our children didn't want the evening to end and we barely got back to our hotel 10 minutes before midnight! Whew... almost turned into pumkins.</p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">On our way to L&L Hawaiian BBQ</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584119136226519650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFDh5QGdChU/TX7GxLo-KmI/AAAAAAAAAYk/zqVBJQh43Xo/s320/182727.JPG" border="0" />The Crew<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584119144910815426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URbs1lU7wKs/TX7Gxr_eAMI/AAAAAAAAAYs/eWfs3cBqrI0/s320/182736.JPG" border="0" />Me, Gravity and Maryella<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584119128957537682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-o9zhXZFT4/TX7Gwwj6TZI/AAAAAAAAAYc/KhDiJgSPc_8/s320/182732.JPG" border="0" />Our BYU-Hawaii / PCC Party afterwards..... So much fun!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584119154071660418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zg-38juBzto/TX7GyOHlZ4I/AAAAAAAAAY0/BKC-IUbzqN4/s320/182744.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-41214066777721533392010-12-07T14:14:00.002-07:002010-12-07T14:17:02.494-07:00Bubba Totally Hacking the Camp Verde Player<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TP6kSUiDeTI/AAAAAAAAAXg/-XyyF6PKVbY/s1600/bubbahack.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 166px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548052425623173426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TP6kSUiDeTI/AAAAAAAAAXg/-XyyF6PKVbY/s320/bubbahack.jpg" /></a><br /><div>We found this newspaper clip on the Big Park Coyotes vs Camp Verde Cowboys we couldn't stop laughing at how Alexander got caught red handed doing a "hack" job on defending his opponent! We totally lost but all in all it was a fun game.... well I think it was, he begs to differ!</div><br /><div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-26820382932003496002010-11-22T10:41:00.003-07:002010-11-22T10:54:17.627-07:00Barn Sale!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TOqsgwBtRpI/AAAAAAAAAXY/EuqU52AyX1w/s1600/Barn_Sale2_061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542431970080671378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TOqsgwBtRpI/AAAAAAAAAXY/EuqU52AyX1w/s320/Barn_Sale2_061.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had the greatest time selling some of our wares at a "Barn Sale" located in Camp Verde, AZ last Friday. It wasn't really in a barn but held in the huge front yard of a sweet ol' gal Faye's home. This is a photo of her home and the embience was perfect!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TOqsgQyX_kI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/8mF4UWrBlps/s1600/Barn_Sale2_053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542431961694862914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TOqsgQyX_kI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/8mF4UWrBlps/s320/Barn_Sale2_053.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Some of the furniture there were incredible pieces. Done in a the "shabby chic" styles with cute accents. Mel and I brought along our old Mexican tables and sold them before the sale even started. That was a good sign!</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TOqsf1uNmyI/AAAAAAAAAXI/PrQxlvdh4vM/s1600/Barn_Sale2_007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542431954429647650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TOqsf1uNmyI/AAAAAAAAAXI/PrQxlvdh4vM/s320/Barn_Sale2_007.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was well worth the trouble of hauling our two loaded vehichles with unwanted items. Remember that catchy phrase, someone elses junk is your treasures... or vice versa! I was so proud of myself for just purchasing $3 worth of "treasures or junk" that whole day.</div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-17400448685525642702010-10-25T12:22:00.002-07:002010-10-25T13:31:40.453-07:00Greetings from Guadalajara!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TMXo-zQClmI/AAAAAAAAAVw/T7ZYDXKh49I/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532083882901542498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TMXo-zQClmI/AAAAAAAAAVw/T7ZYDXKh49I/s320/IMG_0221.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Some words from Elder Burke!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well the area is cool and is gigantic and the people are simply amazing. All the recent converts are all strong members and one young man is allready preparing for his mission. My new mission companion has only two months left so we are working hard. I love it here!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, as I can say, I haven't wrote much on this blog in months. I have been so busy with other things and will do little write ups about it soon I promise!</div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-82121017569108836592010-09-09T19:43:00.009-07:002011-03-15T09:02:12.271-07:00Hula with the Yavapai Apache Nation<div>We (Maryella, Paul and I) have been working with the youth and ladies of the Yavapai Apache Nation located in Middle Verde, AZ and getting them ready to perform the hula for their tribe. Its something they seemed real bashful to do but I have to say I was absolutely impressed with the out come. We practiced two days a week for almost two hours each time. He Mele No Lilo was the first number and the keiki's performed it. They looked stunning and colorful then ladies did He'ia which is a stunning number. All the gals but one had a Hawaiian parent which was very surprising for me and they looked gorgeous. The boys performed the Haka and were excellent warriors. It was an event worth seeing! I love the people of the Yavapai Apache Nation. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2aG2unAyKE/TX7c85HX6_I/AAAAAAAAAZE/VB1c6n2nFmQ/s1600/SDC12554.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584144180757628130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kloa5f0fLDk/TX7di9yfhOI/AAAAAAAAAZU/2S9o2dUIEVM/s320/103_0102.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584143526668004338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2aG2unAyKE/TX7c85HX6_I/AAAAAAAAAZE/VB1c6n2nFmQ/s320/SDC12554.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535134461727061682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TNC_d29DtrI/AAAAAAAAAWw/RFo9bDvLEmY/s320/103_0124.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TNC_eC_rJoI/AAAAAAAAAW4/UWTJbkH3lRM/s1600/103_0141_edited-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535134464959260290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TNC_eC_rJoI/AAAAAAAAAW4/UWTJbkH3lRM/s320/103_0141_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-26712609686143600212010-06-28T16:24:00.002-07:002010-06-28T16:29:53.938-07:00What Ever Happened to 50centI thought I'd throw these two photo's onto the blog because it just blew us away when we saw the latest photo's of 50 cent preparing for his latest movie of some incapacitated character suffering with cancer. He looks absolutely frightening. The first photo is of him and Paul on set in Lafayette Louisiana while filming one of the many movies Pauls worked on and can't seem to remember this one but look at how much fitter he looks. Yikes!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TCkvk8NM9oI/AAAAAAAAAVg/5gXOXeOzqVk/s1600/paul50c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487969932610958978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TCkvk8NM9oI/AAAAAAAAAVg/5gXOXeOzqVk/s320/paul50c.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TCkvkmr5hMI/AAAAAAAAAVY/LTXVUiEkL-Q/s1600/FIFTY-CENT-WEIGHT-LOSS.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487969926834128066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/TCkvkmr5hMI/AAAAAAAAAVY/LTXVUiEkL-Q/s320/FIFTY-CENT-WEIGHT-LOSS.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-20633702726866173242010-05-10T16:42:00.002-07:002010-05-10T16:47:58.051-07:00Happy Mothers Day!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S-iaEVWlTPI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/OfV4lENWIdU/s1600/telephone-1950s.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469791146683485426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S-iaEVWlTPI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/OfV4lENWIdU/s320/telephone-1950s.jpg" /></a> It was so cool to get a phone call from our missionary! We figured he'd call us sometime in the afternoon but after 5pm and no call we had to call the mission office to figure out what the heck is going on. He was setting up another baptism for the lady he and his companion had been teaching and after calling three chapels he finally got one where they could use their font. We finally got the phone call around 6pm (8pm his time) and we talked for almost two hours. His accent was so funny to listen to. Real sing song kinda talk and listening to him address his companion in Spanish was wonderful too. We miss him, he is too busy to miss us (which I'm all in favor of) and he is healthy, strong and well taken care of, what more can a family ask for. <br /><div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-30095056972715880612010-05-03T07:50:00.002-07:002010-05-03T08:07:11.413-07:00Gila Temple - Eastern Arizona<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97mkXMR-DI/AAAAAAAAAVI/H1QdmHKo7jE/s1600/30543_415495656263_720766263_5269206_6203909_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97mkXMR-DI/AAAAAAAAAVI/H1QdmHKo7jE/s320/30543_415495656263_720766263_5269206_6203909_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467060510049564722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97mkApVDeI/AAAAAAAAAVA/1bpzWHVOSzQ/s1600/30543_415495651263_720766263_5269205_1007662_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97mkApVDeI/AAAAAAAAAVA/1bpzWHVOSzQ/s320/30543_415495651263_720766263_5269205_1007662_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467060503997386210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97mjv-Fx7I/AAAAAAAAAU4/uJykONg7glQ/s1600/28881_415496056263_720766263_5269261_3795718_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97mjv-Fx7I/AAAAAAAAAU4/uJykONg7glQ/s320/28881_415496056263_720766263_5269261_3795718_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467060499521062834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97mjeE_BZI/AAAAAAAAAUw/E6hfAOcSQv8/s1600/28629_1452787206634_1441893824_31206811_4174567_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97mjeE_BZI/AAAAAAAAAUw/E6hfAOcSQv8/s320/28629_1452787206634_1441893824_31206811_4174567_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467060494718141842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97migIqQtI/AAAAAAAAAUo/t9SuU5rh9Bw/s1600/31205_1452753925802_1441893824_31206738_3001857_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S97migIqQtI/AAAAAAAAAUo/t9SuU5rh9Bw/s320/31205_1452753925802_1441893824_31206738_3001857_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467060478090560210" border="0" /></a><br />My twin Maryella and I took Summer and Heather to go to the open house of the Gila Temple in Pima Arizona for a Young Women's activity. We knew the drive was going to be LONG and arduous but as it worked out we had an amazing time. The landscape was simply stunning! The wild flowers were out all along the highways and cactus in bloom. Ragged rocks and cliffs, old mining towns were everywhere and the oddest view was seeing 50 or so cows munching on hay in a small paddock on a very steep hill. We stopped in Globe and grabbed some of the best empenadas, crackers, cheese and ham for snacking the rest of the way to Pima. We also pin pointed area's that we had to stop to get future photo's on our way back.<br /><br />The temple was beautiful and had simple lines, not over done in any way. The woodwork was lovely and the chandeliers were glistening everywhere. I made the girls look at the mirrors in the room where the bride and groom will be married and as you knelt across from each other your reflection goes on forever which as members of the LDS church we believe that when we are married in the temple we are sealed for the eternities. It was humbling to watch brothers hug each other knowing they were families forever.<br /><br />We went to a sweet little icecream drive thru called Taylor Freeze and I'm bringing it up in the blog because it had some of the best flavors ever. Maple, pinacolada, coconut, peanut butter, pineapple, cherry and sooooo much more and to make it even more fun we could mix the flavors so Heather and I chose pinacolada and coconut, Mel had coconut and maple which was real yummy and Summer had her too favorite flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. We also stopped at the Apache Nation Rodeo they were having in San Carlos... it was great to watch them all roping and being timed. We also made sure to stop at a water tower near Superior to get some great shots in too. All in all this was one of my favorite road trips, why? Maybe because we were going to see the house of the Lord, maybe because we were all girls and we didn't have a hubby whining about stopping all the time? I think its a mix of everything, the temple, the landscape, the old historic mining towns, the rodeo and the good company.Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-11397011290382634742010-04-23T12:42:00.003-07:002010-04-23T12:57:58.277-07:00More Photo's from Elder Burke<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S9H4lX41gAI/AAAAAAAAAUg/ChXCa9AT-U8/s1600/eburke2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463421143928373250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S9H4lX41gAI/AAAAAAAAAUg/ChXCa9AT-U8/s320/eburke2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S9H4lJAiepI/AAAAAAAAAUY/VXvT8PyvoeA/s1600/eburke1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463421139934149266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S9H4lJAiepI/AAAAAAAAAUY/VXvT8PyvoeA/s320/eburke1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S9H4kniKinI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/y9C1xFoHMP8/s1600/eburke.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463421130948381298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S9H4kniKinI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/y9C1xFoHMP8/s320/eburke.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Love his letters and thought I'd post this one from last week.<br /><div></div></div></div><br />Well this week has been a really good week. We have a baptism date with a lady about 31 years old named Lili, and she had lot of real good questions about some great stuff. One of the questions was about marriage in the temple. I reminded her about the special purpose of the family and told about how being sealed in the temple forever is one of the most special and sacred things we do as members of the church and could tell that she also knew how important it is and how sacred and special it is as well. She just kind of sat there while nodding her head yes:) She is a lovely lady and I love to see people grow spiritually because it brings such joy to thier faces.<br /><br />There is a family that is super cool too. There is a sister in our ward and has 5 sons age 16 to age 27 and they are all super cool (did I mention that already). Mario, Jesus, Memo, Pablo, MoƬ, and there cousin Joseph. We would pass their home often and before and they would tell us that they are gonna go to church but they wouldnt go. Then last week we passed by thier house and Pablo, one of the sons asked us if we could return tomorrow to talk about the book of mormon with him the next morning. we went back the next morning and he asked the same thing if we could return agian the next. He asked us everyday if we could came back and everyday we did and talked a lot about the book of mormon and they like it a lot too. They are also super big music fans like metallica, rage agianst the machine, bob marley, kiss, ozzy osbourne and so on. So we talked a bit about music too and just became super good friends with all of them. that Saturday they told us they were all gonna come to church that Sunday. I remember being in sacrament meeting and looking over at the door and seeing Memos face and I jumped up and ran over to them. All of them came to church for the fisrt time in forever and Joseph invited his girlfriend too. Even crazier is after sacrement they asked where the next class was. There was no class for them so i took them into an empty classroom and taught them all about the story of Ammon. The missionary who converted the Lamanite king Lamoni. They all stayed and afterwards invited us to dinner and to have a family home evening with them later. So we went by and ate and I taught the family home evening. Memo said a closing prayer and thanked Heavenly Father for bringing back the church into their lives and being on the right path.<br /><br />It was so great so hear that and to be able to activate them and see them be super happy. So this week we are going to do the same thing. Pass by and meet with them first thing in the morning and teach. My comp just loves it too and is super excited about it. I tell ya that this expirience alone has made a big part of my mission and definetly seeing this change.<br /><br />Well that is all family I have to go know but if you could all pray for them to keep them going please do. I dont want to have changes and hear that they not going anymore cuz im not there.<br />oh ya and they're are going to throw me a birthday party to with tamales and stuff.<br /><br />Love you all<br />Elder Bub BurkeConnie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-25611478996083911432010-03-24T13:07:00.002-07:002010-03-24T13:18:12.251-07:00Restaurant Bargains... $25 Gift Certificates for only $2.... What?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.asedonahotel.com/images/heartline-cafe-sedona.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="http://www.asedonahotel.com/images/heartline-cafe-sedona.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I just found this deal and purchased 4 $25 gift certificates for only $8 total to one of Sedona's favorite dining spots Heartline Cafe. Go to http://www.restaurant.com and find a participating restaurant near you. Once you check out put the code: zoo in the discount code and whalla! You have saved 80% on your purchase. Gotta love those deals right?Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-22477347201075579452010-02-02T10:19:00.004-07:002010-02-03T13:49:25.178-07:00Elder Burkes Christmas Dinner?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S2hfiD_1K6I/AAAAAAAAASs/fAoYYCyRHFI/s1600-h/3rd+cambio+026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S2hfiD_1K6I/AAAAAAAAASs/fAoYYCyRHFI/s320/3rd+cambio+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433697989215726498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S2hfhll5LNI/AAAAAAAAASk/WlGhMU2gJtA/s1600-h/3rd+cambio+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S2hfhll5LNI/AAAAAAAAASk/WlGhMU2gJtA/s320/3rd+cambio+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433697981053873362" border="0" /></a><br />After the countless times I have taught my son about cleanliness... eek! I'm not 100% sure if this is the home he's sharing with five other elders but I wouldn't be surprised if its not. He did mention that he was going to the other elders home for more Christmas dinner so this could be theirs. I love all the mash potato on their plates with tiny bits of carrots.<br /><br />God bless our missionaries. They do work so hard!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-65122705704279068322010-01-15T10:45:00.002-07:002010-01-15T11:01:46.465-07:00A Place Called Tlaquepaque, Jalisco Mexico<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S1CtdbIRsPI/AAAAAAAAASU/s6TPNRhD1zw/s1600-h/vendors-tlaquepaque.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S1CtdbIRsPI/AAAAAAAAASU/s6TPNRhD1zw/s320/vendors-tlaquepaque.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427028271991730418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S1CtdAXM9DI/AAAAAAAAASM/bq3WpbrjJJ8/s1600-h/tlaquepaque-jalisco.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S1CtdAXM9DI/AAAAAAAAASM/bq3WpbrjJJ8/s320/tlaquepaque-jalisco.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427028264806577202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S1Ctc5JqEkI/AAAAAAAAASE/obNNAOwQB18/s1600-h/inside-a-store-tlaquepaque.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S1Ctc5JqEkI/AAAAAAAAASE/obNNAOwQB18/s320/inside-a-store-tlaquepaque.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427028262870716994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S1CtcmSJNOI/AAAAAAAAAR8/2ZFILEArbyU/s1600-h/tlaquepaques1q.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S1CtcmSJNOI/AAAAAAAAAR8/2ZFILEArbyU/s320/tlaquepaques1q.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427028257806038242" border="0" /></a><br />When friends ask where Jordan is I tell them he's in a town called Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Its population is around 560,000 and the word Tlaquepaque means in Nahuatl "The place above clay land". It has wonderful and colorful stores most famous for their blown glass and pottery. Another town close by it Zapotec, most well known for their rugs. There is a beautiful garden named after "the father of Mexico's independence" Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the garden being called El Jardin Hidalgo.Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-17374787703205127212010-01-12T08:50:00.009-07:002010-02-02T10:33:15.776-07:00More Elder Burke<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S2hht512GSI/AAAAAAAAATE/ovOcSWyCSsI/s1600-h/3rd+cambio+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S2hht512GSI/AAAAAAAAATE/ovOcSWyCSsI/s320/3rd+cambio+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433700391671175458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S2hhtXf8ChI/AAAAAAAAAS8/Y8h485cdXMI/s1600-h/3rd+cambio+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S2hhtXf8ChI/AAAAAAAAAS8/Y8h485cdXMI/s320/3rd+cambio+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433700382452484626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S0ybHPSfkgI/AAAAAAAAARk/sIIZqiB43ek/s1600-h/3rd+cambio+037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S0ybHPSfkgI/AAAAAAAAARk/sIIZqiB43ek/s320/3rd+cambio+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425882199740092930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S0ybGQJFwSI/AAAAAAAAARU/196j_5d5iLk/s1600-h/3rd+cambio+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S0ybGQJFwSI/AAAAAAAAARU/196j_5d5iLk/s320/3rd+cambio+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425882182789218594" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S0ybF80kw4I/AAAAAAAAARM/m4SasVzIa4E/s1600-h/3rd+cambio+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/S0ybF80kw4I/AAAAAAAAARM/m4SasVzIa4E/s320/3rd+cambio+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425882177602896770" border="0" /></a>This is what happens when you purchase cheap shirts on sale!<br /><br /></div>Well Jordan's doing great in the metropolis of Guadalajara Mexico. He's in an area called Tlaquepaque which is interesting for us because we have a wonderful shopping area in town named after that famous mexican plaza. The architecture is almost similar but we don't have the wonderful colors they do in Mexico. He's living with five other missionaries in a very small house. He said its tough keeping it clean but they make sure to fix it up every P-day (its a day dedicated to laundry, letters, cleaning and playing) and he also thinks its fun being with the other guys. He had the opportunity to take some people who are investigating the church to the temple grounds and enjoy the beauty there. He loves his mission, the people of Mexico, Guadalajara and barely misses us. Hahaha... but we miss him!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-31292497954173878382009-12-28T11:18:00.004-07:002009-12-28T11:28:52.075-07:00Getting the Cat out of the Tree!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Szj4eK4P-vI/AAAAAAAAARA/5zGK2oxGbKE/s1600-h/SDC11366.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Szj4eK4P-vI/AAAAAAAAARA/5zGK2oxGbKE/s320/SDC11366.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420355348740438770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Szj4dhywQaI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ibE0JpQWyhE/s1600-h/SDC11334.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Szj4dhywQaI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ibE0JpQWyhE/s320/SDC11334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420355337711534498" border="0" /></a><br />Can't believe Christmas day has passed already and its time for the Christmas tree to comedown, but the darn cat won't let us! We got her over five years ago and the one thing she loved doing when she was a baby kitty was climb the Christmas tree. She hasn't grown out of that habit yet. Only one ornament has smashed, absolutely one of my favorites but never mind. I'll find another favorite at an estate sale sometime sooner or later!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-86240708507829683182009-12-15T10:17:00.003-07:002009-12-15T10:23:45.639-07:00Its Beginning to Look alot like Christmas!<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyfE_WdRRKI/AAAAAAAAAQw/QGahvXRAANs/s1600-h/SDC11274+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyfE_WdRRKI/AAAAAAAAAQw/QGahvXRAANs/s320/SDC11274+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415513669575460002" border="0" /></a>Some of the outside lights!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyfE-wFpo_I/AAAAAAAAAQo/DCpobWxtXfY/s1600-h/SDC11256+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyfE-wFpo_I/AAAAAAAAAQo/DCpobWxtXfY/s320/SDC11256+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415513659275846642" border="0" /></a>O Tannenbaum O Tannenbaum!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I need to get a pickle to place in the tree. Our one that we had for years smashed when the cat decided she wanted to play in the tree last Christmas. This year we want to start an old German tradition and have the boys find the pickle and who ever finds it gets to open a gift first. Mana doesn't think that's a good idea. Bubba loves it so Mana said he's got to look for it with his glasses off. That makes it fair, so he thinks. Kids...<br /></div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-40476456615091238442009-12-09T16:04:00.004-07:002009-12-10T06:58:28.476-07:00Happy Thanksgiving now Christmas is Coming!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyAuYd_1K4I/AAAAAAAAAQc/mz_fpDzhPNA/s1600-h/christmasfam+%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyAuYd_1K4I/AAAAAAAAAQc/mz_fpDzhPNA/s320/christmasfam+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413377750003428226" border="0" /></a><br />The Burkes at our ward Christmas Party with the Claus's<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Christmas is just around the corner and shopping is pretty much done. Just a few more items. Jordan's package was sent out yesterday so he should be getting it before Christmas. He seems busy with his mission and not missing us at all. What more could a mother ask for?<br /><br />Mana said I can write about him just saying that he asks too many questions.... I guess he's inquisitive. He and Alexander wanted money for their "Kids Korner" store at the school so they could get some cute little things for each other. No problem! When they came home...Uhhh I couldn't believe how silly some of the items were that they were describing. <br /><br />Its getting real cold outside so its nice bundling up in the winter boots and scarves, listening to the rain come down (which is very scarce) and sometimes watching the snow fall!<br /></div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyAuYKVc3NI/AAAAAAAAAQU/g2ZsXvXN1v0/s1600-h/thksgvng.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyAuYKVc3NI/AAAAAAAAAQU/g2ZsXvXN1v0/s320/thksgvng.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413377744725400786" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Turkey Bowl - Team Snap!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The boys and two girls all had a great game at the annual Burkes Turkey bowl Thanksgiving morning. We had enough for three teams. I tried to call them team Jacob, Edward and Bella, for some reason they would have nothing to do with it. So it was pretty much teams 1,2 and 3. How boring. The games went on for 3 hours which gave me plenty of time to finish the fixings on the Thanksgiving lunch. It was yummy!<br /></div><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyAuXqbtpuI/AAAAAAAAAQM/sNY8OOnlCVs/s1600-h/meljcme.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SyAuXqbtpuI/AAAAAAAAAQM/sNY8OOnlCVs/s320/meljcme.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413377736161732322" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Myself, Father Jc and Maryella at the Interfaith Evening<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">The Interfaith Evening<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Its hard to believe that another year is just about to end! Where did it go? November was a fun filled month. We had the wonderful annual Interfaith evening at the St John Vianney Catholic Church in Sedona. So many different religions were represented from Buddist, Church of Science, Jewish, LDS, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist and many more to the Navajo Spiritual leader and Bahai Faith. It was wonderful! All the leaders had basically 3-5 minutes to give their words of "thanks" and many were through song. Paul asked me to sing for his few minutes so I asked Dr. Mark Larsen to sing a duet and "Thomas" Travis Moore accompanied us on the piano. We sang "Come thou Fount." My twin was sitting toward the back of the church and when it was over everyone was hugging her and blessing her for singing so beautifully... we both had a good laugh because she was telling me she totally took all the credit. The part I enjoyed the most was the soul singing by the Bahai minister. All in all it was a wonderful evening.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></div><br /></div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-69634917959798050132009-11-02T13:03:00.009-07:002009-11-03T09:41:23.469-07:00Jordan's (Elder Burke) & Guadalajara<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Su9cSo-r1DI/AAAAAAAAAO0/zC331lkvSc8/s1600-h/Imagen+031+%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Su9cSo-r1DI/AAAAAAAAAO0/zC331lkvSc8/s320/Imagen+031+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399635953548252210" border="0" /></a>Elder Jordan Burke and Hyke Hernandez<br />Looks like he needs some longer pants!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Su8-hEVURCI/AAAAAAAAAOs/CEICyL9PCM4/s1600-h/Imagen+035.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Su8-hEVURCI/AAAAAAAAAOs/CEICyL9PCM4/s320/Imagen+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399603216060269602" border="0" /></a>Elder Martinez and Elder Jordan Burke with their first Goul!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Su8-gnX7SCI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Ypx0XEuWyKU/s1600-h/Imagen+030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Su8-gnX7SCI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Ypx0XEuWyKU/s320/Imagen+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399603208286586914" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The four missionaries and Hyke Garcias Hernandez with his family<br /><br /></div>Well Jordan had a wonderful Halloween. He had his first baptism. Hyke Garcias Hernandez. It was one of the "coolest experiences" in his mission so far...hahaha, his words. He said Hyke felt like Michael Phelps when he was in the water. He was so happy he gave Jordan his best Luchador mask. Then he said something to the affect of "this computer sucks I have to fix it!" then he signed off with his love to everyone.... oh well. As parents we just love any email we get from our missionaries, even if its things like..."this computer sucks!"<br /><br />I'm happy for now and its time to do the mundane things like clean, the laundry and go to the market... how boring!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-33663019858188866882009-10-29T12:12:00.001-07:002009-10-29T12:23:17.411-07:00Hocus Pocus Its's Halloween!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Sunqb4dG15I/AAAAAAAAANM/CZB7eDgi_Ok/s1600-h/bubba1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Sunqb4dG15I/AAAAAAAAANM/CZB7eDgi_Ok/s320/bubba1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398103393112086418" border="0" /></a>Summer and Alexander at their Jr High Zombie Dance<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SunqbdhBnnI/AAAAAAAAANE/ZYiFMvYh_SE/s1600-h/witches1n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SunqbdhBnnI/AAAAAAAAANE/ZYiFMvYh_SE/s320/witches1n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398103385880764018" border="0" /></a><br />The spread at the Witches Party<br />Lady Katherine and Catrina (me) Day of the Dead<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SunqbBHQaPI/AAAAAAAAAM8/9FB5SPRoS3g/s1600-h/witchesn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SunqbBHQaPI/AAAAAAAAAM8/9FB5SPRoS3g/s320/witchesn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398103378256488690" border="0" /></a><br />The ol Nanny Krones after the Trunk or Treat<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SunqakXJJwI/AAAAAAAAAM0/qxYIS1kJA_U/s1600-h/grannies_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SunqakXJJwI/AAAAAAAAAM0/qxYIS1kJA_U/s320/grannies_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398103370538493698" border="0" /></a><br />Its two days from Halloween and we've got two more events to go too! Halloween has just graduated to the most busiest holiday of the year. Its one of my favorite times of the year too with the weather getting notably cooler, the leaves changing, we even had some snow flurries yesterday. Time to pull out the hot cocoa and marshmallows!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-83925444162362832552009-10-12T09:28:00.005-07:002009-10-12T09:43:43.616-07:00Fun Mag Covers<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNcdMRlHrI/AAAAAAAAAMk/7S1WjLYC-Gc/s1600-h/boys1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNcdMRlHrI/AAAAAAAAAMk/7S1WjLYC-Gc/s320/boys1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391754835473538738" border="0" /></a>Mana, Jordan & Bubba<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNcTXsuL1I/AAAAAAAAAMc/cygdi1He2zc/s1600-h/taitama.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNcTXsuL1I/AAAAAAAAAMc/cygdi1He2zc/s320/taitama.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391754666741477202" border="0" /></a>My nephews - Tai & Tama<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNcN4S_sWI/AAAAAAAAAMU/Qh7l25alClI/s1600-h/fam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNcN4S_sWI/AAAAAAAAAMU/Qh7l25alClI/s320/fam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391754572412727650" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I found this great website that you can upload any of your photo's on to a fake magazine cover. Mana just loves it but thinks it should just be Alexander and Jordan on the cover since they both play sports. I also did one with my family and a gag one for my friend of me fitting back into my wedding gown after 20 years of marriage, that cover was called "Bride" but I won't post it on this blog. Go to <a href="http://magmypic.com/">magmypic.com</a> and have fun!<br /></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-36615271397818844712009-10-05T09:58:00.023-07:002009-11-02T13:33:10.568-07:00Melbourne Mission Reunion - SLC, Utah<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SsouTykQrCI/AAAAAAAAAKI/qQl1T5eUygk/s1600-h/DSC_0303.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/SsouTykQrCI/AAAAAAAAAKI/qQl1T5eUygk/s320/DSC_0303.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389170821628472354" border="0" /></a>Rick, Adam, Paul and Dave<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Ssotu0QMFGI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/QIqfMfk6hbY/s1600-h/DSC_0268.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Ssotu0QMFGI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/QIqfMfk6hbY/s320/DSC_0268.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389170186425996386" border="0" /></a>Melbourne Australia Mission 85-8<br /><br /></div>Okay... so Paul and I drove with the boys to see Elder Burke off at the SLC airport only to come back again the following Friday for our mission reunion. We haven't seen some of these ex-missionaries for 22 or more years! It was fantastic. President and Sister Henderson looked the same! I don't think that's fare at all. In a couple days they will be celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary, (I think that's what he said that night) what a huge accomplishment.<br /><br />Shane Newport and his wife Rebbecca came all the way from New Zealand, Adam and Gunda Matty's came from Saudi Arabia and many others from the surrounding states. Mike Arave and Paul were zone leaders together. They were a fantastic team. I happened to be the only sister missionary there but that's probably because I'm married to Paul. One of my old zone leaders Elder Brad Peterson was there and it was such a wonderful surprise to see him walking through the door.<br /><br />Thanks to Elder Finch for putting such a wonderful evening together. We had a large array of food, brown rice, baked chicken with cream sauce and swiss cheese, dark green salad (I say dark because its not ice burg!) other fruits and veges but the highlight was the gateau, three layers of moist dark chocolate cake, with vanilla cream, and chocolate creams between each layer and covered with a yummy chocolate ganache or butter cream frosting. I totally want another piece! Maybe we can do this again but sooner than 22 years from now!<br /><br />The next day I had dinner with a dear friend and one of my favorite missionary companions Gaye Strathearn from Brisbane Australia. She is now a Professor at BYU in Religious Studies, Ancient Scripture and her expertise is in New Testament and Christian Origins. It was so nice to catch up with her and I've already booked a room at her home for women's conference. Thanks Gaye!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-65496605928933558402009-09-30T14:51:00.012-07:002009-11-15T16:19:15.502-07:00Salt Lake City and Elder Burke<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Sv9aVS_4_4I/AAAAAAAAAQE/rpFgd82QOrA/s1600-h/jb1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404137399791452034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Sv9aVS_4_4I/AAAAAAAAAQE/rpFgd82QOrA/s320/jb1.jpg" /></a> Some of the missionaries leaving with Elder Burke<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404137223999232786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/Sv9aLEHwmxI/AAAAAAAAAP8/vHppuJa2KXI/s320/JB.jpg" /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYQd8AqmI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ty_96PNtGyE/s1600-h/IMG_1065.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391750218830096994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYQd8AqmI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ty_96PNtGyE/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" /></a>Our last squeeze for at least 22 months!<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYQGYUYFI/AAAAAAAAALs/oYWsAT5aHso/s1600-h/IMG_1063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391750212506378322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYQGYUYFI/AAAAAAAAALs/oYWsAT5aHso/s320/IMG_1063.JPG" /></a>Jordan, Dad and Aunt Sheila<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYPlVhVgI/AAAAAAAAALk/QzeIltetsCc/s1600-h/IMG_1071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391750203636274690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYPlVhVgI/AAAAAAAAALk/QzeIltetsCc/s320/IMG_1071.JPG" /></a>Off to Guadalajara Mexico<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYPG8BQHI/AAAAAAAAALc/Pe3ziYBkuxU/s1600-h/IMG_1072.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391750195476250738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYPG8BQHI/AAAAAAAAALc/Pe3ziYBkuxU/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" /></a>Our last wave good-bye!<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYOvSX5_I/AAAAAAAAALU/pGIX0koHvV4/s1600-h/IMG_1074.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391750189127559154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNYOvSX5_I/AAAAAAAAALU/pGIX0koHvV4/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" /></a>Love this photo!<br /></div><br />So the family just happened to be dropping by the Salt Lake City airport at the same moment Elder Jordan Burke was checking in his luggage to fly down to Guadalajara Mexico. What a huge coincidence! Hahahahaha.... Paul heard a loud "Dad" and then Mana and I were running to him! I didn't realize how much I miss him but it I know this experience will be a growing one for him. Heck... if Paul and I can do it (serve full time missions) any one can!<br /><br />We also met our niece and nephew for the first time. They are the cutest kids! Sheila - Pauls sister and his mom were there also. It was so short yet wonderful to visit with them all. Jordan bore his testimony to us in Spanish and it moved me completely. His Spanish is excellent (from what my Maori ears can tell!) and his whole zone voted him as the one to speak the best Spanish also. We will miss him but as I said earlier, it will not only benefit others but him too.<br /><br />We also spent the rest of the day acting like tourists and visited the LDS Conference Center. That place is enormous and beautiful. We went to see the movie at the Joseph Smith Building. That is another beautiful building also. Ornate gold leaf ceilings, enormous chandeliers dangling everywhere. We loved it! Our hosts were Dave and Chris Peterson and they were amazing. We love them so much! Thanks you guys! </div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2847162095883563083.post-45026162332284330962009-09-12T09:24:00.005-07:002009-10-12T09:08:34.551-07:00Tlaquepaque - Sedona Flood, Sept 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNURvycRTI/AAAAAAAAALE/979SU_HwGTU/s1600-h/sedonaflood2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNURvycRTI/AAAAAAAAALE/979SU_HwGTU/s320/sedonaflood2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391745842755159346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNUSC-84fI/AAAAAAAAALM/SHzwUg1ViEQ/s1600-h/sedonaflood.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7y64dfeDgJg/StNUSC-84fI/AAAAAAAAALM/SHzwUg1ViEQ/s320/sedonaflood.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391745847907901938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thursday afternoon we received a siren warning from our two golf courses so we knew to grab all our things outside that we didn't want to fly away or get drenched. Within seconds the whole place was surrounded by lightning, thunder, hail and high winds. Monsoon season is a very interesting time here in the heart of Arizona. We love any kind of moisture but when the earth is as dry as it is here, there's no where for it to go but downward. If your home is downward, look out! We have a huge arroyo behind us and it doesn't fill up but it gushes.<br /><br />By the way, if your visiting this area, you'll see dips in the roads everywhere with an accompanying sign saying "Do not cross when flooded" please don't cross. Too many tourists think, what the heck! its only five feet wide, but little do they know the roads probably disappeared from beneath it.<br /><br />Well Thursday, it rained for only 35-40 minutes and it caused quite a disturbance near Tlaquepaque and parts of west Sedona.Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03402481179265965286noreply@blogger.com3