Picture Tag . . . Your It !!

My friend Sandra at In This Small House has tagged me, now I feel funny and kind of stupid at this game. First of all I am REALLY new to this blogging thing and I just got my first digital camera for Christmas. So here is the picture. . .





of course it is Christmas morning and I'm not sure I even took the picture. Adrienne is on the left and the "baby" of the family is with her on the sofa.

I have a daughter who is such good photographer, I need to take lessons. My daughter Jessica has taken pictures from the back yard to all over the world. I think it would be fun to see what she would have in her 6th file and what her 6th picture is, so . . . Jessica you are it!

26 years and counting

The picture below is of the Teton Dam site disaster that happened in 1976, this is where Bart and I went on our first date.

"1976 Teton Dam Flood Site"

My cute husband just reminded me that 26 years ago today we had our first date . . . he claims he met the "girl" of his dreams. I don't think he knew that then, we met on a blind date and I was the fallback girl. I didn't want to go on a date with him, but my mom said just go, you might have fun. I don't think she realized that a little over 9 months later we would be married. Getting married was not on my to do list, but as organized and planned everything seems to be for me, I went with the flow and I am glad I did.

For all of you married friends and family take a moment and remember your first date, it will put a smile on your face and warm your heart. I love you Bart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Joshua is 15 today, I don't know how this happened to me, my baby is growing up. He is such a joy and appropriately spoiled as are all of my children. He is funny, kind, bright and calls me ma-ma in front of his friends. In our home for your birthday you get to pick the meal I prepare for dinner and he chose ribs with mashed potatoes and corn, no green vegetables for this picky boy. I asked what kind of cake he wanted a couple of days ago and he said "duh", well I didn't know what duh meant and he soon informed me it was Better than Sex Cake. OK, I can do that but I don't think he knows it takes all day for that cake. My baby is only 15 once so making a special dinner and a yummy cake is worth it.

I love you Josh!!!

Another Reason Bart is Embarrassed by ME

Am I a lucky girl or what, how often do you get to wave to Big Bird or for that matter take his picture. Bart and I had just finished up at the USU home and garden show and having a little lunch when we were heading home. On the corner of Main and 1400 North my friend and yours was waving to all of his fans and of course I had to have a picture. I pulled out my cute red camera and snapped this lucky shot. Bart was mortified, but I love all things Sesame Street. I know it is a little bit silly but I can't helping finding joy in the simple things. Have a happy week and don't forget to hide when you eat your cookies or the Cookie Monster will get you!!!

When I grow up

The other night we had a neighborhood talent night, filled with culinary art, wood working, paintings, drawings, songs, juggling, poetry, a fabulous blues number and so much more. For me I couldn't stop staring at the above boxes and quilts. They speak to my soul and I know the women who have created them, they are both great-grandmothers, well respected by the community and I am often awed by them. The boxes are completely hand made. I have made a few and want to make many more. The quilts are treasures, the blue and yellow one is made with real 20's and 30's fabrics, not reproductions.

I hope I will let myself take time to create and feed my soul, because dishes, laundry and vacuuming doesn't seem to be doing it for me!!!

The cutest boy of them all

Having a good time at the birthday party!!??, or will somebody please take this stupid hat off of me?

Just chillin'

I usually require a pillow if you want to hold me.

I have been posting a lot about my boys in the family, much to the delight of my girls. We have one black and white and furry all over boy, who gets oh so much attention. He is much loved by everyone in the whole neighborhood and all know his name. Griffy has been in the family for 9 years and is the first one everyone tells they are home, he sleeps in my bed and LOVES bread and Bart always gives in to him. I will say one thing about this boy is he is always happy to see me even if he hasn't done his chores,but like the other boys in my family he doesn't always smell the best. Even so . . . we love this dog.

Batter's Up

Baseball Little Slugger

It is spring time in Cache Valley or so my son tells me so. It is snowing and yet Josh made the LHS baseball team. He loves ball and has since he could walk. This means for me to have the van always filled with blankets, the umbrella, sunscreen, coats and gloves, something to keep my hands busy, gator aid or power aid or water or my lifeline of diet coke. I better make sure we always know where the bat bag is and plenty of "seeds" to munch on. Not only does it mean ball time around here, but also it is time for parent teacher conferences, I stood in line for 2 hours and saw only 4 teachers, Josh is getting all A's and he came home yesterday and told me he got the highest score on his math test in his class. I am proud of him and I can't believe my "baby" is in high school. Keep up the good work my little dadult.

TAXES!!!!

Is it only me or does the tension level go up when it comes time to do taxes in your home? My poor husband gets very anxious about the process, he does a great job and we usually end up with a small refund or have to pay just a little. I think we will be done with the process today and I will can clean up the massive piles of paper all over the desk.



Also last night Hayden was inducted into the National Honor Society. I am proud of him and all that he has accomplished these last couple of days.

Eagle's Nest

Tonight Hayden was awarded his Eagle, one of the highest honors as a boy scout. I know I am his mom and all, but I am really proud of him. He went on this journey starting as a scrawny little 12 year old, often not knowing what to expect to become one of the leaders in his troop making sure that all feel included. One of the things that made tonight twice as nice was he got his Eagle with one of his close friends, Michael Winward. It has been a pleasure watching these two together. They have gone from playing with sticks, to shooting arrows and are each preparing for college and their missions. I love you my cute son.