I'm glad somebody had the guts to do it!

This week is pioneer day. Having done a pretend trek a few years ago, I further appreciate the sacrifices that the pioneers went through to practice their religious beliefs.  And I know for a fact that I would not have made a good pioneer.  Not that I don't have a testimony, but I'm sure I would have opted for plan B as opposed to traveling across the wilderness and dealing with the challenges of pioneer life.

HAPPY 24th of JULY!

Curtis at work

Curtis has been a trooper. He has continued working in Oregon in spite of less than ideal circumstances.  He has been living in a hotel the whole time, eating fast food and watching TV-

 which he really does not like.

He also has been door to door selling, which has convinced him he'll never be a missionary.  It's just not his deal.  So here he is at work.  His last day is Tuesday and then he'll begin his journey home with Anna and Nick.  We'll see him sometime next week.  He is ready to jump back into school and make sure that when he is all grown up, he has more occupational options!

  I can't wait to see him!  I miss the little monkey!

Just checking in on the in-vetro grandbabies!

Taylor and Kenzie's baby girl:

Dustin and Whitney's little ?:

UGGGGG!

After viewing my recent pictures,

 clearly it's time to get back on the scale and lose weight

AGAIN!

I swore I would never get fat again- and well, pictures don't lie!

Time to dig out my running shoes and start counting calories.

Party on!!!

Five generations!

Grandma Virgie, Ninety Seven, came to town for a party.

We were able to capture this Five generation picture.

It's overwhelming to think about the differences between the life that Grandma Virg lived, having been raised in a holler in Tennessee, and the life that Halle will experience!

Someday when I have time, I'll make a list.  But it will be long and take hours to compile.

Nifty 50!

My mom and dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last week.  What an accomplishment! It's becoming increasingly rare that a couple can stay connected and in love with all the adversities in life.  But my parents have succeed all these years and are still terribly devoted to each other.

Pictures to follow!!!

Workin' in Tucson, Arizona

This year, AlphaGraphics held their annual conference in Tucson, Arizona.  It is where they originally had their headquarters and since it's their 40th anniversary, they returned to their hometown.  The conference was impressive and it was validating.  I felt good about my work as I saw the kind of support I talk to independent printers about in full force.  It was held at a beautiful resort and Abbie joined me, which was unbelievably awesome!

This is a real picture I took of flowers against the hotel wall

-so pretty!

My beautiful daughter

Abbie and Sandy eating like bunnies!

Stunning center pieces at the awards dinner.

The Gardners 4th party

Mark and Shelly throw the best 4th of July party!

Followed by fantastic fireworks at the Country Club...

Happy Fourth!

I love the 4th of July-

Lazy day, BBQ at Gardner's, fireworks at the country club.

Perfect!

P.S. my favorite fireworks are the white twinkly ones!

Lovin' the classics!

Wills is loving the old Disney movies now!

His favorites:

Shrek

Finding Nemo

Toy Story

His dad's favorite: Robin Hood

His Mom's favorite: Beauty and the Beast

His Nana's favorite: Little Mermaid

Halle's habit

Halle really is a lady of leisure.  She can't eat unless she is leaned back with one foot up on her tray.  Even in restaurants, she loves just kickin' back and putting her feet up.  After awhile, she'll pull her foot down, shift and then up goes the other foot!  What a coconut!

Family Traditions

When I was a child, the 4th of July meant decorating our bikes and riding in the local East Mill Creek parade.  Back then there were lots of "Big Wheels" and "Schwinn" bikes with banana seats. Wagons and folks dressed like pioneers as well as floats and bands and scout troops that proudly carried old glory down Evergreen Street.

When our kids were younger, we did the same thing- decorated their bikes and let them ride the parade with cowboy hats and pioneer bonnets. We pulled wagons full of babies and threw Salt Water taffy to onlookers as we marched down the hill.

Now, we have grand kids that have just participated in their 1st parade and they loved it as much as their parents and grandparents did.  Holly cow! Some traditions really have staying power.

I did not see any big wheels- more motorized jeeps and barbie cars. A few floats, but not as many.  But tons of families, candy and smiling faces.  Those things have not changed.

And feelings of pride in our country and gratitude for our freedom. That has not changed and I pray it never does.  I love my country and am proud to celebrate the red, white and blue!

Gone to a better place-

Sammy has gone to a better place!

No, he hasn't died, but he has been adopted by a very nice woman named Kathy who was looking for a companion for her Toy poodle named Fancy.  Kathy loves dogs, has a doggie door and doesn't mind barking.  She asked Sammy if he'd like to sleep on her bed- seriously!  He is going to LOVE it there.  She has a groomer that can keep him all trimmed up and neat and she said he is going to get lots and lots of attention. What a great place for Sammy to spend his golden years.

I am LOVING not having any dogs at the house.  I have finally found some peace in my life and I needed it desperately. Here is a short list of things I absolutely DO NOT miss!

Endless Whining-

Made me swear, ("Shut the hell up!")

Barking-

I've been tempted to file a police complaint on us!

Scratching on the doors-

 That's going to cost a fortune to fix

Pee on the carpet-

 Clean up crew scheduled for next week.

Throw up in the house-

Sick!

Begging for food-

So,so annoying.

Calls from strangers that have the dogs-

 Why don't people mind their own business?

The smell of animals in the house-

Icky!

Empty water and food bowls needing to be filled-

 Oh, am I in charge of that?

Dogs laying on clean clothes-

UGH!

Poop in the yard-

Love it.

Dog breath!

Guilt for leaving dogs locked up all the time-

(I am human)

Garbage cans up front-

unsightly

Locked gates-

 so inconvenient

Dog hair everywhere-

Gross

Torn up lawn-

 More costly repairs

Whoops! Did I say short list?  Can't help it. It is so nice to have the animals out of my life!

Sammy: May you live a long and happy life in your new home.  Thanks for the memories!

When siblings become friends

Taylor & Kenzie took Abbie and Jake to a Real game they had a great time together which, lets be honest, is what mothers of young children only dream about! I am so happy we are beyond the fighting years and have moved to a place where all the kids are friends and they look after each other. Yea for friends that are family!

 

If there's one thing Nathan is...

It's a fantastic dad-

 Happy Father's day!

Babysitting Koda-

Mark and Abbie took Koda up to Enisgn Peak tonight. 

 Koda was in HEAVEN! It was a beautiful evening!

Take a look at what they came upon!

UKKKKK!