tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507164900965786222024-03-05T07:23:34.139-08:00Mom and SarahbearMom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-26087627727175729772013-04-30T20:50:00.000-07:002013-04-30T20:50:03.035-07:00Better Late Than Never...We're Finally Moving In!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can hardly believe how long it has been since I have "blogged"! Geez. Talk about being just a little behind. I don't even think I know where to begin. But...putting the last year and half aside...we are moving into our new home in Alpine, UT TOMORROW!! I am just a little excited, I tell you. I thought I had better do a little documentation of a very few "before our junk arrives" pics, as it will NEVER, in my lifetime, look like this again. This is our final resting place and we both couldn't be more excited about it. These are pics off my phone, and not great ones, and definitely not in any priority order...so here goes...</div>
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This is our music room. Fun thing in here...our cabinet guy (Benjamin Blackwelder) built in some file drawers for all my piano music...yahoo! I've never had a music cabinet and this is going to work out great. Mr. Mason (my piano) is just about done getting his makeover (oh my!) and this is where he'll end up. The carpet is kind of a red wine color. I imagine Lizzy and Lucy will find this bench to be their favorite perch! <br />
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This is Rich's office, right across from the music room. He is so excited. Especially about the little not-so-secret corner. That book case on the left goes into a little, awkward space that was just available...and Rich put it to good use. So.......if Lisa can't be found, please check there!! But the cabinets are gorgeous...they are cherry and turned out so pretty. Same carpet as music room. Notice the door knobs. I'll explain in a minute. <br />
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Going down the hall towards our bedroom. So, for some twenty years or more I have been dreaming about my "dream" home. One of the things I started doing was collecting antique glass door knobs. Our contractor was just a little bit caught off guard about my request to use them. Long and short, Rich (bless his heart, bless his heart, bless his heart) never gave up on my dream of using these, in spite of the negative reaction from the contractor. He figured it out and said he would do the installation. Each one turned out to be just a little different when it came to the actual installation and it took him well over a couple of hours per door. True love!! They still need to be cleaned up a bit, but we had to get them on to pass inspection. <br />
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Our master bathroom. Yep, you're seeing carpet in the bathroom, and blue carpet at that! LOVE how this all turned out. At the very beginning when I was thinking about colors, someone mentioned that I should decide on a color scheme...warm or cool. Well, problem is I like both! So, the rest of the house probably falls into the "warm" category, but our bedroom and bathroom are definitely "cool" and peaceful and calming, etc. I made a blue and gray quilt last spring that I can't wait to use. Countertops are a product similar to Corian with integrated sinks. The light fixtures (oh, that's a crazy story) will be replaced back to the original ones...four fixtures ago. <br />
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Lisa's guilty pleasure and one of the other things I've dreamed about...the master shower!! This is a combination of a steam shower, plus a vertical spa (yep, 4 jets on my back) and then one overhead and one on an adjustable pole. See below. Not particularly liking cold weather, we had to come up with every coping mechanism we could...and this was just one of them! Another reason for carpet in the bathroom...besides the fact that it is super soft on the feet!<br />
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My dad was in a wheelchair for the last 30 years of his life and my mother the last 10 years...soooo, it's in my mentality to think ahead and cover all the possibilities. Definitely could get a walker in this shower. All of our doors are wider, the toilet is higher, the shower walls have extra backing in them for when we need to install more handrails, etc. <br />
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Bed will go against this wall. We have a fun bay window in our bedroom and the view, oh the view, is incredible. Happened to find my Mother's Day present the other day...it is a chair and a half...perfect gray and perfect fit for the bay window. Thanks Rich!!<br />
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This is looking from the door of the laundry room into my craft room. Oh, so excited to have this space. It is kind of complicated to explain. Lots of cabinets, big counter for cutting fabric and folding clothes, etc. Can't wait to get started. <br />
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One of the things we did switch from the original plan was to move the laundry room to the other side of the house, close to our bedroom. LOVE IT!! Accent wall color behind matches a little cabinet I found for the craft room. That window on the counter goes in a cut out in the family room...will show that later. The flooring in here is something akin to what you find in Target and comes in tons of colors, etc. I can't remember what exactly it is called, but is super durable. Found a great rug at Sams Club to go in here. <br />
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Stairway going up. Was thinking a couple of months ago...the layout of this house is pretty darn similar to our Edwardsville, IL home...for those that ever visited us there. But hey, Rich and I don't even have to go up the stairs...strictly for company! Come visit!! There's two bedrooms, full bath, and a bonus room up there. I think it is about 700 square feet. <br />
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Ah, the kitchen! I'll take lots better pics, but this turned out to be all that I was hoping it would be! LOVE our cabinet guy...he's so good. Love the hardwood flooring...clear red oak with a natural finish. Sweet! The countertops...so worried about them as all I had to choose from was this little piece maybe 2" by 4". But they are PERFECT! They are Silestone. Anyways, I'll do some better pics! Was a bit worried about how much natural light I'd have in the kitchen as it all comes from one side, but couldn't be happier...plus...don't stop and count how many cans there are in the ceiling...I tell you, there's a LOT of them. Pantry door is sticking open...oops. <br />
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The stone used on the fireplace is the same stone as on the outside of the house. It is sitting in the corner...can kind of see that in the next pic...This fireplace is some kind of awesome! <br />
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Built in entertainment center. So, as we age and it gets harder to see, we need bigger TVs...right? I think you could see what's on this one a mile away!! The back of the TV is against where my craft room is, so we added a door in that room to access all of the cords, etc. so we don't have to move the TV out every time we need to hook something else up. Rich is *just a little excited* to hook it all up!! <br />
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So, for the 10 years or so that we've owned this lot, we thought that it was relatively flat...NOT. Anyways, the landscaping involved a lot of retaining walls, etc. and because of that cost, we almost didn't do the waterfall. But we are SO GLAD we did!! This doesn't do it justice and it is far from complete and the picture makes it look like the fire pit and waterfall are right next to each other, which they aren't even close. Oh well. But the sound, oh the sound, is AMAZING!! And fortunately, all of our neighbors in close proximity are quite thrilled, too! <br />
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Front door. Chose clear alder and love how it turned out. So the music room is on the right and office on the left...see, I told you...just like Edwardsville!! <br />
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Love that huge crack in the street...hmmm. Don't notice that until you see it in a picture. Oh well. Least of my worries! So, you can't see that there is a 4 car garage, but there is. Rich is a happy camper about that one. One of the things we did, too, was to change the pitch of the house, and by doing that we were able to get more of a front porch. Not quite the wrap-around-the-house porch I always envisioned, but this one is great. And the views out the front are just about as good as the views out the back, which are amazing!! I think our main floor is about 2700 square feet, which means that there's that much in the basement, but that is all unfinished. We do have a fantastic cold storage area under the front porch. It is plumbed for two bathrooms, but who knows what we'll end up doing down there.<br />
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Anyways, there you have it for now! I can't believe we are finally, really going to be settled again! My friend Darlene was visiting last week and made the comment, "It's a little bit of Illinois, a little bit of California, a little bit of Texas all mixed together!" Tis true. And a little bit of Washington, too! What a blessing!! We look forward to all the great memories to come, having lots of visitors, and sharing with dear friends and family. Look forward to part 2...and hopefully it won't take a year or more to get it done! Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-64974465024351061172011-12-06T07:45:00.000-08:002011-12-06T08:07:04.835-08:00Loving Caleb<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TkK3PUIhsK-hUc8oJTXjZ5DPnjyRkIOtp-cpIuuc5ah71ASst43YlPReL2E0Fv_8smiyBof8bwpqpIWju0PCx5hzHpdYi1GcQmgo5ZbB3u1uCDFj_hLZMYjgWKCek-6GC9_oxX1cXQ/s1600/IMG_5490R_R_C_F.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683042766271050962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TkK3PUIhsK-hUc8oJTXjZ5DPnjyRkIOtp-cpIuuc5ah71ASst43YlPReL2E0Fv_8smiyBof8bwpqpIWju0PCx5hzHpdYi1GcQmgo5ZbB3u1uCDFj_hLZMYjgWKCek-6GC9_oxX1cXQ/s400/IMG_5490R_R_C_F.JPG" /></a> I'm especially loving little Caleb this week! Two fun experiences with other people with the name Caleb have given great hope for who this young man will one day grow up to be.<br /><br />In Seminary, we were studying in the book of Numbers this week. And actually, President Kimball (such a sweet and tender prophet himself) tells the story so well...<br /><br />"Give Me This Mountain", Ensign, November 1979<br />"I should like to refer to the great story of the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land. In that story there is an account of one special man that moves and motivates and inspires me. His name was Caleb.<br /><br />Shortly after Moses led Israel out of bondage from Egypt, he sent twelve men to search out the promised land and to bring back word about living conditions there. Caleb and Joshua were among the group. After spending forty days on their mission, the twelve men returned. They brought back figs and pomegranates and a cluster of grapes so large it took two men to carry it between them on a pole.<br /><br />The majority of the search party gave a very discouraging report on the promised land and its inhabitants. Although they found a land that was beautiful and desirable and flowing with milk and honey, they also found that the cities were walled and formidable and that the people, the “sons of Anak,” looked like giants. The Israelite scouts said that they felt like grasshoppers in comparison. Caleb, however, saw things a little differently, with what the Lord called “another spirit,” and his account of the journey and their challenges was quite different. He said, “Let us go up at once, and possess [their land]; for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30).<br /><br />Joshua and Caleb were men of great faith, and they joined in urging that the Israelites go immediately, to the promised land, saying:<br /><br />“If the Lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.<br /><br />“Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for … the Lord is with us: fear them not” (Num. 14:8–9).<br /><br />But the faint-hearted Israelites, remembering the security of their Egyptian slavery and lacking faith in God, rejected Caleb and Joshua and sought even to stone them to death.<br /><br />Because of their lack of faith, the children of Israel were required to spend the next forty years wandering about and eating the dust of the desert, when they might have feasted on milk and honey.<br /><br />The Lord decreed that before Israel could enter the land of Canaan, all of the faithless generation who had been freed from bondage must pass away—all go into eternity—all except Joshua and Caleb. For their faith, they were promised that they and their children would live to inhabit the promised land.<br /><br />Forty-five years after the twelve men returned from their exploration of the land of promise, when the new generation of Israel, under the leadership of Joshua, was completing its conquest of Canaan, Caleb spoke to Joshua:<br /><br />“Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me … to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.<br /><br />“Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the Lord my God.<br /><br />“And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.<br /><br />“As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me [at least in the spirit of the gospel and its call and needs]: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, … both to go out, and to come in” (Josh. 14:7–8, 10–11).<br /><br />From Caleb’s example we learn very important lessons. Just as Caleb had to struggle and remain true and faithful to gain his inheritance, so we must remember that, while the Lord has promised us a place in his kingdom, we must ever strive constantly and faithfully so as to be worthy to receive the reward.<br /><br />Caleb concluded his moving declaration with a request and a challenge with which my heart finds full sympathy. The Anakims, the giants, were still inhabiting the promised land, and they had to be overcome. Said Caleb, now at 85 years, “Give me this mountain” (Josh. 14:12).<br /><br />This is my feeling for the work at this moment. There are great challenges ahead of us, giant opportunities to be met. I welcome that exciting prospect and feel to say to the Lord, humbly, “Give me this mountain,” give me these challenges. "<br /><br />So loved and appreciated President Kimball's humility, and am so grateful to have a better understanding of who Caleb was and what faith he had. So grateful that he was eventually allowed to enter the Promised Land, among the very few to have actually started AND finished the journey! <br /><br />The second "Caleb" experience occured this past Fast and Testimony Meeting in our ward in Katy. Towards the end of the meeting, a young man named Caleb Gardner stood up...he is maybe 9 or 10. He mentioned how his sister had previously shared her testimony and how he sat there pondering to himself why she would want to do that so often. He came to the conclusion that somehow it must make her happy, so he thought that he would try it to see if it worked, so he approached the pulpit, relaying to us the thoughts that had gone through his mind. And then with tears in his eyes, and a suddenly remarkably quiet congregation listening, he expressed his love for family, the Savior, the gospel, and the joy that it all brought to him. It was the sweetest moment! Brought peace to my soul. The Church will be in good hands in the future with men like Caleb Gardner and Caleb Brewer...I just know it!Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-69330039952359395732011-11-28T14:24:00.000-08:002011-11-28T15:43:42.061-08:00November 28, 2011 - Tender Mercies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNbn-YBBOxqzp8MoJzhVh21elZozLs5R0i_jXYjHa45bhZrxfC6afK_Ih2TU_7Lzqqew5WWjXtwcsmXSQV5lb3NcNGui7GLcyjah64wX06d239CdekQn-rppeyJJW-kP5CrP6wN8Fgg/s1600/IMG_5504_R+_PN_web.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 324px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680178682317637458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNbn-YBBOxqzp8MoJzhVh21elZozLs5R0i_jXYjHa45bhZrxfC6afK_Ih2TU_7Lzqqew5WWjXtwcsmXSQV5lb3NcNGui7GLcyjah64wX06d239CdekQn-rppeyJJW-kP5CrP6wN8Fgg/s400/IMG_5504_R+_PN_web.jpg" /></a> It's Monday, after a fantastic week with family and friends in Southern California. Talk about hard to get back into "it"...geez...it was 32 degrees this morning...in Houston!! What is that about?? I was so cold last night that I could not make myself get up and get another blanket! Rest assured, even though we are in Houston, the electric blanket is now on the bed. Back to the week...<br /><br />Rich and I went to Southern California a couple of days before the rest of the troops were to arrive. We haven't really had a time there together since leaving in 1999 and it was super fun. Yes, we miss that area...fun places and dear friends! I sit here this afternoon and just have to smile and feel grateful for several experiences that we had. We all know about that scripture in 1 Nephi..."the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." And then Elder Bednar's remarks about that scripture, "I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them." Thursday afternoon we chose to visit the Newport Beach Temple...so beautiful and so amazing to have a temple so close by. After we checked in at the front desk, we were approached by a gentleman who would be serving in the temple that afternoon. He said that Rich looked familiar to him and when he responded with "Rich Bowerman", the gentleman asked us if we knew Evalyn Bowerman. Ummm...yea...she was my mother! The gentleman then very quietly reminded us of who he was...her Bishop...from more than 12 years ago...he who spent countless hours guiding her, encouraging her, and blessing her life as her eclesiastical leader. We had met him a couple of times while she was so sick, and at her funeral, but Rich had spoken with him numerous times on the phone. It was such a sweet moment for the three of us standing there, knowing that it was definitely not a coincidence that we would choose to walk through those doors at that particular moment when he, who was actually filling in for someone else that afternoon, was standing there. It made our time in the temple oh, so sweet. And as we were leaving, we randomly asked a question of a sister sitting quietly close to the front door...turned out to be the Bishop's wife...and we had a wonderful conversation about Evalyn and how we remembered her. <br /><br />Rich and I drove around and took pictures of apartments we lived in and our first home. We had dinner with good friends a couple of different times. Saturday morning Jennifer and I went to a favorite boutique at the Disneyland Hotel, called CUW. Some people are so darn creative...way fun. There were 12 different cashier stations and I finally ended up at one. As the gal was putting my purchases in order, I told her that she looked familiar and she remarked that I did, too. I have been gone from SoCal since 1999 and never lived anywhere she had, but we kept digging. Turns out that she is a sister of a dear friend from Bellingham, Washington, and we had indeed spent a most amazing day together at the beach many years ago. Way funny...and fun! <br /><br />Our kids all arrived in Carlsbad on Monday of last week. We were thrilled with our accomodations and location...close to Legoland, the beach, San Diego, Orange County, AND there was a great "big, warm, bubble bathtub" - that was according to Claire. She spent a lot of time in that "bathtub", running from the freezing cold water fountain, to the nice warm bubble bathtub! It was so nice just to spend a relaxing time together. We did manage to get back up to Orange one afternoon and met our friend, Katie, who took some family pics. Loved walking along the beach and loved spending a couple of afternoons at Legoland with Claire and Caleb, and loved our Thanksgiving meal! One afternoon a group went down to the Mormon Battalion Museum in San Diego and yep, they ran into one of our old neighbors from when we lived in Santa Maria...a dear friend to Chris. How cool is that? <br /><br />Everyone headed out Saturday morning, some driving and some flying, but we all arrived at our various destinations safe and sound and all about the same time. That was funny! Rich and I had to catch a ride from the airport that we landed at to the airport where we had departed from and left our car at. We had the most interesting conversation with our driver. She was very talkative and interesting, and as it turned out both she and Rich had traveled to the same place in upstate New York. Rich has a remarkable way of working the Church into conversations, and as he spoke about Olean, New York, he mentioned how it was close to places significant in Church history. So she finally said, "OK, tell me what Mormons believe." Really? She didn't know anything about the church, which is a little unusual. She was honest in her desire to know more and to find a religion where she "fit". She appreciated the fact that we have no paid clergy. She seemed to think that a modern day prophet might be a good idea. She was open to the idea of the Book of Mormon and asked how she could get one. She said that she often prays, and that when she prays that she asks that she will transport only good people. We mentioned to her that it may not just be "chance" that we ended up in her car that night. She was happy to give us her address so that we could make sure a Book of Mormon is delivered by some missionaries. Sweet times...we came home shaking our heads at all the amazing "little" coincidences that happened during the week, knowing in our hearts that they were not at all coincidental. And then in the morning I went to pick up Lucy and Lizzy...who have not let me out of their site! Missed my little girlfriends!! On to the holidays...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaKg9c1PaIkssK2lm3z-hl6EB4o76VoUyeF8nI0Tz3GLVVoKUWkHVxnHmV4xiDFQl0KZvAq5UuIxZC1yJbnMOa22RmlUUlHMuk0avO7-tugF_CxIAFN2vpQoVxlC0Z9Izz23urgovGA/s1600/IMG_5475_R_Frame_web.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 325px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680178656808416178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaKg9c1PaIkssK2lm3z-hl6EB4o76VoUyeF8nI0Tz3GLVVoKUWkHVxnHmV4xiDFQl0KZvAq5UuIxZC1yJbnMOa22RmlUUlHMuk0avO7-tugF_CxIAFN2vpQoVxlC0Z9Izz23urgovGA/s400/IMG_5475_R_Frame_web.jpg" /></a> P.S. I totally realize that my red shoes really "pop" here (we were just going for lots of color!), but I love them...thanks, Jennifer, for talking me into that purchase. Maybe I should have Katie tone them down a little, eh? <br /><div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-18925353448525967112011-10-24T12:37:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:17:57.309-07:00Amy's Birthday - A Good Day to Catch UpOctober 24, 2011<br /><br />The thought went through my mind yesterday..."Oh my, if Amy was with us, she would be turning 30!" Feeling just a little old myself today. 30 years later there is still hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of my little Amy. Seems that as of late there have been so many difficult situations that friends/family/acquaintenances have had to deal with. I recognize that part of this simply arises from the fact that life is marching on (things happen the longer we live) and that my circle of friends has grown (thereby more experiences are shared) and that my children are no longer children and are therefore experiencing real life...at times it is fantastic and at times...not so much. I LOVED Elder Cook's address at the October conference...so good...<br />Here's just a little bit of it...<br />"Sometimes tragedies are very personal. A son or daughter dies early in life or falls victim to a devastating disease. A loving parent’s life is taken because of a thoughtless act or accident. Whenever tragedy occurs, we mourn and strive to bear one another’s burdens. We lament the things that will not be accomplished and the songs that will not be sung.<br /><br />Among the most frequently asked questions of Church leaders are, Why does a just God allow bad things to happen, especially to good people? Why are those who are righteous and in the Lord’s service not immune from such tragedies?<br /><br />While we do not know all the answers, we do know important principles that allow us to face tragedies with faith and confidence that there is a bright future planned for each of us. Some of the most important principles are:<br /><br />First, we have a Father in Heaven, who knows and loves us personally and understands our suffering perfectly.<br /><br />Second, His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer, whose Atonement not only provides for salvation and exaltation but also will compensate for all the unfairness of life.<br /><br />Third, the Father’s plan of happiness for His children includes not only a premortal and mortal life but also an eternal life as well, including a great and glorious reunion with those we have lost. <em>All wrongs will be righted, and we will see with perfect clarity and faultless perspective and understanding.<br /><br /></em>From the limited perspective of those who do not have knowledge, understanding, or faith in the Father’s plan—who look at the world only through the lens of mortality with its wars, violence, disease, and evil—this life can seem depressing, chaotic, unfair, and meaningless. Church leaders have compared this perspective with someone walking into the middle of a three-act play.3 Those without knowledge of the Father’s plan do not understand what happened in the first act, or the premortal existence, and the purposes established there; nor do they understand the clarification and resolution that come in the third act, which is the glorious fulfillment of the Father’s plan. "<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Love that part about "all wrongs will be made right"...I have faith that this is true. It is what makes burying my firstborn child bearable. I have faith that families are indeed forever.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Moving along to the "catching up" part...<br /><br /><br />We are settling into our little bungalow/empty nest experience quite nicely. I think on the 2nd or 3rd Sunday here I was extended a calling to teach Seminary. Is it wrong to say that I just had a feeling about this...? Anyways, it's all good and I am having a fantastic time with my 9 regular students. This is a picture from this morning, actually. It was "Nerd" day at school, and a bunch of them came appropriately dressed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwIi0VYOB7uWZNbonrj5by8sx2J9joPfO9GZL4TWXgyefhbbOYAqc1psXNo3dFgxXRqwn1tDvDXNSPEOuJ4jOUA5sK1AGFKWIDiHo1aosSOfPkkvdBYA-nuLpmlwbdZrSyPl8wYNUQw/s1600/100_7458.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667147610218805346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwIi0VYOB7uWZNbonrj5by8sx2J9joPfO9GZL4TWXgyefhbbOYAqc1psXNo3dFgxXRqwn1tDvDXNSPEOuJ4jOUA5sK1AGFKWIDiHo1aosSOfPkkvdBYA-nuLpmlwbdZrSyPl8wYNUQw/s400/100_7458.JPG" /></a> This is all of them. I tell them often how grateful I am that they get me up and going each day. I am so glad to have them come to my home...6:00 a.m. comes early. We are studying the Old Testament together this year. I am learning SO much...it is amazing.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr2mygfzGiGW63VVZhtTqLTDZVsrZXIXU4LpM1OiWo2KOuKT6FeZRH7d1swGZEs1DZzYHoG-aZv-aEAq-IZHicNfCaEAnutJ03_U_xm-Dy53AtvbgdcKfmeeHg6fwh4faPgCmSXWrxg/s1600/100_7296.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667147605668242114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr2mygfzGiGW63VVZhtTqLTDZVsrZXIXU4LpM1OiWo2KOuKT6FeZRH7d1swGZEs1DZzYHoG-aZv-aEAq-IZHicNfCaEAnutJ03_U_xm-Dy53AtvbgdcKfmeeHg6fwh4faPgCmSXWrxg/s400/100_7296.JPG" /></a> Needless to say, Seminary preparation has overtaken my life! The second they leave in the morning I'm thinking about the next day's lesson, and think about and prepare throughout the whole day. Not sure how full-time teachers do it. But I truly do think the world of them. These are such GOOD kids...willing to learn, participate, and be great examples to their friends. I count this such a privilege to serve in this way.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shortly after school started here (and thus, Seminary), Rich and I headed back to St. Louis/Edwardsville to meet Marshall upon his return from missionary service in Brazil.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUn4xY8g_7-svHlQ0LmnRwXaUmcv585ewkr56M3_gO7fp7pWjfiNrAV6L9X7HxY8W00QeghvMPEGwkbCZdhit1YiIFt7ub99gfsYPKiAVHSUMgKnbciwHSoDuP0wkiRzoEZlfU6PF0g/s1600/100_7292.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667147427911380482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUn4xY8g_7-svHlQ0LmnRwXaUmcv585ewkr56M3_gO7fp7pWjfiNrAV6L9X7HxY8W00QeghvMPEGwkbCZdhit1YiIFt7ub99gfsYPKiAVHSUMgKnbciwHSoDuP0wkiRzoEZlfU6PF0g/s400/100_7292.JPG" /></a> Here we are anxiously awaiting...I think he was the last one off the plane. Everyone who came off the plane and saw us with the sign kept saying, "He's on his way!" At last he arrived...what a relief to have him back in my arms once again. 2 years = long time, but within an hour I felt as though I was asking myself, "Did he really leave?" Marshall is still definitely Marshall...LOVE that boy and am so grateful for the example of service that he has set. It will serve him well throughout the remainder of his life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qUDGF82lEtJfUs6LMQxm64Zcn5tzt5mi5NWHJ7ccWYycnVomEXrx6cvLIlvXMnL76PmRpkObgMf_BO7I9hA8lDFVOWYhfhXNdhtoGEXYHVlGFlReP62zna5Q8ygwvDqXIEqo0JR81w/s1600/100_7293.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667147414425661458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qUDGF82lEtJfUs6LMQxm64Zcn5tzt5mi5NWHJ7ccWYycnVomEXrx6cvLIlvXMnL76PmRpkObgMf_BO7I9hA8lDFVOWYhfhXNdhtoGEXYHVlGFlReP62zna5Q8ygwvDqXIEqo0JR81w/s400/100_7293.JPG" /></a> First stop...Bobby's!! Yummy, yummy, yummy!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuT7sFM_C5-hyfSpGrFotG8ADOHLdLTM07IJDiRIWfTmxC_YdK9_0vyMOSik8_J6ntgtNbR0UzmRkOG8ndWBZTYqK1z-SpdQzVdiDBPFxhMOq_eoLjc8K8yNl-bVky9OHzIW2PMIa47A/s1600/100_7294.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667147410917445218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuT7sFM_C5-hyfSpGrFotG8ADOHLdLTM07IJDiRIWfTmxC_YdK9_0vyMOSik8_J6ntgtNbR0UzmRkOG8ndWBZTYqK1z-SpdQzVdiDBPFxhMOq_eoLjc8K8yNl-bVky9OHzIW2PMIa47A/s400/100_7294.JPG" /></a> Next stop...meet with President Holt, who extended Marshall his release from missionary service. We so enjoyed our time in the O'Fallon Stake and serving with these great men. What amazing examples of goodness and service. Marshall and Sarah drove out to Utah together...brother/sister bonding experience. And I understand they had quite the time. How grateful I am for modern technology that led them on their way and kept us in constant contact with them! Marshall's siblings were so excited to have him back in Utah...all is well. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I came back home for a short time and then headed back out to Utah...got some family time in!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FyHdQ_ZmrC4_hfC6CObLXPnRnj9GYOX-skS4F8i-yWIq5CggNON-D3ixfQKGZnolIOW_NeSsYpbbWj95Ilrx7fz8PQ_ZFM3y7rov7UZDds3vEnJNlZuqPZb5NTJkeBhkPkVbbnt33g/s1600/100_7325.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667147389735026034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FyHdQ_ZmrC4_hfC6CObLXPnRnj9GYOX-skS4F8i-yWIq5CggNON-D3ixfQKGZnolIOW_NeSsYpbbWj95Ilrx7fz8PQ_ZFM3y7rov7UZDds3vEnJNlZuqPZb5NTJkeBhkPkVbbnt33g/s400/100_7325.JPG" /></a> This is Perry Sessions with Marshall. Perry is Marshall's 1st cousin, once removed. Perry just returned from his mission to New Zealand...how cool is that?? Now back at BYU together!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOoGuwKwLqh6Hz8z5Bt1OnnXwlNHN7TTXlvKraYBQsG2fJFPZuNPTJW6VkIIaUZQOKeSz3WUe9F7zc1ZR4zrw6YSFV7kyv2FiNujYbhkMmLbRBBcKt3U7sjsmnJaVQFzPwmUsszipNA/s1600/100_7358.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667147386683588802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOoGuwKwLqh6Hz8z5Bt1OnnXwlNHN7TTXlvKraYBQsG2fJFPZuNPTJW6VkIIaUZQOKeSz3WUe9F7zc1ZR4zrw6YSFV7kyv2FiNujYbhkMmLbRBBcKt3U7sjsmnJaVQFzPwmUsszipNA/s400/100_7358.JPG" /></a> A couple of years ago I had met Colette. Her son, Ben, and Marshall left for the same mission on the same day and we have kept in contact over the past 2 years. Well, we had to meet for breakfast now that the "mish" is over. Colette also has a daughter Sarah's age...too fun. Even though they were in the same mission, they saw very little of each other, but had lots of fun stories to tell and spoke in Portuguese quite a bit!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityIpAnJbgVlA-T62UeymP3hJfBApqs2EzMflmHhyjfgqF7rzj9CvHQLRx3VFW1JsrzbJZGeindsLAHvWaqF7ugM0o6d8O3-nbofTdFlG2RnyhaiAvddJYxj5lcsHhc6JE7VS0JnGCnQ/s1600/100_7331.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667146895246411490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityIpAnJbgVlA-T62UeymP3hJfBApqs2EzMflmHhyjfgqF7rzj9CvHQLRx3VFW1JsrzbJZGeindsLAHvWaqF7ugM0o6d8O3-nbofTdFlG2RnyhaiAvddJYxj5lcsHhc6JE7VS0JnGCnQ/s400/100_7331.JPG" /></a> Loved getting a chance to visit with my sister, Trish, doing better all the time after all of her cancer treatments were finally completed. Speaking of sisters and backing up a little...about mid-July my oldest sister, Sharon in VA, had gone in for routine knee replacement surgery - something she has put off for too long, but finally gave in. Well, the following morning she had a stroke...probably as a result of a blood clot. Serious? Sharon is very much like a mother to me...she is 73 this year. The stroke seriously affected her ability to speak and remember lots of different things. Of all things to have to deal with, this would probably be right up there with the most difficult for Sharon. Talk about having to learn patience. Sharon just bought her first computer in May of this year! She had labored over that decision for such a long time. She LOVES family history and has realized what a great blessing the computer is - just for that purpose. She is AMAZING and to say that this has been frustrating would be a severe understatement. I was able to go spend a week with her before Marshall returned and we made remarkable progress. Over the last couple of months she has periods of great depression/frustration, but as of late she is doing much better. Each time I talk with her I can understand a little better what she is trying to say. People, time frames, dates, etc. are routinely mixed up still, but she's getting there. And if there is anyone that can get through this and come out better for the experience, it would be my oldest sister. She still has a great work to accomplish and I have no doubt whatsoever that the Lord is blessing her and that the special gift that we have, the Holy Ghost, will indeed "bring all things into remembrance" for her. Again, one of those situations where all you can do is ask, "OK, so what am I supposed to learn from this?" Then move forward with faith.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriZIbxZqpaaJOZLU2aZoYupcQE-A166QrTovDZh5cQNF4URG810pux5Xv-RK5Lc_U4wM9O2AqnhX-lrKa3ZWjQb-JHJLgMeV2hXYUxdJ-iteYQq57w-9yg4BQ-6RqY7z8lzvXT4Y3QQ/s1600/100_7307.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667146876855740658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriZIbxZqpaaJOZLU2aZoYupcQE-A166QrTovDZh5cQNF4URG810pux5Xv-RK5Lc_U4wM9O2AqnhX-lrKa3ZWjQb-JHJLgMeV2hXYUxdJ-iteYQq57w-9yg4BQ-6RqY7z8lzvXT4Y3QQ/s400/100_7307.JPG" /></a> Of course, getting to go to Utah means getting to spend time with my two favorite people in the world...Caleb and Claire...gosh I miss them!! Here's Mr. Bubba...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwOP-sAyCwlxUbXtXIKlWIn82SUxGl608mPeupiJB68epRNubqIL4gehMS7ZWn_s2WFlxj0ZfNiTgi0Nm8afu8IZLqZU02zAA4yMWva8yw98oYe8XVcsGg-6KvZrq6WS6x91uo7SLVg/s1600/100_7297.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667146876760598850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwOP-sAyCwlxUbXtXIKlWIn82SUxGl608mPeupiJB68epRNubqIL4gehMS7ZWn_s2WFlxj0ZfNiTgi0Nm8afu8IZLqZU02zAA4yMWva8yw98oYe8XVcsGg-6KvZrq6WS6x91uo7SLVg/s400/100_7297.JPG" /></a> ...and here's Miss Claire. She's almost 3...can't believe it!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9CMAqvfFkvDgfFO7aemKRAw1j0FwFNx5SNOkBeqrv5sw_-HpTjllVxc0IZtiQp0DHPvW_EjOlDYnhNV3myodYBw33q7fLTGSA5WWOV7v14dN_z_FgQputDqtTkALNFPQ0W0PNz-ehA/s1600/October+2011+-+Kids+together+to+celebrate+Sarah%2527s+birthday.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667146535713013170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9CMAqvfFkvDgfFO7aemKRAw1j0FwFNx5SNOkBeqrv5sw_-HpTjllVxc0IZtiQp0DHPvW_EjOlDYnhNV3myodYBw33q7fLTGSA5WWOV7v14dN_z_FgQputDqtTkALNFPQ0W0PNz-ehA/s400/October+2011+-+Kids+together+to+celebrate+Sarah%2527s+birthday.jpg" /></a> Also, the trip out yonder had the purpose of getting Sarah situated in school up in Idaho. This pic is out of place, but Sarah came down a couple of weeks ago and the kids all were together to celebrate her 18th birthday...can't believe that either!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeiDo4fYRrAf5CzYk7pX3r4Rj24xn7Zc5ttaUPsTzHCNLd5iQCZO16-AHzgiXtfhOAU2RIqajhfTsveglVt3O2JKZPPjlZvZlcozg6nkULry4GALkI8bLwqu2wcKJImNEtlvz9L_jCw/s1600/100_7367.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667146224939908674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeiDo4fYRrAf5CzYk7pX3r4Rj24xn7Zc5ttaUPsTzHCNLd5iQCZO16-AHzgiXtfhOAU2RIqajhfTsveglVt3O2JKZPPjlZvZlcozg6nkULry4GALkI8bLwqu2wcKJImNEtlvz9L_jCw/s400/100_7367.JPG" /></a> While on the way up to Idaho, we picked up one of our favorite people in the world...Jenny! Jenny is very much like a grandma to Sarah and I adore her. So easy to talk to and such a blessing in my life! What would I have done if I hadn't had her shoulder to cry on as I drove away from Rexburg, leaving my baby behind???<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDba8-4jV0l1oFH663uD-L84lxMGbrLwF2bxAdUTr_DAS7iMzzZpvBGdNgmeWxiDU7oDjT77JWBlZC7dD3F_wtRtYKmTMgLBH84s2Lx0pPPRcKc_tBYatLwgWPc1Ok9LPYVY-RVkSH5A/s1600/100_7368.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667146219964225730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDba8-4jV0l1oFH663uD-L84lxMGbrLwF2bxAdUTr_DAS7iMzzZpvBGdNgmeWxiDU7oDjT77JWBlZC7dD3F_wtRtYKmTMgLBH84s2Lx0pPPRcKc_tBYatLwgWPc1Ok9LPYVY-RVkSH5A/s400/100_7368.JPG" /></a> Some things just work out, ya know? I could NOT have hand picked a better roommate for Sarah. Natalie is a music major, too, and from North Carolina, and so has had many of the same types of experiences as Sarah. They were BFFs within minutes! Can I just say...I LOVE BYU-Idaho! There is such an amazing spirit that exists on that campus...such goodness. She is one lucky girl to have this experience and I know that she is having the time of her life. It makes my sadness at her absence just a little easier to handle. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>But since Rich and I are missing the kiddos so much, we had been talking about a new puppy. Actually, while at the airport waiting for Marshall to arrive, we saw a couple get off the plane with one of these dogs...and we fell in LOVE! We asked about their dog and learned that it was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel...little bit smaller than a Cocker Spaniel, but a fantastic companion dog and good on the airplane! So we started doing our research. At some point Rich threw out the idea of maybe getting two...which kind of shocked me. But then reality hit and we decided on one...but then we found a breeder, went to visit, and...he had two sisters!! So I say...how could you possibly choose??<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gDVEo30sVRRYc2gc070wZLtfiYwOp-9i6kRX-7j4y18Eqxfy1mRZ4GBw3b3EOTrORnSCs-cFYszosSMgsaLeq2hC5xLWN-ef7VFB-jbwEk0gBFfSXKWbz0BvMJifx2p1JyGfA4ZI4A/s1600/October+2011+-+Lucy+and+Lizzy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667145950856845490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gDVEo30sVRRYc2gc070wZLtfiYwOp-9i6kRX-7j4y18Eqxfy1mRZ4GBw3b3EOTrORnSCs-cFYszosSMgsaLeq2hC5xLWN-ef7VFB-jbwEk0gBFfSXKWbz0BvMJifx2p1JyGfA4ZI4A/s400/October+2011+-+Lucy+and+Lizzy.JPG" /></a> Meet Lucy on the left, and Lizzy on the right. They were about 9 weeks old when we brought them home. They have been a BLAST! And we are SO glad we have both of them. They keep each other company! They are pretty crazy when they are at play with each other...they love to grab each other's ear or tail...but then...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9POevNvIWKa24SD7NjyvTu0pS6ntlU09kgUzQzzCXCtW3hStMr3K4WDD83Nszjm414umZ4qJDmCW9QjJknnVQQQFIA2gdMl4PsY05tChLWU2LbJOIU2udSpQO9kqngcVOwE5yCzn1sg/s1600/100_7437.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667145946805613106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9POevNvIWKa24SD7NjyvTu0pS6ntlU09kgUzQzzCXCtW3hStMr3K4WDD83Nszjm414umZ4qJDmCW9QjJknnVQQQFIA2gdMl4PsY05tChLWU2LbJOIU2udSpQO9kqngcVOwE5yCzn1sg/s400/100_7437.JPG" /></a> ...they are like this...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YjffnzZAWi0cKb9PoBPNgnvBpE_97ueLfn8bBfuA-g5eG6nbKCHgQD8qPn3ZoBZM7do8rDW57DdcNMD2JUwk62YFCSK_WP3XXizFwvUpYCR4ucudp0VR2s6twd-S8-rtwwir4qtSiA/s1600/100_7433.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667145937366149410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YjffnzZAWi0cKb9PoBPNgnvBpE_97ueLfn8bBfuA-g5eG6nbKCHgQD8qPn3ZoBZM7do8rDW57DdcNMD2JUwk62YFCSK_WP3XXizFwvUpYCR4ucudp0VR2s6twd-S8-rtwwir4qtSiA/s400/100_7433.JPG" /></a> ...or this. They are almost always touching each other somehow when they fall asleep. They are doing super at potty training. They have very distinct personalities, though. One is very stubborn, one loves her bath, one is very patient at waiting, and on and on. I told Rich this was probably our only chance at having twins, so here we are!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JkD4SArx8LzZ-j5PShCz4VtwG7J73BqaLArnxGAYW1ZUznIUZmUFPg3HwA21lLApjG1KUh5UdtNXkchhoi-ATJf6SG8h6pv0TH4LSQgRSXsqDwRUqUk30GFUy6LX8mKi5L4MSnsgwg/s1600/100_7457.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667145928054941282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JkD4SArx8LzZ-j5PShCz4VtwG7J73BqaLArnxGAYW1ZUznIUZmUFPg3HwA21lLApjG1KUh5UdtNXkchhoi-ATJf6SG8h6pv0TH4LSQgRSXsqDwRUqUk30GFUy6LX8mKi5L4MSnsgwg/s400/100_7457.JPG" /></a> They are so good at night, too. The kids will remember for sure that it took Oreo several weeks before she wasn't crying at night. These two climb into their crate about 9 p.m. and sleep soundly until I get up at 5:00 a.m. Then they play for awhile and are back in their crate while the kids are here for Seminary. Then we are out and having fun the rest of the day. They are SO sweet and we hope they will continue to be so. They are supposed to be the kind of dog that pretty much just loves to be around people. They certainly are eye-catchers. I took them out one morning and I lost track of how many people took their picture. Passed on the breeders info also. Finished their quilts this last weekend...and they LOVE them! Speaking of quilting...I'm back in the swing of it. A gal that was in our ward in Edwardsville, her parents are in this ward in Katy, and Colleen is a quilter extraordinaire! We get together once a week...I'm actually getting projects done and it is amazing. Looking forward to a quilting retreat down in Galveston in a couple of weeks. Also, Lindsay comes on Wednesday for the Houston Quilt Market - I think it is among the biggest in the country...should be super fun!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEWca00XfYtwS28p_MRCvDDW8uOFKPrLG1BnTpa1MtO8ndTAW28IDF2y-EQUxD9KRJIUJmgzxXqpG2dksbK77p53ijv5R0AYCqbWjoeVv6BVeaTLZdZqEciXYjq5p-2g3dbMNZ1fASw/s1600/100_7446.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667145535868393058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEWca00XfYtwS28p_MRCvDDW8uOFKPrLG1BnTpa1MtO8ndTAW28IDF2y-EQUxD9KRJIUJmgzxXqpG2dksbK77p53ijv5R0AYCqbWjoeVv6BVeaTLZdZqEciXYjq5p-2g3dbMNZ1fASw/s400/100_7446.JPG" /></a> It is incredibly odd to not have children at home. It's like - wow, no marching band, no practices, no school performances, nowhere you "have" to be most of the time. It is odd, but also kinda nice, too! We're getting into this! We are very much involved in ward activities. We had a great service project last weekend at a home for adults with limited abilities...did a bike race and carnival. Was SO much fun. Rich and I are determined to go places and explore this area. Who knows how long we will be here. But anyways, a couple of weekends ago we headed over to the San Antonio area and stayed at a hotel on the "Riverwalk"...was WAY cool! The funnest part was the Segway tour that we did. Need to find those pictures!! What a trip those things are!! The "Riverwalk" is so pretty. The puppies are not-so-good on their leashes yet, so we didn't get to walk around too much with them, but we still had fun!<br /></div><br /><div>OK, so that only took a couple of hours. Life is good, life is hard sometimes, but definitely good. We are very blessed. If all y'all find yourself in the Houston area, give us a call!! Would love to get together. We are planning on being in California for Thanksgiving, and Utah for Christmas.<br />Oh, and the World Series is tied up at 2...go CARDS!! We found that you simply can NOT live in the St. Louis area and not be a baseball fan...wish we were there to be part of the baseball frenzy that I'm sure is going on...kind of interesting living in Texas and not rootin' for the home team...oh well. Hugs to all!! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-10395267907848702182011-07-04T19:25:00.000-07:002011-07-04T21:12:56.979-07:00July 4, 2011 - Happy Birthday America...from Katy, Texas!I'm sitting here amidst boxes, boxes, and more boxes in our new Katy bungalow, thinking about how cool it was to be able to see the fireworks from one of the upstairs bedrooms at our home in Edwardsville. Before I mentally readjust to Katy, I need to reminisce just a little about Edwardsville. I've been thinking about all of the things/people/places that have been so dear to me over the past 6 1/2 years. This list is clearly not all-inclusive. We've had so many amazing experiences and our family has grown and changed and changed some more. We won't even go into that yet...except to say that Sarah is currently in Utah spending the rest of her summer with her siblings. Super proud of her for running a 5k today with Lindsay. Super glad that the kids were able to spend some time together on Sunday afternoon. She has missed them tons.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBhBePbBfYI5VCbRtpvyJduCBBizLa0WaEv_LQK-qndpBi5TnYguA3oRUuZnRCPO5WLhWomP0uwAeS3K1InISXACrUhG2iQPYkpEF20YkbioLMXnTOi0z95UOcdkt6K4vBZqIbxuktQ/s1600/June+2011+-+O%2527Fallon+Stake+Youth+Conference.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625693233556216402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBhBePbBfYI5VCbRtpvyJduCBBizLa0WaEv_LQK-qndpBi5TnYguA3oRUuZnRCPO5WLhWomP0uwAeS3K1InISXACrUhG2iQPYkpEF20YkbioLMXnTOi0z95UOcdkt6K4vBZqIbxuktQ/s400/June+2011+-+O%2527Fallon+Stake+Youth+Conference.JPG" /></a> This picture was taken during the part of Youth Conference when we were at the St. Louis zoo! I'll mention more about that later...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzjnvu8wM5nf-AZEcYEUpYqsBCpA8PxX-LGteS5NNezLsq3m-Cza1CkY-v9METaxSW451lU_KJjMseDBgr1eVGSQr9Zbc6KwRDyEmybqosZJCoWwcava5Gl9LXFe59E12GrBOq-e-VA/s1600/June+2011+-+Memosa+tree+in+Edwardsville.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625693046026433650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzjnvu8wM5nf-AZEcYEUpYqsBCpA8PxX-LGteS5NNezLsq3m-Cza1CkY-v9METaxSW451lU_KJjMseDBgr1eVGSQr9Zbc6KwRDyEmybqosZJCoWwcava5Gl9LXFe59E12GrBOq-e-VA/s400/June+2011+-+Memosa+tree+in+Edwardsville.JPG" /></a> One of my very favorite parts of the day was waking up and looking out the window and seeing this tree and listening to the birds sing. I remember growing up under a memosa tree and spending hours stripping off the little leaves and playing with the pink flowers. I have given this tree a LOT of TLC and it is finally turning into something. I will miss it!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRETl1AT87anJh6SWORKMMGqEvpMPfy5tB3TngjBQiOIf8fI7SyubABfjOsD3Hk52ZF6bgDIx7iOmN1UZYGkoQDd6w6Uo_7GtX2Qqfsd6CFApumuDcGEi7V-nTVRcKednKcigdnqRaw/s1600/June+2011+-+Edwardsville+lilies+%25285%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625693036157577522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRETl1AT87anJh6SWORKMMGqEvpMPfy5tB3TngjBQiOIf8fI7SyubABfjOsD3Hk52ZF6bgDIx7iOmN1UZYGkoQDd6w6Uo_7GtX2Qqfsd6CFApumuDcGEi7V-nTVRcKednKcigdnqRaw/s400/June+2011+-+Edwardsville+lilies+%25285%2529.JPG" /></a> My dear sweet friend, Karen Wall, shared several of her beautiful lilies with me a couple of years ago. Last year they were great...this year they have been fantastic. So glad I was there to see this...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnTndgqaDo5FRN1eFspaiIvUjYHyBRdWIJdmtTjAksyxBfhJemWasb4zOcmaB2W9ByGn9jHX4J5beQO2_WMNgBphY3VaC3iizFTK-rjmqV368WcbbG91An4C6aBe2ECWzJjwftpvbwA/s1600/June+2011+-+Edwardsville+lilies+%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625692069495866754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnTndgqaDo5FRN1eFspaiIvUjYHyBRdWIJdmtTjAksyxBfhJemWasb4zOcmaB2W9ByGn9jHX4J5beQO2_WMNgBphY3VaC3iizFTK-rjmqV368WcbbG91An4C6aBe2ECWzJjwftpvbwA/s400/June+2011+-+Edwardsville+lilies+%25284%2529.JPG" /></a> ...and this...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG96-vm7QK5ilKQtvZlsrsL55tz-C19F76gDB1BnjaNadJvsChk8KaLjxHtA0MhVYnxVB4N2HageJsFss1Bm3astbJLjoMWbRbepDAmv7hyphenhyphenHoaQo3EqHkSlSv10fvQXPDYu2SbNDKcg/s1600/June+2011+-+Edwardsville+lilies+%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625692062824361986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG96-vm7QK5ilKQtvZlsrsL55tz-C19F76gDB1BnjaNadJvsChk8KaLjxHtA0MhVYnxVB4N2HageJsFss1Bm3astbJLjoMWbRbepDAmv7hyphenhyphenHoaQo3EqHkSlSv10fvQXPDYu2SbNDKcg/s400/June+2011+-+Edwardsville+lilies+%25281%2529.JPG" /></a> ...and this....How I grew to love Karen and her dear, sweet husband Norman. I miss Norman and am so glad I was able to see him embrace the gospel.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVLKKJmDwQIOM5s-2d7meZD-EGM8-thHnYQD2VqAv9Ze6fziVjbQwMhblmLD7cCawDOQT9JHMtrOrC6X_La0QG506gKvTCQvQtxwufjLcd7Fa2iXdr8HrhcguFYzsaddXKBCXwJElaQ/s1600/June+2011+-+Nauvoo+visit+with+Sarah+and+Arena+%252811%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625692053194222530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVLKKJmDwQIOM5s-2d7meZD-EGM8-thHnYQD2VqAv9Ze6fziVjbQwMhblmLD7cCawDOQT9JHMtrOrC6X_La0QG506gKvTCQvQtxwufjLcd7Fa2iXdr8HrhcguFYzsaddXKBCXwJElaQ/s400/June+2011+-+Nauvoo+visit+with+Sarah+and+Arena+%252811%2529.JPG" /></a> One of the very best parts of living where we did is how close we were to Nauvoo. Love, love, love Nauvoo. There's no where like it! Sarah and I (along with Arena) made one more dash up the road to experience it just one more time. Spent the night in a log cabin, listening to thunder and lightening and remembering how similar it was to the night before Katie was married in Nauvoo. So grateful for the Prophet Joseph. I love this statue of Joseph and his brother, Hyrum.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625692049265583138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivy7q5OMT1j75nGPZaABBCdy4uu0-U9HwgrmqfuMfDrwrKkbdcIY1Qkt3Pm3OV-1A-nu2q5nuHgIgnN3YrHJn0t-50Jl7Elos4WgIzBbcmb0GX_IRznoebaKI3zTf7xAU69wPJymf4zQ/s400/May+2011+-+Thursday+Tennis+Group.JPG" />How lucky I was to come in contact with lots of tennis friends. Wow, Edwardsville has the BEST indoor tennis courts at the YMCA. We were so lucky to be able to play all year. These ladies are amazing - providing equal amounts of competition and socializing and plain fun.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWhj01ikhHOpNaoyjoDaEPs889LTdWhK526GVkn1pqdtbjrnybzaj5oeIO7P04zvmdeRas2Bp5TkHxR99HLSBSOlAob678lkF1N3sqMgcGKblQUUw7RgwdulrT2YPcpomcu2VJFpLnw/s1600/June+2011+-+Monday+Tennis+ladies+%25286%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625692029329507506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWhj01ikhHOpNaoyjoDaEPs889LTdWhK526GVkn1pqdtbjrnybzaj5oeIO7P04zvmdeRas2Bp5TkHxR99HLSBSOlAob678lkF1N3sqMgcGKblQUUw7RgwdulrT2YPcpomcu2VJFpLnw/s400/June+2011+-+Monday+Tennis+ladies+%25286%2529.JPG" /></a> This is another fantastic group of tennis ladies. If I can find even just one group in Katy like I've had the pleasure of playing with in Edwardsville, I'll be one happy girl!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i1VAu9g3uilsneWfZwR1qaSzBVganTZQq4iw3dkAJnCjFccCN_CIOD4ia7Cq-ur6w6C2HkBkxZMM9TK0VZn3mmf9xd4hqXWRGYLqqDdek64bLbExUM-Wrjzxovrm_CavhO3KmFFnqw/s1600/June+2011+-+Carmen+hairstylist+%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625691090726555906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i1VAu9g3uilsneWfZwR1qaSzBVganTZQq4iw3dkAJnCjFccCN_CIOD4ia7Cq-ur6w6C2HkBkxZMM9TK0VZn3mmf9xd4hqXWRGYLqqDdek64bLbExUM-Wrjzxovrm_CavhO3KmFFnqw/s400/June+2011+-+Carmen+hairstylist+%25281%2529.JPG" /></a> Yep, I'll be lost without Carmen. Carmen cuts (and colors) my hair and provides lots of humor and a listening ear at no extra charge. The girls all love Carmen and will miss their visits whenever they came to town!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlIqp3rsk_JlcaDnqhK-n7K2LRXUxNwQGrNQ3v7j9MyZfqRXVqgNTQVR9AfPAOaThS4ROKEGo8fJmYsIMLGL8zL2pqLV4K5hBVS8mGtGkHLyMBvgOXGWjGUaABAsrqEY4_dlDU46Y2w/s1600/May+2011+-+Edwardsville+Ward+friends.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625691086336211794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlIqp3rsk_JlcaDnqhK-n7K2LRXUxNwQGrNQ3v7j9MyZfqRXVqgNTQVR9AfPAOaThS4ROKEGo8fJmYsIMLGL8zL2pqLV4K5hBVS8mGtGkHLyMBvgOXGWjGUaABAsrqEY4_dlDU46Y2w/s400/May+2011+-+Edwardsville+Ward+friends.JPG" /></a> I've been so blessed to have such good friends while living here, and these are just a few of them! It is so very strange to find myself a tad bit older than most of them...how could that be? It seriously seems like just yesterday that I was the young, young mother, desperate for a friend. Girls need friends and after a certain point, age becomes irrelevent!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqQLjMVYVJvpLKMBg98gsyrT6Y0bHtsB78u1Anzx14dHjIOevLaN_-viy7YGWuMo4F5B_BTOaj8HrE2bG__Tufcla2snhMHRpvUGrW_ORQ1nBMO_NSBr9zcHTprP3H4TPfa2uCKB8kQ/s1600/June+2011+-+Debbie+Coffey%252C+Lisa%252C+and+Melody+Sever.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625691081821428082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqQLjMVYVJvpLKMBg98gsyrT6Y0bHtsB78u1Anzx14dHjIOevLaN_-viy7YGWuMo4F5B_BTOaj8HrE2bG__Tufcla2snhMHRpvUGrW_ORQ1nBMO_NSBr9zcHTprP3H4TPfa2uCKB8kQ/s400/June+2011+-+Debbie+Coffey%252C+Lisa%252C+and+Melody+Sever.JPG" /></a> Debbie Coffey used to live around the corner from me in Huntington Beach, CA. Now she lives in St. Charles, MO, which was not too far from Edwardsville. We didn't get together nearly enough, but did have a chance for lunch a couple of weeks ago. Debbie amazes me in many, many ways! Melody came along also. Ummmmm....I can't even begin to say how much I'll miss Melody. I knew Melody and I would be good friends when we discovered that we had chosen the same china pattern decades ago. We've been through weddings, and fires, and walks, and talks, and serving, and grandbabies together...and that's just the beginning. Although we won't be together as much, I am sure that our paths will cross often - and I will look forward to those times!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1fkQyhogXFrnCxtWSXzI0NbfdooJ2CzxDEUF5tzB_uqzEUirqGlwUR79R1xenR4fzYwcT86Ofi3kksuhK2sslWCTVN2DnPz8hm5jPkJ4zeW8D0Ye19Lnp9ptxyU0E0X6ZJl-BNuVWA/s1600/June+2011+-+Lisa+and+Ashlyn.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625691065649139874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1fkQyhogXFrnCxtWSXzI0NbfdooJ2CzxDEUF5tzB_uqzEUirqGlwUR79R1xenR4fzYwcT86Ofi3kksuhK2sslWCTVN2DnPz8hm5jPkJ4zeW8D0Ye19Lnp9ptxyU0E0X6ZJl-BNuVWA/s400/June+2011+-+Lisa+and+Ashlyn.JPG" /></a> I have lots of little friends, too! I love all of the kids in the ward. Ashlyn and Payson were regulars at my house, as Heather was Sarah's flute teacher and brought them along. Small price to pay to have the teacher come to MY house. Didn't get a picture up of Sarah and Heather together, but I can not NOT write this without mentioning how grateful I am to Heather and her influence on Sarah - not just musically, but as an amazing example of all that is good and all that she has to look forward to. Heather always knew just the right thing to say and just the right way to say it. I will miss our musical afternoons!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRmRBtZzWu15UNKgmeMVrsTZJ5hDyDz6CIrSx4FxpBkXDrWUIVQOlGjksJX2LJhgF6fl_FxOSdf27HSjBMlqWBwx9RdyLyer1RzObQbsIWgzLohxsg4cLfLcNFMQVSTQYaqefP1OYsg/s1600/100_7263.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625691058759175426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRmRBtZzWu15UNKgmeMVrsTZJ5hDyDz6CIrSx4FxpBkXDrWUIVQOlGjksJX2LJhgF6fl_FxOSdf27HSjBMlqWBwx9RdyLyer1RzObQbsIWgzLohxsg4cLfLcNFMQVSTQYaqefP1OYsg/s400/100_7263.JPG" /></a> And here are some more of my little friends - the Reeds. Their last Sunday was also the same day as mine, but they are headed north. These are some of the best kiddos and I will miss them tons. So glad the world is much smaller with the internet! Like I said, there were tons more...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV6-eWdr1ykjq_amvBJ2yPEz8HHqUUGfU474MthPdghYIvaIWHZlZYiEXp4vxUaG1SBrZnMm0BeIpDMxbSRcawKKghHA9ZwoipxMP1lRyiUwQnF83kETSNbwsrnYVtKvKMeTneB1Z4Q/s1600/June+2011+-+Lisa%252C+Deor%252C+Dana+at+Youth+Conference.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625690011022230674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV6-eWdr1ykjq_amvBJ2yPEz8HHqUUGfU474MthPdghYIvaIWHZlZYiEXp4vxUaG1SBrZnMm0BeIpDMxbSRcawKKghHA9ZwoipxMP1lRyiUwQnF83kETSNbwsrnYVtKvKMeTneB1Z4Q/s400/June+2011+-+Lisa%252C+Deor%252C+Dana+at+Youth+Conference.JPG" /></a> I have never had a "Stake" calling before until I was called to work with the Stake Young Women, meaning I work with all of the 11 units in our Stake. These two ladies, Deor Jorgensen and Dana Waggoner, are a blast! We have had so much fun serving together and getting to work with the 12 - 18 year old girls. Keeps us young!! We had a blast last year at Girls' Camp and Youth Conference and monthly dances. A couple of weeks ago Deor and I drove out to Dana's farm - yep, a REAL farm - and spent the day seeing how life is on a true farm in Salem, Illinois! Way amazing. They have thousands of acres that they farm, AND she teaches 5th grade, AND her daughter just had twin baby boys, AND her husband is Bishop of the Centralia Ward. The woman is CRAZY busy. Deor has a daughter that lives here in Katy, Texas, SO we took a road trip down here together...way fun. Deor is so easy to talk with and the miles flew by. I will miss my association with them immensely...I learned so much!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_R92YmEc0-trLIUEx7kfkheYxAwl5K99i_oiHZet_bKmDmUxTolIb9SWYXowrVMjl5ewkHkq-YKaLFDM8vxYJyoyXbjVB_A4LmD6tWfkA4awg4HF9o9HSUbBkiUjDEzhrgryyComtA/s1600/100_7256.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625690000000588306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_R92YmEc0-trLIUEx7kfkheYxAwl5K99i_oiHZet_bKmDmUxTolIb9SWYXowrVMjl5ewkHkq-YKaLFDM8vxYJyoyXbjVB_A4LmD6tWfkA4awg4HF9o9HSUbBkiUjDEzhrgryyComtA/s400/100_7256.JPG" /></a> This is just one set of the many, many missionaries that have served in our area, but we really like these guys...Elder Dodge and Elder Jensen. Hoping they'll still be there when we go back in August. They so remind me of Marshall!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2pU9wnnOg54c9lah3KPs2RxPkElSEM7wrrrYveUII0rjyMlDvrgvOOmd1-HnC5HBCwyXunXaeXowEPFkOGoImkayYs9ZfsH1qzIZdnfUf0DBhd_WxbbI0LXX5ynYLOjIRYBXQiRmoA/s1600/100_7247.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625689982852591874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2pU9wnnOg54c9lah3KPs2RxPkElSEM7wrrrYveUII0rjyMlDvrgvOOmd1-HnC5HBCwyXunXaeXowEPFkOGoImkayYs9ZfsH1qzIZdnfUf0DBhd_WxbbI0LXX5ynYLOjIRYBXQiRmoA/s400/100_7247.JPG" /></a> Miss Arena!! LOVE this girl. Arena has been such a sweet friend to Sarah. She is a year behind Sarah in school, but looks forward to catching up with her at BYU-I. She came into our Sacrament Meeting to see Sarah receive her Young Women Medallion - meant a lot to Sarah. Arena is representative of the amazing youth that I had the chance to spend my last weekend in Illinois with...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7e3iTgyFWWTzmd8CUIb9IhUBQLVUEKVya7NOoT-gDpCfwPvcX-BLwSB2vmQw3JTu5qRCUA7SSKk2fgKYMSFtOchGRtF_hxKqTENysPlhwTFiGhLQem2Y_fTeJMy0-huD8SJsPDNSeA/s1600/June+2011+-+O%2527Fallon+Stake+Youth+Conference+%25287%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625689979391494770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7e3iTgyFWWTzmd8CUIb9IhUBQLVUEKVya7NOoT-gDpCfwPvcX-BLwSB2vmQw3JTu5qRCUA7SSKk2fgKYMSFtOchGRtF_hxKqTENysPlhwTFiGhLQem2Y_fTeJMy0-huD8SJsPDNSeA/s400/June+2011+-+O%2527Fallon+Stake+Youth+Conference+%25287%2529.JPG" /></a> Here is the group after we finished our scavenger hunt at the St. Louis Zoo. I can't even begin to express how GOOD these kids are. Our Mutual theme this year is the 13th Article of Faith, which was printed on their t-shirts. Our conference theme was "We believe, we hope, we will endure" and they will! They gain strength from coming together and truly represent what is "virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy" to me!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_gqugmjjZ0md5dnE2bimENn-HgfkyV1JQymj57DubylJVCiwhfMJ-SJMY0b-YRFmg88M7bUF7FBEVReTia9k2b479zuuCx26VG9Q8T77WReEx328S9fdrdMYIvZ-FnWBEU1ALc_ryQ/s1600/100_7267.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625689970782697794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_gqugmjjZ0md5dnE2bimENn-HgfkyV1JQymj57DubylJVCiwhfMJ-SJMY0b-YRFmg88M7bUF7FBEVReTia9k2b479zuuCx26VG9Q8T77WReEx328S9fdrdMYIvZ-FnWBEU1ALc_ryQ/s400/100_7267.JPG" /></a> Ah, 102 Friar's Lane...I will miss you! I have loved driving (and running and biking) through our beautiful neighborhood. I have loved mowing the grass and caring for the flowers, in spite of the poison ivy, bugs, bee stings, and weeds. In the end it really is just a house...what matters most are the sweet memories that took place within those walls. Three high school graduates, two wedding receptions, one missionary farewell, music lessons, the Hawks living with us, Beth living with us, lots of other short-term occupants, luncheons, showers, birthday parties, parties after school musicals, Christmases, grandbabies visiting, ice storms, snow storms, power outages, bike trails, wonderful neighbors, Oreo, visits from extended family, spontaneous times around the piano...I'm sure I'm forgetting a thing or two...</div><br /><br /><div>I am so grateful that I got to know the family that is moving in! Especially made me happy that Julie likes the red front door and has no plans to change it...</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-85966965599903109672011-05-17T15:05:00.001-07:002011-05-17T15:50:52.667-07:00May 16th - Sweet Remembrances of my Mother!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaQhWD20f3Q38oVbzJC65GF0_FwZ-QqUFZ8En8nXv__s4HsQBuhkcOJGhkcNvlT85GDQwFAQ8jqM6bwiVdRb1KFkQa870ohViRVS-DNwYY0xAe6stHPRVI50_y8QhSXQx3S0oX-mOpQ/s1600/May+2011+-+Peonies.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607810499536089522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaQhWD20f3Q38oVbzJC65GF0_FwZ-QqUFZ8En8nXv__s4HsQBuhkcOJGhkcNvlT85GDQwFAQ8jqM6bwiVdRb1KFkQa870ohViRVS-DNwYY0xAe6stHPRVI50_y8QhSXQx3S0oX-mOpQ/s400/May+2011+-+Peonies.JPG" /></a> May 16th is my mother's birthday and it seems as though I just always like to do something that day that reminds me of her...I had a perfectly wonderful day yesterday. I especially enjoyed cutting some peonies and placing them in the "shoe" that reminds me of her.<br /><br />And then I spent a good majority of the rest of the day sewing, because that definitely reminds me of her! I would show what it was I was working on, but it is a surprise for this beautiful girl for her graduation...just a little something - she probably knows, but I know she'll pretend it is a surprise. This is Sarah on her Prom day...so cute!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmNjyJnBc4x-rY3wRD8oL7JNOmkCJ0IwsbW5lIUfOXiM50b6SZo3MSwL6SvCd-kHv1cZ4sJ4d7rVMk-YJmkb0qneQEdeWEabVJDVo2ImF9f1nDT6Ca4JYGtgkBniO4Tkrl7uUBsyNrw/s1600/April+2011+-+Sarah+Prom.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607810498769053026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmNjyJnBc4x-rY3wRD8oL7JNOmkCJ0IwsbW5lIUfOXiM50b6SZo3MSwL6SvCd-kHv1cZ4sJ4d7rVMk-YJmkb0qneQEdeWEabVJDVo2ImF9f1nDT6Ca4JYGtgkBniO4Tkrl7uUBsyNrw/s400/April+2011+-+Sarah+Prom.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-49851945349484956662011-03-15T11:17:00.001-07:002011-03-15T11:32:28.033-07:00"I Miss My Siblings"Amazing...the blog thing is working correctly today!<br /><br />So, our lives are changing once again as we relocate to Houston..."we" as in Rich and I. Which seems so strange to me. Our first move sans children! How did that happen? Sarah will be attending BYU-I in the fall, Marshall will return from his mission and head to BYU-Provo, etc. etc. So Katie calls me the other day and rather subtly made the suggestion that instead of going to Houston with us in July that Sarah should just come out to Provo and spend the remainder of her summer there "with her sisters". I think my heart skipped at least 2 beats! Where did she get such an idea? I didn't mention it to Sarah...<br /><br />...until our Home Teacher was visiting the other night and somehow it came up. And Sarah, bless her heart, said, "What? Of course I want to go out there as soon as I can! I miss my siblings!!" I'm sure she did not appreciate the look that I gave her...as in "NO WAY JOSE!!" The reality is, though, that as I've pondered on that comment over the last couple of days my heart has soared. I'm SO glad she misses her siblings and the deepest desire of her heart is to be with them. Sarah is experiencing so many different emotions right now and feels very torn between wanting to "get on with life", but realizing that she will be leaving a lot of very good and supportive friends behind here in Edwardsville in the process. "Let's just stay home for Spring Break this year so I can be with my friends." Which I totally understand. But in the end, I think she understands that "family" is where it is at. And so do I. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCRHo2ahKaCyY07OnrfFthQPMYVxEBLaQbuJUR7Y4KRInwtf85j7b3J5IFQb6bacGgABmMbfsFPZc6vAZA4uKCEuisRngugaYYn50fXqQ4JRKCSAvNQWW-bdbA9kYWf2f3Vo6biOfrA/s1600/July+2009+-+Bowerman+Kids.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584372807078735378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCRHo2ahKaCyY07OnrfFthQPMYVxEBLaQbuJUR7Y4KRInwtf85j7b3J5IFQb6bacGgABmMbfsFPZc6vAZA4uKCEuisRngugaYYn50fXqQ4JRKCSAvNQWW-bdbA9kYWf2f3Vo6biOfrA/s400/July+2009+-+Bowerman+Kids.jpg" /></a> July 2009Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-79839120799712420842011-03-14T18:32:00.000-07:002011-03-14T18:54:27.098-07:00Lovin' Me Some Strawberries!! February 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOdeY4qtMg1LgUU4cNNvZpOwA6yyZxTClJt1TVJo0zlL6FmjZT_U-xW53OTkQCLoquYWUs1AKvg5mYy-g5b5pzhQerkHaNeJRlaWiUYsYuyc_QxZdpURkPHwOEVfflp_2IQ8D47hNQw/s1600/February+2011+-+Strawberry+fields+in+Carlsbad%252C+CA+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOdeY4qtMg1LgUU4cNNvZpOwA6yyZxTClJt1TVJo0zlL6FmjZT_U-xW53OTkQCLoquYWUs1AKvg5mYy-g5b5pzhQerkHaNeJRlaWiUYsYuyc_QxZdpURkPHwOEVfflp_2IQ8D47hNQw/s400/February+2011+-+Strawberry+fields+in+Carlsbad%252C+CA+%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584114866886225794" border="0" /></a>I had the most wonderful few days with some dear friends in Southern California about a month ago, although it seems like "forever"! The weather was most amazing and provided the very-much-needed thaw I was looking forward to. We had pulled off the freeway to make a visit somewhere and what do you know - a strawberry stand! Very much to my liking! Yes, we had crepes the next night.<br /><br />Jennifer and I did a fair amount of walking and visiting and meeting up with a lot of friends. One night we even headed over to Huntington Beach - my goodness that place looks way different than when we lived there...so different. However, sometimes you meet up with friends you haven't seen in forever and it's like you never left.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeGwrwyGajAyzynBCtS4MN_01ekLau0FPGTM4mYQJTXBxr_R_jLpbdOim7oD5b_H1lR09G3wkBDcb8UTvEad5BvoZTOcK069qHsz7jxk-FSor7GPv_L_cItMpSl5bCCSKQZCR9QbR0g/s1600/February+2011+-+Chryssa%252C+Janet+Edwards%252C+Lisa.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeGwrwyGajAyzynBCtS4MN_01ekLau0FPGTM4mYQJTXBxr_R_jLpbdOim7oD5b_H1lR09G3wkBDcb8UTvEad5BvoZTOcK069qHsz7jxk-FSor7GPv_L_cItMpSl5bCCSKQZCR9QbR0g/s400/February+2011+-+Chryssa%252C+Janet+Edwards%252C+Lisa.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584114855634705954" border="0" /></a>Chryssa Holdaway, Janet Edwards, and Lisa<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrkjJkNa3M8CFoNzX30hZ0Lbj6KXAyl9TiHhcxhPmziQO1Ut7zyqdZfyi4OTfXOU2KlY2d-xs1w2CtUSjkEG9-a3J258E2OCSonvnDt553F8QVkHY2IEGwhY2U2uJkb8LZnuYWU57hw/s1600/February+2011+-+Jennifer+and+Lisa+-+Hotel+Del+Coronado.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrkjJkNa3M8CFoNzX30hZ0Lbj6KXAyl9TiHhcxhPmziQO1Ut7zyqdZfyi4OTfXOU2KlY2d-xs1w2CtUSjkEG9-a3J258E2OCSonvnDt553F8QVkHY2IEGwhY2U2uJkb8LZnuYWU57hw/s400/February+2011+-+Jennifer+and+Lisa+-+Hotel+Del+Coronado.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584114855031738450" border="0" /></a>We ventured down to San Diego for a fun getaway, and got Jonelle to come along with us. The weather couldn't have been more gorgeous! Had a dream walk along the beach Saturday morning and then had lunch at the Hotel Del Coronado and sat in the SUN!! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5X4J5caCfFXpyEQLr-aBPUQ5DBmY_PNJK6pdxYQ3EfIj6Snf6n9rLchCNJx7BjG97nMOXkBoZomaJwd7Er2JxTzC0wxrFTaCJ4_aeSNE_iw8aojlok5cuXXF50Iawduv4TPtEj6KeA/s1600/February+2011+-+Lisa%252C+Susan+Dunn%252C+Jennifer+Baron.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5X4J5caCfFXpyEQLr-aBPUQ5DBmY_PNJK6pdxYQ3EfIj6Snf6n9rLchCNJx7BjG97nMOXkBoZomaJwd7Er2JxTzC0wxrFTaCJ4_aeSNE_iw8aojlok5cuXXF50Iawduv4TPtEj6KeA/s400/February+2011+-+Lisa%252C+Susan+Dunn%252C+Jennifer+Baron.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584114845390086674" border="0" /></a>Sunday night another dear friend from long ago, Susan Dunn, came down from Northridge for a visit. Susan is the best!! She amazes me. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1WFMjq8O9SBlOOfaGNTsxKJlWhsSFtAq8nwQpzeSpFBLbyK9EitBbnQs318HxtggcPVj8U-3ySVhP1Y9rbi1H4EZsLlImBRGUZ85XQ9KqpCw-ovvOMSfZfbpfQQ1TnGsJWto4WZX0g/s1600/February+2011+-+Lisa+and+Betty+Thompson.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1WFMjq8O9SBlOOfaGNTsxKJlWhsSFtAq8nwQpzeSpFBLbyK9EitBbnQs318HxtggcPVj8U-3ySVhP1Y9rbi1H4EZsLlImBRGUZ85XQ9KqpCw-ovvOMSfZfbpfQQ1TnGsJWto4WZX0g/s400/February+2011+-+Lisa+and+Betty+Thompson.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584114835957309970" border="0" /></a>And then there's Betty! You wouldn't believe this woman!! Betty taught Lindsay and Katie baton twirling - they loved her. OK, so our lunch went over by a little and she said she had to hurry off...to TEACH BATON...at 70!! Couldn't believe it. She has filled her life with so much that is good and praiseworthy. I admire her more than I could ever express. <br /><br />Let's just say, I had a blast! So much fun. Just what I needed to get me through the next several crazy months ahead! Thank you dear friends!!Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-494013746033169462011-03-14T17:36:00.000-07:002011-03-14T18:31:57.420-07:00Lots of Visiting with Cousins - Jan/Feb 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4-RTF8jnsNhqZ1uIC1-hfNVdOhhqwgJQIWciNCD2LTQ_yMgVHWFL4ZJya5E5fuIAWfqzbEGeBccpEIbWCi0305z0Ge8xbMCGDzjD_zq38do_1ipnjvAIP28jpmUQzqbyl6FOgHiwig/s1600/January+2011+-+Matthew+Ridge+and+Caleb+Brewer+-+2nd+cousins+%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4-RTF8jnsNhqZ1uIC1-hfNVdOhhqwgJQIWciNCD2LTQ_yMgVHWFL4ZJya5E5fuIAWfqzbEGeBccpEIbWCi0305z0Ge8xbMCGDzjD_zq38do_1ipnjvAIP28jpmUQzqbyl6FOgHiwig/s400/January+2011+-+Matthew+Ridge+and+Caleb+Brewer+-+2nd+cousins+%25284%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584111343023743250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWVPEQiarUiCodbsLKkFpNakH1NZPmm-NFZBEbI2ZYDCfecX__JBpXKjC326v4YcHLhYMOJaQgdvCSSieSQhyyxgEjj16MB7Q4ZndGR_AyxvPeHP5u0grtd7SMoNYFR2e0Bh8rtXFxg/s1600/February+2011+-+Sterling+Oaks+and+Nathan+Ridge+holding+Matthew+Ridge.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWVPEQiarUiCodbsLKkFpNakH1NZPmm-NFZBEbI2ZYDCfecX__JBpXKjC326v4YcHLhYMOJaQgdvCSSieSQhyyxgEjj16MB7Q4ZndGR_AyxvPeHP5u0grtd7SMoNYFR2e0Bh8rtXFxg/s400/February+2011+-+Sterling+Oaks+and+Nathan+Ridge+holding+Matthew+Ridge.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584105991776881202" border="0" /></a>I'm having quite a difficult time with this blog stuff tonight...pictures are just not cooperating, so I'm just going to have to go with it. I was able to go back out to Utah in January for what turned out to be a couple of weeks. Love being around the kiddos - the little ones AND the big ones. Lindsay was gone part of the time to her CHA conference in southern California. We were all quite jealous of her time on Venice Beach. Sarah came out on a Friday afternoon...Saturday morning she had her audition at BYU-Provo, which went relatively well. Saturday afternoon we did a little prom dress shopping and found "the perfect" dress for Sarah...yahoo! Saturday night was spent at Becky's house - we were up rather late making Valentine Day banners. I think we all are like our mom in that we never just make ONE of anything...it is always multiples. We had fun crafting and talking to early in the morning. Sarah and I left Sunday afternoon to go and visit with Chris and Holly for a bit, and then we headed over to visit with Jenny and David Hawks...our dear missionary friends. Had dinner and then hit the road to head up to Rexburg. We got to spend the night with Lindsay, Heather Porter's sister! We kept thinking we were hearing Heather! So fun. We also got to visit with Miranda Goree Conkle and her good husband for a few minutes. Monday morning we headed over to campus for Sarah's audition with the flute professor and it went amazingly well. Sarah's decision to attend BYU-I was pretty much made before we left town! We made our way back down to Provo Monday evening, only to find out that we wouldn't be leaving town on Tuesday as planned because of the bad, bad weather back in St. Louis. In fact, we didn't make it home until late Thursday.<br /><br />So Wednesday, since we didn't leave, we were able to get together with Becky's family...way fun for the kids to be with their cousins. I LOVE the first picture above...2nd cousins! Baby Caleb Brewer and baby Matthew Ridge. (Katie and Nathan are cousins.) Caleb is about 2 1/2 months older than Matthew, but keep in mind that Matthew's parents are both 6 ft. tall, plus some! The second picture above is of Sterling and Nathan - Nathan is holding baby Matthew.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxg_bMvnalAqR7zTC6UVrIKIpng2qJugUCbFsHJ94PEvuBcBKlVRf-XpUesNOYFIGPP2B1EjCLQdiqbqgUOovBk-f8Ku47tigrN9MQILfsSJcrHDoDEJ7RfpM1R9pACgFwtE_sBxMq6Q/s1600/February+2011+-+Katie+Brewer%252C+Jayne+Pauga%252C+Sarah+Bowerman%252C+Ta+Pauga%252C+Mandy+Oaks+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxg_bMvnalAqR7zTC6UVrIKIpng2qJugUCbFsHJ94PEvuBcBKlVRf-XpUesNOYFIGPP2B1EjCLQdiqbqgUOovBk-f8Ku47tigrN9MQILfsSJcrHDoDEJ7RfpM1R9pACgFwtE_sBxMq6Q/s400/February+2011+-+Katie+Brewer%252C+Jayne+Pauga%252C+Sarah+Bowerman%252C+Ta+Pauga%252C+Mandy+Oaks+%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584105985712163650" border="0" /></a>Katie, Jayne, Sarah, Ta, and Mandy...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlPsP45GwRhjqn6X3HtIO3qOxN4g1XxVk8-wePzqWZ6IcOciAZg72bgV3DXardGDlfDyCgSVVmBMQ-zUNRd6vYZAfxXREnCgqdD1sry8H7qaRbIdKYBToWcjVvXB-Gs6fney91pXIyA/s1600/February+2011+-+Brooke+Ridge%252C+Poppy+Pauga%252C+Claire+Brewer%252C+Isaac+Ridge%252C+Orson+and+Bryant+Oaks+%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlPsP45GwRhjqn6X3HtIO3qOxN4g1XxVk8-wePzqWZ6IcOciAZg72bgV3DXardGDlfDyCgSVVmBMQ-zUNRd6vYZAfxXREnCgqdD1sry8H7qaRbIdKYBToWcjVvXB-Gs6fney91pXIyA/s400/February+2011+-+Brooke+Ridge%252C+Poppy+Pauga%252C+Claire+Brewer%252C+Isaac+Ridge%252C+Orson+and+Bryant+Oaks+%25281%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584105973455013362" border="0" /></a>Orson and Bryant in the back, Brooke, Poppy, Claire, and Isaac in the front...Claire loves kids!! Love, love, love being with family!!Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-49441026891957907542011-03-13T19:34:00.001-07:002011-03-13T20:19:35.263-07:00Christmas 2010 - Our Last One in Edwardsville, IL<div>We had a super fun Christmas last December - our last one in Edwardsville. Lots of great memories had by all. So fun to have everyone be able to come - and we had a great conversation with Marshall on Christmas Day. The joy in his voice was felt by all. These pictures are all way out of order, so I'll just label as we go along...</div><div> </div><div>This first one is of Katie and Lindsay after they got to go have their hair done...Katie had hers chopped off and Lindsay came back much darker with bangs. They love visiting Carmen...fun way to start the new year...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583768889676600258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqk62NwKgGMEZY9wk_swBdWgE3zYOHlfJGKRqe67FNCHruVqfejNc6IbxjDN1pjw40TqpGs4mXNlSVgfTnx16qOGVGvSQBLr5URFGp5TDvzYLdg73Lg9uE84Ri1RGfN-jyPouPuvY4Nw/s400/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252886%2529.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HoS4SVMBMLMy7mYoNCaztQ3d06krXuL2eXr8PKfZaoLCZrP4rO6pIgu0iIkbGNlNBTHu4r9ZRsQfUiUZwF_RjCs5HJ-CQlB1X1qLXBX3tyDcVZac3qZJYIej7sp2iyBqJNgJkFa5Zw/s1600/December+30%252C+2010+-+Visit+to+Cardinal+Stadium+%25286%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583763528543750738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HoS4SVMBMLMy7mYoNCaztQ3d06krXuL2eXr8PKfZaoLCZrP4rO6pIgu0iIkbGNlNBTHu4r9ZRsQfUiUZwF_RjCs5HJ-CQlB1X1qLXBX3tyDcVZac3qZJYIej7sp2iyBqJNgJkFa5Zw/s400/December+30%252C+2010+-+Visit+to+Cardinal+Stadium+%25286%2529.JPG" /></a> One of Joseph's presents was a stadium tour of Cardinal's Stadium...we went a couple of days after Christmas...here they are in the dug out!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-DNckOH3y1ksbrDRqgVTyqnnHZ0RhajN-r3nG83tsD9VDBwKx2R15fGVe3S9h7MLsKnCLRCeTdKHcbxovjgqpYJVAn3wj9W94vQsDK88fO3piZTV_oHE747W15xN0v59vSXpvTsHwg/s1600/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252869%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583763515563031730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-DNckOH3y1ksbrDRqgVTyqnnHZ0RhajN-r3nG83tsD9VDBwKx2R15fGVe3S9h7MLsKnCLRCeTdKHcbxovjgqpYJVAn3wj9W94vQsDK88fO3piZTV_oHE747W15xN0v59vSXpvTsHwg/s400/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252869%2529.JPG" /></a> Our beautiful home on Christmas Day! Also, this was Rich's first ever white Christmas. Made it just a little extra special. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1va-4Xd_mDjkX-oKQVvckUaj5MLn4HMqa1XJoEj3_H6jlzOND72OsHNvXrTzkoN4BITaG7OQRUXWHGNsJG9WSjpt74M7JB8H-bzY-Qeq9-DkouLypA5kRMcmA_JhuzXiDbqiIU_G4jQ/s1600/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252866%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583763509384011282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1va-4Xd_mDjkX-oKQVvckUaj5MLn4HMqa1XJoEj3_H6jlzOND72OsHNvXrTzkoN4BITaG7OQRUXWHGNsJG9WSjpt74M7JB8H-bzY-Qeq9-DkouLypA5kRMcmA_JhuzXiDbqiIU_G4jQ/s400/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252866%2529.JPG" /></a> Claire loving the snow in quite the get-up! </div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3idju6w3jC5tVI-hFSXffFxdW1tNX-UDJGjZAj7yOU-C3faSyKWacp3lpwREWz34qYja7eYyuI-tfTIC9E85ZaPRiAMyrM29qUoFo9pjqCZj4J4HRJW1-HB0K1O8JmfrKUdmapobp4w/s1600/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252862%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583763504436301890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3idju6w3jC5tVI-hFSXffFxdW1tNX-UDJGjZAj7yOU-C3faSyKWacp3lpwREWz34qYja7eYyuI-tfTIC9E85ZaPRiAMyrM29qUoFo9pjqCZj4J4HRJW1-HB0K1O8JmfrKUdmapobp4w/s400/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252862%2529.JPG" /></a> One of Rich's favorite toys as a young child was Lincoln Logs. Guess what I found for him for Christmas...to share, of course, with his grandchildren!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCO9mUu4hxyxLl-IyEaYgvGtDee1HcURBYz6RkDuBELMY3iazn4NA2rbYi4g9WmNPZsl9BdXkOkncjCx_5oVCyWqnpQbHy4MHLuhMPRR9l9MI5dLi4iWJRNlIQT2Wfbwwiscizqb51A/s1600/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252841%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583761539811753090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCO9mUu4hxyxLl-IyEaYgvGtDee1HcURBYz6RkDuBELMY3iazn4NA2rbYi4g9WmNPZsl9BdXkOkncjCx_5oVCyWqnpQbHy4MHLuhMPRR9l9MI5dLi4iWJRNlIQT2Wfbwwiscizqb51A/s400/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252841%2529.JPG" /></a> A surprise visit from Santa on Christmas Eve. This was SO fun. Our dear home teacher, Dan McNeill, spends a good part of his Christmas Eve making visits to families with children, and he knew we'd have some extra company this Christmas Eve...made it super special for us. Everyone loved his visit, but Claire...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJhTxGwl4aT9D-tyL3JTzBxeRm6U-Ahoac8G-6ozqJGuFupYZgxDUl177ngnTKm3K1oCTdFuHKH6vdVYPldIZof494OpiGRe2g68tdDP36P2tsdLF2qTb_4PxeaNI_nNzxgz21rqU_g/s1600/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252830%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583761532426883714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJhTxGwl4aT9D-tyL3JTzBxeRm6U-Ahoac8G-6ozqJGuFupYZgxDUl177ngnTKm3K1oCTdFuHKH6vdVYPldIZof494OpiGRe2g68tdDP36P2tsdLF2qTb_4PxeaNI_nNzxgz21rqU_g/s400/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252830%2529.JPG" /></a>...but Claire did LOVE working in the play kitchen, next to her own Christmas tree!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9L3n3ULyKkzM1PTIOks0mZeXmggsfLLZTq2Y3WxacvAd6GMg7pWLMK0GIDZwTF9NS6aRknpuuSdO92EHoZB_Y1iK7u_KCEvnCM_WeQIpgRT7T_NQwabbcuZIPmd8Mcrgh4s97ML0UA/s1600/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252813%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583761525119016146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9L3n3ULyKkzM1PTIOks0mZeXmggsfLLZTq2Y3WxacvAd6GMg7pWLMK0GIDZwTF9NS6aRknpuuSdO92EHoZB_Y1iK7u_KCEvnCM_WeQIpgRT7T_NQwabbcuZIPmd8Mcrgh4s97ML0UA/s400/December+2010+-+More+Bowerman+Christmas+%252813%2529.JPG" /></a> We tried super hard to get a decent picture of Rich and I with the kiddos...and this is about as good as it got.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZIALvA2D6KxkE_pjcKxbmOZgWpEJ9pUWX14pHhJoUIgNpuE_si8GbzPZUvYwfbU7Fxbh_bHXBQTi9jjpIQ84CsFlUeVFu1IDkwTklv4F_qcpFH3_x034t7lZZNAK9yUb_fZDPM6HDw/s1600/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252836%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583761521185972210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZIALvA2D6KxkE_pjcKxbmOZgWpEJ9pUWX14pHhJoUIgNpuE_si8GbzPZUvYwfbU7Fxbh_bHXBQTi9jjpIQ84CsFlUeVFu1IDkwTklv4F_qcpFH3_x034t7lZZNAK9yUb_fZDPM6HDw/s400/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252836%2529.JPG" /></a> My creativity on Christmas Day...loved the snow!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsY6CvaGq8xd7BlO7L5yKr8_MJLQ3xwZVL2bDnP5OCDJgki2Ye7BuyJMzoR9vFD1H8Ketq5MMI1r-8kyj05nkwwBOvVGAsZZcwWGte1qIf-9cskL7Qsh_-6H71KBRGDlAHFLm9XFKTg/s1600/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252834%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583761509744433826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsY6CvaGq8xd7BlO7L5yKr8_MJLQ3xwZVL2bDnP5OCDJgki2Ye7BuyJMzoR9vFD1H8Ketq5MMI1r-8kyj05nkwwBOvVGAsZZcwWGte1qIf-9cskL7Qsh_-6H71KBRGDlAHFLm9XFKTg/s400/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252834%2529.JPG" /></a> Lindsay, Katie, and Holly all got the same Nike jackets...extra long arms with thumb holes.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyl6980TgldjdstqlMd6cc0KAUWOeNJ60falJ7RA1yUxL_surNcEedn7i4rluYltAGxiXwn-n3Fbprt-JAGPtbAhFhLLFOe1O6V5ucrHwzx2OuV-4nCoIYI8BL1YlafxIxJaEZhKp8A/s1600/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252829%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583759874150917250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyl6980TgldjdstqlMd6cc0KAUWOeNJ60falJ7RA1yUxL_surNcEedn7i4rluYltAGxiXwn-n3Fbprt-JAGPtbAhFhLLFOe1O6V5ucrHwzx2OuV-4nCoIYI8BL1YlafxIxJaEZhKp8A/s400/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252829%2529.JPG" /></a> Chris and Holly with Santa!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiZvUEnFVDa85oKbDibgVZdLH8VodCWOSpzByAd2c2BWxB_qyQt92xAYolWgKLvt2QXQh_U1NdRwqjMRZv1DMCRUUFzHE70K90Q7SE1d9FtII6ERGFHqrMNYwGyCsxxBV-tKA034mdA/s1600/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252810%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583759870793602882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiZvUEnFVDa85oKbDibgVZdLH8VodCWOSpzByAd2c2BWxB_qyQt92xAYolWgKLvt2QXQh_U1NdRwqjMRZv1DMCRUUFzHE70K90Q7SE1d9FtII6ERGFHqrMNYwGyCsxxBV-tKA034mdA/s400/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252810%2529.JPG" /></a> Love this little guy!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1oTNTxann2bDJMoe_wvxiKn4hq7frnDY9DVKC6dsMX-RokDaykRuKIoaJwFJ2dlt5bKauNnxx98ky89SDMRNIZ6xDEv8aib3PxLyVPEMeOUBAJSFsYMI6IswjeVeTYLaPwgVJzZUDw/s1600/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252812%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583759859511895922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1oTNTxann2bDJMoe_wvxiKn4hq7frnDY9DVKC6dsMX-RokDaykRuKIoaJwFJ2dlt5bKauNnxx98ky89SDMRNIZ6xDEv8aib3PxLyVPEMeOUBAJSFsYMI6IswjeVeTYLaPwgVJzZUDw/s400/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%252812%2529.JPG" /></a> Grammy and Caleb!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AkZDyfdvvR0RBZj-IhyYm0JUZtd8DAqXQ9sZ9MWurwJteUrXVmdP9yITref4UgyxBhPCCApbLfHT_qrmkgxUFQYszouXFlz33BnJMTEPrYeaduFxL57Nm1ehUaFG7I2piOlF0dv1Xg/s1600/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%25288%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583759851039855794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AkZDyfdvvR0RBZj-IhyYm0JUZtd8DAqXQ9sZ9MWurwJteUrXVmdP9yITref4UgyxBhPCCApbLfHT_qrmkgxUFQYszouXFlz33BnJMTEPrYeaduFxL57Nm1ehUaFG7I2piOlF0dv1Xg/s400/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%25288%2529.JPG" /></a> Grandpa and Caleb!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5Ke4WfZA6gxizFnz7NMSdtSkWRkNAX0b35HiRUNFI8Rl7WGFTKG_668i4xkFLxUoqkAf4ezPiaSO7MHkUI5sdPOUunagZcdxcqWM0HLQ4K5Z6QA8idyl6xv2B_mrsFxFE-RZs16szw/s1600/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583759849499879074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5Ke4WfZA6gxizFnz7NMSdtSkWRkNAX0b35HiRUNFI8Rl7WGFTKG_668i4xkFLxUoqkAf4ezPiaSO7MHkUI5sdPOUunagZcdxcqWM0HLQ4K5Z6QA8idyl6xv2B_mrsFxFE-RZs16szw/s400/December+2010+-+Bowerman+Christmas+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a> Auntie Sarah with Claire! All in all - a very special holiday indeed!! <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-79759193182351589902011-03-13T18:42:00.000-07:002011-03-13T19:05:59.940-07:00Thanksgiving 2010 - 30th Anniversary - in Chicago!Catching up here! How to back up and cover the last 5 months...<br />So last Thanksgiving we decided we didn't want to stay home (surprise, surprise). It was our 30th anniversary, too, so the 3 of us decided to head up to Chicago via the train for Thanksgiving. Way fun, bitter cold! These pictures are not particularly in order...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooAr_zb0Dwz1jcB9xlzkJh_DfyQMaUO41yNSW5cS7jsd2dFftFmC4-V9h__cJ2JJ1vKscD3xArEE2H0JZEUH-3yUPRAzOtFNQYjG4FBqHXc1rR57oaioto6l9sef6m-4dxxe6d810bQ/s1600/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%252828%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583747122325332242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooAr_zb0Dwz1jcB9xlzkJh_DfyQMaUO41yNSW5cS7jsd2dFftFmC4-V9h__cJ2JJ1vKscD3xArEE2H0JZEUH-3yUPRAzOtFNQYjG4FBqHXc1rR57oaioto6l9sef6m-4dxxe6d810bQ/s400/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%252828%2529.JPG" /></a> We went to the Museum of Science and Industry on Friday, the 26th. Sarah and I had done a little after-Thanksgiving shopping (no great bargains in Chicago!) and then we took the bus and headed to the museum. Way fun! Saw lots of fun exhibits and behind-the-scenes stuff. Happy 30th Anniversary to Rich and Lisa!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-q0v8zNkMoipZMUT-gHoLIsbpQsZTZaA9HNbDowaCVYtftQMNuizUVSO1Nixn15L7MVtKNn_b6tY7B3O5xymrS7wcHQoiWapJbsApBBoL263h6bAQiU0qA-SlRkWE2ZfG-DRSGewLw/s1600/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%252816%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583747118316442706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-q0v8zNkMoipZMUT-gHoLIsbpQsZTZaA9HNbDowaCVYtftQMNuizUVSO1Nixn15L7MVtKNn_b6tY7B3O5xymrS7wcHQoiWapJbsApBBoL263h6bAQiU0qA-SlRkWE2ZfG-DRSGewLw/s400/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%252816%2529.JPG" /></a> There's a building on Michigan Avenue, can't remember the name (maybe the Post Office), that has pieces of buildings from all over the world. This piece is from the Great Pyramids in Eqypt. Way cool. Our hotel was right close by Michigan Avenue. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZu6ZC4b_2GGhOs9iLOQz4QeeXRpzHT7XPQclzEVzCpMITA51oerVqEk9uNcppfUzyMk7o6Z4ceBqzP4tPeWatXgHwfMFRxo06qPjVFfAR3SkClB23zOpei0Rm1FVIOGN86Rx-YdgxQ/s1600/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%25288%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583747112847940130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZu6ZC4b_2GGhOs9iLOQz4QeeXRpzHT7XPQclzEVzCpMITA51oerVqEk9uNcppfUzyMk7o6Z4ceBqzP4tPeWatXgHwfMFRxo06qPjVFfAR3SkClB23zOpei0Rm1FVIOGN86Rx-YdgxQ/s400/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%25288%2529.JPG" /></a> This picture is for Marshall, my Lego-man. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWSos4oQ9U6E0O12z62g8YXSv5o-PImbNd1CLDLD2uwhguQZMOM2WXCLsYboWJptMsQqVq112kAmpBs_LYz0XIv3jRQzq0xFZIdRl_j3CHKKinMxw4MraweZh9um-qoq1oc4eVN8JgQ/s1600/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%25287%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583747106816773074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWSos4oQ9U6E0O12z62g8YXSv5o-PImbNd1CLDLD2uwhguQZMOM2WXCLsYboWJptMsQqVq112kAmpBs_LYz0XIv3jRQzq0xFZIdRl_j3CHKKinMxw4MraweZh9um-qoq1oc4eVN8JgQ/s400/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%25287%2529.JPG" /></a> Sarah and I doing a little shopping along the Magnificent Mile...how fun!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yC-PBPfiUDXWcyKCt4mQXnWNI2DxuhoKQAHXo-4F-ba4MdcfXwmRQGcr1-kvjwx6uO8YHMfGLMU8BG14-RSvskan_SlcIFz2v-xITopD2ZL-jwYrYflXoqzjeBid5swdzII8mgW4BQ/s1600/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583747096885544802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yC-PBPfiUDXWcyKCt4mQXnWNI2DxuhoKQAHXo-4F-ba4MdcfXwmRQGcr1-kvjwx6uO8YHMfGLMU8BG14-RSvskan_SlcIFz2v-xITopD2ZL-jwYrYflXoqzjeBid5swdzII8mgW4BQ/s400/November+2010+-+Thanksgiving+in+Chicago+%25283%2529.JPG" /></a>Oh yeah...can't go to Chicago and not experience pizza - Chicago style!! I think we were each able to barely eat 1 piece each, but it was sure good! All in all - a great and memorable weekend!! <div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-24684467558133115652010-12-05T12:34:00.000-08:002010-12-05T13:04:39.503-08:00Friends...Before the onslaught of December has become too crazy, I am going to do some catching up of sorts...obviously not in any particular order. <br /><br />I have been so blessed throughout my life to cross paths with some incredibly remarkable and fun women. These pics only represent a small number of them. This past summer I had so much fun catching up with some friends from quite some time ago, plus getting to know some new friends quite a bit better. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUKBTNjuNeTfhi6O4fIAOLwcK_PB-9iySrDIK-_7Wpjhw1LoUmkgn4865_IqU2g35yNxJVoNgBX0LvZ7CJ9o3Jt7bRWH9VfGoL1bw_ggjeHw9G2lTSqMBKpLuc0xR9fycWiM3z7M_AA/s1600/July+2010+-+Stake+leaders.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547303881947932914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUKBTNjuNeTfhi6O4fIAOLwcK_PB-9iySrDIK-_7Wpjhw1LoUmkgn4865_IqU2g35yNxJVoNgBX0LvZ7CJ9o3Jt7bRWH9VfGoL1bw_ggjeHw9G2lTSqMBKpLuc0xR9fycWiM3z7M_AA/s400/July+2010+-+Stake+leaders.JPG" /></a> OK, seriously, if you want to get to know someone really well, spend a week with them at Girls' Camp! This is a pic of Deor Jorgensen, me, and Dana Waggoner and we served the Young Women of our stake while camping during one of the hottest weeks of the year in Missouri. We had so much fun teaching and hiking and singing and spending time chatting with each other and with the girls...loved it! I have LOVED my new calling working with all of the other wards in our incredible O'Fallon Stake!! <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsB7xGWD6bc82bhkzMi1NYVdNwiTchBdkU0VF48q1aUJuiTzYKVpQbtJ_AhIDDvJ1zBMuO2fkWsVLaISAJbE2pMuEaOyZXGbR7ayOsdUPHTmO-zyuPOw_kh07w5MJsv1E10kwm-jfRYA/s1600/September+2%252C+2010+-+Dawn+and+Greg+Hatch+visit+%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547303868578051506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsB7xGWD6bc82bhkzMi1NYVdNwiTchBdkU0VF48q1aUJuiTzYKVpQbtJ_AhIDDvJ1zBMuO2fkWsVLaISAJbE2pMuEaOyZXGbR7ayOsdUPHTmO-zyuPOw_kh07w5MJsv1E10kwm-jfRYA/s400/September+2%252C+2010+-+Dawn+and+Greg+Hatch+visit+%25281%2529.JPG" /></a>One of the first people that we met upon our arrival in Bellingham , WA on a very, very dismal and rainy day was Dawn Hatch. After meeting Dawn, I knew that everything was going to be just fine. Dawn makes me smile - just love being around her!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTdxlAWnvaHArgeLCi3-y5qz4D_J5RRfkOvwVvkUf6P0wBZOyQPpviDei4n3wQOEIY-WdAbr-RQcglSjgpDidMzIJxRhuJJnc8i73qsj72f5i6GHKqoqzdSkXv7htzlbt-bpKOjR7qA/s1600/August+26%252C+2010+-+Lunch+with+Carol+Jean+and+Deor+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547302589512521586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTdxlAWnvaHArgeLCi3-y5qz4D_J5RRfkOvwVvkUf6P0wBZOyQPpviDei4n3wQOEIY-WdAbr-RQcglSjgpDidMzIJxRhuJJnc8i73qsj72f5i6GHKqoqzdSkXv7htzlbt-bpKOjR7qA/s400/August+26%252C+2010+-+Lunch+with+Carol+Jean+and+Deor+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a> So, while at Girls' Camp and chatting with Deor we made a connection from our past - Carol Jean Bishop! Carol Jean and her husband were dear friends when Rich and I first started dating. Deor and her husband Neil met the Bishops when they were at the University of Utah doing graduate work...such a small world! Deor, Carol Jean, and I had a yummy lunch together!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI119rWngdU3PwVli8oSBKXGGPb-HQVZhEej4IGDT9S610zFnCmN15DahZdq6gEoJycXJ4g417c3_sbjKChocV6WhuFoKKqGD_3Uaq22yl_pk9-g8DGbn2C8-6-7n5SSftansTWwQolQ/s1600/August+30%252C+2010+-+Lisa+and+Jenny+Hawks.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547302581254301794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI119rWngdU3PwVli8oSBKXGGPb-HQVZhEej4IGDT9S610zFnCmN15DahZdq6gEoJycXJ4g417c3_sbjKChocV6WhuFoKKqGD_3Uaq22yl_pk9-g8DGbn2C8-6-7n5SSftansTWwQolQ/s400/August+30%252C+2010+-+Lisa+and+Jenny+Hawks.JPG" /></a> I'll have a "forever" connection with this amazing lady! Jenny Hawks and her husband served a mission in St. Louis and lived in our basement for a little over 6 months. I LOVE her!! I think she likes to shop as much as I do!! <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBgh-MUbiJ0rA82XJhzszkSAcwYIlMfof4lf5eGnNu6kjVHktluyueyh0mlrWYUQk5MB39HvpfuN6IsXNg0Ij1_n7oHytQkrZHUf00nV_89RfRf8GtnnrLWvdADMNKmllo1eUyeYCPA/s1600/Early+80s+-+Lisa%252C+Gail%252C+Yasemin%252C+Allison.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547302570442882562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBgh-MUbiJ0rA82XJhzszkSAcwYIlMfof4lf5eGnNu6kjVHktluyueyh0mlrWYUQk5MB39HvpfuN6IsXNg0Ij1_n7oHytQkrZHUf00nV_89RfRf8GtnnrLWvdADMNKmllo1eUyeYCPA/s400/Early+80s+-+Lisa%252C+Gail%252C+Yasemin%252C+Allison.jpg" /></a> This is SUPER funny - so no laughing! This picture is of my good high school friends. I married first and was obviously pregnant here - just can't remember if it was with Amy or Chris. Anyways, the four of us met up this summer for the first time in 25+ years...and<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MC68V1pwcgNCa-7gHevShOE8rzDZ_kJNCh1_EPy4BcFWSxlAMQmoMOin9UWlFhZCrMgcgxRXCr2F_ek9sz2gXDwsdr7UH9_gVliniuDunL6ptS2hIobgfkteoxNewLi8n9pJR5oo3w/s1600/August+30%252C+2010+-+Lisa%252C+Gail%252C+Yasemin%252C+Allison.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547302565261980690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MC68V1pwcgNCa-7gHevShOE8rzDZ_kJNCh1_EPy4BcFWSxlAMQmoMOin9UWlFhZCrMgcgxRXCr2F_ek9sz2gXDwsdr7UH9_gVliniuDunL6ptS2hIobgfkteoxNewLi8n9pJR5oo3w/s400/August+30%252C+2010+-+Lisa%252C+Gail%252C+Yasemin%252C+Allison.JPG" /></a> ...we look just a tad different...older, but definitely wiser! (Lisa, Gail, Yasemin, and Alison) <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-58610511980009905502010-10-17T15:39:00.000-07:002010-10-17T16:24:44.618-07:00Claire Was Here - Evidence Abounds!!My goodness...I can't believe how long it has been since I've updated my blog! I guess it just comes down to the fact that I've been having too much fun to actually sit down and document it all...but I must because I don't want to forget a second of it. Needless to say, it will take several posts. <br /><br />I came home from Utah last night - and wow, it just seems a little too quiet! Claire & Company arrived on September 22nd and it has been non-stop since then. I'm walking around the house seeing various pieces of evidence that Claire was here. Also going through pictures -lots of proof!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-9KZMmPS0A2XdbNjEl_VMxPmXKy9h08T-P4GK9nis7FHXiYKJ36lTQ2DdWGKX33pgrvVe2QPS4XkiFzNt26u1HJ6w3tgzOERIrVJYmzsUJ84cWM_0yamNvPLMf_o7hgRaXlxWnSU6w/s1600/100_6289.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529151406140654770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-9KZMmPS0A2XdbNjEl_VMxPmXKy9h08T-P4GK9nis7FHXiYKJ36lTQ2DdWGKX33pgrvVe2QPS4XkiFzNt26u1HJ6w3tgzOERIrVJYmzsUJ84cWM_0yamNvPLMf_o7hgRaXlxWnSU6w/s400/100_6289.JPG" /></a> Claire loved my bathtub...sometimes we had a bath twice a day. Amazing how much I could get done while she was occupied for a few minutes in the bathtub. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGib_jVi4B_SCP63rQdwwuxU5IKWrnb53suLTfgu_ly5zW-u1uEoj0n3t889x87IjipFdUP561tNBikccya7RibO3xIeI14BlXT-xWrr0OBUu7Nw_HAH4f4htWWsXzW8fdo6V4InikfQ/s1600/100_6355.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529151400309404754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGib_jVi4B_SCP63rQdwwuxU5IKWrnb53suLTfgu_ly5zW-u1uEoj0n3t889x87IjipFdUP561tNBikccya7RibO3xIeI14BlXT-xWrr0OBUu7Nw_HAH4f4htWWsXzW8fdo6V4InikfQ/s400/100_6355.JPG" /></a> Some mornings when she woke up she was particularly happy to see Caleb - and occasionally she would pose for a picture with him...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS57JlwnhyphenhyphenstoMJ-ANSGppjad4GQtozrW8zc2hA4WQcGZirnWbhHQbGkBVtTsB6Pup96yG1lEUxLj0zrHf-wGDywA2rmypvK_sX1-5kYQUCrRVoTGZTVDem4eV1x2ZAUHi3tCpk2nF8w/s1600/100_6367.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529151396988055394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS57JlwnhyphenhyphenstoMJ-ANSGppjad4GQtozrW8zc2hA4WQcGZirnWbhHQbGkBVtTsB6Pup96yG1lEUxLj0zrHf-wGDywA2rmypvK_sX1-5kYQUCrRVoTGZTVDem4eV1x2ZAUHi3tCpk2nF8w/s400/100_6367.JPG" /></a>Claire loves to be outside. I have a hammock on the deck that she quite enjoyed playing and relaxing in. The weather was pretty much perfect for their visit, and therefore, Claire wanted to be out there most of the time. We tried to fence her in - rather unsuccessfully. She quickly learned how to move the chairs and put them back as they were so we wouldn't notice her escape. One morning I looked out a kitchen window only to see her headed into our neighbor's yard without a thought to look back. The girl is fast! <br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ahEORbc4WjzuWqTvKHzAZ5Gw8eL9tGCwB5ybWig50X-BDgwuLE_0fGQjEVKQliVJVhGQU4Nuogw69j8Ioy9dgxJHNqANdHhiBS4tGBzFBgWvifSB-ZRsN8bq_yRhyphenhyphenOmXfsWGys2v7Q/s1600/100_6430.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529151387055140482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ahEORbc4WjzuWqTvKHzAZ5Gw8eL9tGCwB5ybWig50X-BDgwuLE_0fGQjEVKQliVJVhGQU4Nuogw69j8Ioy9dgxJHNqANdHhiBS4tGBzFBgWvifSB-ZRsN8bq_yRhyphenhyphenOmXfsWGys2v7Q/s400/100_6430.JPG" /></a> She loved, loved, loved playing the piano and loved, loved, loved entertaining us on the drums! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HT2mGnVqYIW9B-UXci9PAp8Ah9YYlMv3ljpNTYKKQ-QHsW1NVcgYXwzCTqLOmMo7yhDuNLRP1v4siBavGrRMG98QEkCN6ehWMEKnfmgMY3imd_o1HM6kENJHf45qodV731VsjP1yig/s1600/100_6447.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529151384775559922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HT2mGnVqYIW9B-UXci9PAp8Ah9YYlMv3ljpNTYKKQ-QHsW1NVcgYXwzCTqLOmMo7yhDuNLRP1v4siBavGrRMG98QEkCN6ehWMEKnfmgMY3imd_o1HM6kENJHf45qodV731VsjP1yig/s400/100_6447.JPG" /></a>Claire loves powder! After every bath we have "powder time" and she puts it on rather generously. Well, one Sunday morning we couldn't find her as we were trying to walk out the door. We did, however, find a powder trail that lead to my closet where she was hiding. She had managed to get the bottle of powder and I guess she found it rather entertaining. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mQzMAulknnjL50b7_LMzBe-5BZxtAIpS-vvfgKkbGbmXD75QwZ9_UUmCxZH8FnSxyd1eL2FR-9ykr8FApHRqrsyi1x_UyhAYuCUa3YW5Kczyp4hTzQhMsI8of7WJZnMt2jnYh-5PkA/s1600/100_6449.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529149945267426754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mQzMAulknnjL50b7_LMzBe-5BZxtAIpS-vvfgKkbGbmXD75QwZ9_UUmCxZH8FnSxyd1eL2FR-9ykr8FApHRqrsyi1x_UyhAYuCUa3YW5Kczyp4hTzQhMsI8of7WJZnMt2jnYh-5PkA/s400/100_6449.JPG" /></a> Claire loves to play with rocks - there's just something about rocks. She loves to pile them up, put them in her pockets, put them in a bucket, or line them up creatively. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhJi0ugs9C-PkHF_KFCLplEOWHHAB6avSuxTQ1LqR_NYfgYgqIYMw5CFPm6DxseUSbVlJMI0-YTat2hPcpEUKxCmXAeE408epcRNOwIAIp-X2KmQ37e_oguspuSXUvkyWpKwNmsYBdw/s1600/100_6452.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529149935444657458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhJi0ugs9C-PkHF_KFCLplEOWHHAB6avSuxTQ1LqR_NYfgYgqIYMw5CFPm6DxseUSbVlJMI0-YTat2hPcpEUKxCmXAeE408epcRNOwIAIp-X2KmQ37e_oguspuSXUvkyWpKwNmsYBdw/s400/100_6452.JPG" /></a> This is pretty much how my living room looked for about 3 weeks. I have waited to be a grandma for a long time and have been stashing things away. It's way fun for me to bring it all out and I didn't mind one bit that she'd go in there and bang away on the pots and play with the dishes. She did, however, manage to get a spice jar off the kitchen counter (I think it was the tarragon) and dump it all over one morning. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjcbbU02R3JuI99Vu9uoMTmSqdScqDehtJUxWfApKIAf19BtbJ3u__42hyphenhyphenlnpVF9_w_ZVrad_Gf9kixVzNZv207-iIEGjpZxBogJrk_pDcn8HrHhkqlhu9p6Tfl-Sg4gCy9y5sZudqA/s1600/100_6463.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529149933244859218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjcbbU02R3JuI99Vu9uoMTmSqdScqDehtJUxWfApKIAf19BtbJ3u__42hyphenhyphenlnpVF9_w_ZVrad_Gf9kixVzNZv207-iIEGjpZxBogJrk_pDcn8HrHhkqlhu9p6Tfl-Sg4gCy9y5sZudqA/s400/100_6463.JPG" /></a> We had the funniest experience the last night she was here...ok, so it was probably one of those moments that was much funnier had you been there in person. Claire was not about to eat her stew, even though she generally likes everything it was made with. We all tried everything we could think of. In desperation Katie tried to reason with her, showing her that the elephant was more than happy to eat the stew...didn't work...clearly didn't work! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQPbDE_wCQ6L6_QD_Ftef2HzRf-AsiQkjDofxEpskiZqKixVofbJys-lHZmP4EfRzQR7bCGoEuU2Mwg56Lyxm82qlzjmuaxIUrVK6ad7Tr2gEoXJZevhw_6_r8BH_d6vWjIxna509Zw/s1600/100_6503.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529149927299570130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQPbDE_wCQ6L6_QD_Ftef2HzRf-AsiQkjDofxEpskiZqKixVofbJys-lHZmP4EfRzQR7bCGoEuU2Mwg56Lyxm82qlzjmuaxIUrVK6ad7Tr2gEoXJZevhw_6_r8BH_d6vWjIxna509Zw/s400/100_6503.JPG" /></a> Ummm...walked down the stairs. I thought FOR SURE I had put away every marker and pencil and pen I had. Wouldn't you know I missed a couple of them. And wouldn't you know that she'd feel the need to further decorate my pretty wallpaper! Oh Claire, Claire, Claire...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OpGEKNmXtOwkVfBYYhacN5AhxsD2GSdlFNPwPai8HKAaUw0Nr2JFuDXmYyv01k0EvBfSQrSfP_OwST79XmKZ4kvPmz0RdFCXodLgpuaPQanV8fkULHD3nmvuhpFwt7LPZ7YU2pAXAQ/s1600/100_6440.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529149918818414754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OpGEKNmXtOwkVfBYYhacN5AhxsD2GSdlFNPwPai8HKAaUw0Nr2JFuDXmYyv01k0EvBfSQrSfP_OwST79XmKZ4kvPmz0RdFCXodLgpuaPQanV8fkULHD3nmvuhpFwt7LPZ7YU2pAXAQ/s400/100_6440.JPG" /></a> I'm not sure that I'm too anxious to remove her artwork - it's a sweet remembrance to me. I love her!! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-24409630436216414662010-08-22T07:23:00.000-07:002010-08-22T07:37:06.350-07:00August 21, 2010 - Diving Diva Claire!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzwhBs8_aUA7xk2V-bN9rygqiT47B_F7zYJv_7jKe3sIu8A0hqaOC2vjv-NycrnwwqjJSDIV73oG3UsoiDx' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-41041691615563524332010-08-21T12:31:00.000-07:002010-08-21T13:34:56.877-07:00Cute Video of Baby Caleb!!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwsZDG_UdymcsCD95N2D8VvuhwRRNTDYhOgOdGpFaS4pLEMA93h8b8JL5Q-WxXwRV3F9-DPrPq87yalyR6x' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-52460056206904258902010-08-19T15:28:00.001-07:002010-08-19T15:58:48.692-07:00He's Here, He's Here, Baby Caleb Has Arrived!I made it to Utah late Saturday night, August 14th - just in time for a fun get together at Jayne and Ta's home...so fun to see Mandy and her sweet family, Jayne and Ta and Poppy, AND my oldest sister Sharon and also my sister Becky, plus Lindsay and all the Brewers. Too fun!<br /><br />Last week was way exciting for the Brewer family. Joseph's dad was able to be in attendance at his graduation from BYU...a significant milestone...yay, yay, and double yay to my fantastic son-in-law...so proud of him! I think he is so relieved and proud to be a graduate, but he is even more proud to be the father of a beautiful son...Caleb James Brewer...born Monday, August 16th. About 20 minutes before he was born all of us in the room started trying to guess what his weight would be. Joseph was right on the money...8 lb. 10 oz. Not bad for being a week early! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVixJaJyYdU9Z67lzDmTo6Cu-OEgjvtt4MQDQN2S60CFvYqqDqS0wbqdiT2hM8bGcmSHP_e-LuWfdVz8vRzm4HL3lEvUFza9Gl3bAP7eyMFsrIy6aafhsRlubLii1i_F2rbhjH4CHZ5Q/s1600/August+16,+2010+-+Brewer+Family.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507252789924026466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVixJaJyYdU9Z67lzDmTo6Cu-OEgjvtt4MQDQN2S60CFvYqqDqS0wbqdiT2hM8bGcmSHP_e-LuWfdVz8vRzm4HL3lEvUFza9Gl3bAP7eyMFsrIy6aafhsRlubLii1i_F2rbhjH4CHZ5Q/s400/August+16,+2010+-+Brewer+Family.JPG" /></a> Katie's looking a little worn out in this pic, but she actually is feeling pretty darn good...compared to Claire's delivery, this one was a piece of cake. I'll spare you all the details and just say again what an incredibly wonderful experience it is to witness the birth of a child. Tears of relief and tears of joy just sprang to my eyes. I'm so proud of this little family!! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFAa4KPl3BevL_D0Lap3IWqCyzTaKffM3u_bduHnoPOAt97vK5LvN-N42z5pcFDDeAkh_vCilbQ8I7Uh1vgoejLN0OJPpDkHLoGgqvywp65B6A8YIj86oQhuXsm2ohzdUL6Xoh9lPOQ/s1600/August+16,+2010+-+Claire+and+Papa+Brewer.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507252778963530114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFAa4KPl3BevL_D0Lap3IWqCyzTaKffM3u_bduHnoPOAt97vK5LvN-N42z5pcFDDeAkh_vCilbQ8I7Uh1vgoejLN0OJPpDkHLoGgqvywp65B6A8YIj86oQhuXsm2ohzdUL6Xoh9lPOQ/s400/August+16,+2010+-+Claire+and+Papa+Brewer.JPG" /></a>As previously mentioned, Joseph's dad was able to be here for his graduation and to meet baby Caleb. Earlier that day we went out and did some errands. Claire ADORES her Papa - particularly because he loves to give her rides on his shoulders! She was so cute putting her head down on top of his while we were going through the store. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0guAw2xXhq9RZ2YyRrTQXDX_Y1MUc9j2JTfEK-VCmZqljr_TbUVyvQeslcNbSsI2js0uiAksGyWwNQKfS4IFKZaqOY3tV0TsGAC6SoOY-hf1JWwfvSivKqdmHD-qcl2ygGjICfadPA/s1600/August+16,+2010+-+Claire+with+the+hospital+bed.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507252774335011170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0guAw2xXhq9RZ2YyRrTQXDX_Y1MUc9j2JTfEK-VCmZqljr_TbUVyvQeslcNbSsI2js0uiAksGyWwNQKfS4IFKZaqOY3tV0TsGAC6SoOY-hf1JWwfvSivKqdmHD-qcl2ygGjICfadPA/s400/August+16,+2010+-+Claire+with+the+hospital+bed.JPG" /></a>Claire wasn't much for enjoying the hospital room, except for playing on the bed and with all of the buttons...we LOVE pushing buttons! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCnqGlieuUT_4psQP6JpBqNeVHP8nQmDJIGt41Pf5-XFDwLw9h_kYQRhc9x1_fZQHvoe5c-yTFx5MRVaYN5FOuwaKoPShx4rK7ubnmXsY9XpghA9RdCS2H1NqHEHrNqvgSbuZuEN7CQ/s1600/August+16,+2010+-+Dr.+Holmes,+Joseph+and+Caleb.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507252773243814162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCnqGlieuUT_4psQP6JpBqNeVHP8nQmDJIGt41Pf5-XFDwLw9h_kYQRhc9x1_fZQHvoe5c-yTFx5MRVaYN5FOuwaKoPShx4rK7ubnmXsY9XpghA9RdCS2H1NqHEHrNqvgSbuZuEN7CQ/s400/August+16,+2010+-+Dr.+Holmes,+Joseph+and+Caleb.JPG" /></a>Can I just say how fantastic it is to meet a doctor that absolutely and thoroughly enjoys what he does??!! Dr. Holmes is so kind and soothing and patient...Katie is so lucky to be in such good hands! This is Dr. Holmes, proud papa Joseph, and baby Caleb! <br /><div><u><span style="color:#0000ff;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGmeYNMNVb_jWv44ptnHgZ3Q4E6XKs487kJML14YvHpLmBynx-d_fyXe1IeBpQto7e1xvMXaeZbCr8-Sa1gcQA_ads5OP3TYubLPnrLMDugekc55z3KaTV3pQth7qfnmwjUUTi7oLRg/s1600/August+16,+2010+-+Lindsay+with+Caleb.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507252138290691026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGmeYNMNVb_jWv44ptnHgZ3Q4E6XKs487kJML14YvHpLmBynx-d_fyXe1IeBpQto7e1xvMXaeZbCr8-Sa1gcQA_ads5OP3TYubLPnrLMDugekc55z3KaTV3pQth7qfnmwjUUTi7oLRg/s400/August+16,+2010+-+Lindsay+with+Caleb.JPG" /></a> Aunt Lindsay came over at the end of her work day just in time to be there for Caleb's birth! She's in love...again! <br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9iKy4P4a2Bhu3vZOrmdtaRb1qDcoYAilGV2Pd7ZywctvD9Dl2kbY1wIqG8oKuesReUyF3eAsFESlIQVvWD9D_sOoNOKkcTl2RvFvPp2PuSF8iy17tdMjZUubph9GJI6ovPPAdlwxKQ/s1600/August+19,+2010+-+Caleb+James+Brewer.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507252123986275506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9iKy4P4a2Bhu3vZOrmdtaRb1qDcoYAilGV2Pd7ZywctvD9Dl2kbY1wIqG8oKuesReUyF3eAsFESlIQVvWD9D_sOoNOKkcTl2RvFvPp2PuSF8iy17tdMjZUubph9GJI6ovPPAdlwxKQ/s400/August+19,+2010+-+Caleb+James+Brewer.JPG" /></a>This is the most precious child! He actually looks pretty awake in this picture. That has been, so far, the biggest issue...getting him to wake up! He seems so mild, so content, so peaceful, and so clueless as to how much we are all in love with him!! Welcome sweet baby!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-208475066879880552010-08-06T18:00:00.000-07:002010-08-06T18:45:38.882-07:00August 6, 2010 - An Historic Day Indeed!!It has been an historic day...at least in the world of Lisa Bowerman! What could possibly make this an historic day one may wonder? Well, I filled out my LAST set of school registration papers and went over to Edwardsville High School with Sarah to register her as a SENIOR! Yahoo! And I have to say this - Edwardsville High School has it down to a science. I've gone to lots of schools and lots of registration days...we were in and out of there in about 15 minutes! Smooth!! So, the first pic is Christopher's Kindergarten picture. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PpolYUhNxHh7D7mA2Wm74Mz0S0vKNG4hhzwDKiiDm39YYOl8NTppM1gxVYWhboYwlk50A7jb0Hz4Ea0yJaCIem-dKgRx4cBW3IcmwyqlacRxMWw12H-5XCfkAib-Qs8yTIv-CCM00g/s1600/September+1987-88+-+Chris+Kindergarten.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502470269309894194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PpolYUhNxHh7D7mA2Wm74Mz0S0vKNG4hhzwDKiiDm39YYOl8NTppM1gxVYWhboYwlk50A7jb0Hz4Ea0yJaCIem-dKgRx4cBW3IcmwyqlacRxMWw12H-5XCfkAib-Qs8yTIv-CCM00g/s400/September+1987-88+-+Chris+Kindergarten.jpg" /></a> Such a cutie! <br /><br />And the following pics are of my baby girl as a SENIOR! These pictures were taken by our dear friend Katharine while we were out in Utah in June. I think they turned out so well. She captured Sarah's personality to a tee! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRi8JgkEfoYu94r9nr8G6rYG5cAHaLKvFhB4Yp_1_Y3aQndE81ti18KLkUukJYJjnSOOdw2WqftkSSTmeSgv_8pGLTSC8VusixsxI36TJVcvzluF48ZQFEkTNXsNikUxq1yoCHps1J3Q/s1600/IMG_0091+-+Version+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502470264429556850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRi8JgkEfoYu94r9nr8G6rYG5cAHaLKvFhB4Yp_1_Y3aQndE81ti18KLkUukJYJjnSOOdw2WqftkSSTmeSgv_8pGLTSC8VusixsxI36TJVcvzluF48ZQFEkTNXsNikUxq1yoCHps1J3Q/s400/IMG_0091+-+Version+3.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqHTXUeP-7-6h4fpDxVxpVZMdlo5VHRZZ-8naqNL1lDK6082exfLLbSPuHRGqdUPoQksiUhL-uDqxrJaPWT9onQvKBciRpuQW_LY9K4jHKYtyQ6rNWGw6VIVJC9FImXJApJNipqiudA/s1600/IMG_0222+-+Version+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502470251449159762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqHTXUeP-7-6h4fpDxVxpVZMdlo5VHRZZ-8naqNL1lDK6082exfLLbSPuHRGqdUPoQksiUhL-uDqxrJaPWT9onQvKBciRpuQW_LY9K4jHKYtyQ6rNWGw6VIVJC9FImXJApJNipqiudA/s400/IMG_0222+-+Version+2.jpg" /></a> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx5hxb091VEgjOnJR8g9hokVUFUFohB75wGrEg-uBhtnNoiX3lugyoWpIFDFicH_OSyz3uaNLCL2o-Le5eReioMucHCXg20ja2LNghQWAz-xsjxjzeQ3Kfq4MMHP2NBB79vU4MZ0kqw/s1600/IMG_0247+-+Version+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502467649561940290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx5hxb091VEgjOnJR8g9hokVUFUFohB75wGrEg-uBhtnNoiX3lugyoWpIFDFicH_OSyz3uaNLCL2o-Le5eReioMucHCXg20ja2LNghQWAz-xsjxjzeQ3Kfq4MMHP2NBB79vU4MZ0kqw/s400/IMG_0247+-+Version+2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAMBocZR3YGVwS45r1JgjJxT4aVdAPNjeKMFAeYuNiK1aLP-0JbZMj42xaaAE5dpWjPzBTLNHJO58zCGERF7OEL9IjwbBrp_QdaEER8M6vt1ZTWKCzgNqKzv2TBR6FvuVGt63YwF7cA/s1600/IMG_0348+-+Version+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502467635333779058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAMBocZR3YGVwS45r1JgjJxT4aVdAPNjeKMFAeYuNiK1aLP-0JbZMj42xaaAE5dpWjPzBTLNHJO58zCGERF7OEL9IjwbBrp_QdaEER8M6vt1ZTWKCzgNqKzv2TBR6FvuVGt63YwF7cA/s400/IMG_0348+-+Version+2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCivEgTC3dIjwMPY1yUElVihCalR19FPqHgkgERAgdk6vVKjb2xPXAyc_SdcwrS0BmfqmK47I0ULqcdDPZAqYLpF7tYebJUjnlC_quACh-PKHzN5g1SJuT3iHTUF9KqFl5vKljo2dBZw/s1600/IMG_0363+-+Version+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502467626733523298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCivEgTC3dIjwMPY1yUElVihCalR19FPqHgkgERAgdk6vVKjb2xPXAyc_SdcwrS0BmfqmK47I0ULqcdDPZAqYLpF7tYebJUjnlC_quACh-PKHzN5g1SJuT3iHTUF9KqFl5vKljo2dBZw/s400/IMG_0363+-+Version+2.jpg" /></a> I can't say it enough, and I know she's tired of hearing it, but I am SO glad I have one more year left with this girl! We are going to have a great SENIOR year together! </div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-53021356465648148622010-07-04T15:28:00.000-07:002010-07-04T18:42:19.307-07:00Happenings...lots and lots of happenings!!July 4, 2010<br /><br />Happy Birthday to my country...I feel so blessed to be able to live in the "land of the free and the home of the brave"! Sarah and I saw a fantastic fireworks display last night--right here in Edwardsville!!<br /><br />I can't believe that the last time I did a post was Mother's Day...crazy! The last two months have flown by. Lots of end-of-the-year activities for Sarah, trips, concerts, friends, parties, on and on...So I'm making an attempt to catch up just a bit. The entries are all mixed up, but basically most everything mentioned has happened since May. <br /><br />The family was recently out in Utah for several reasons, which I'll get to later. While there, though, my sister Trish that lives in Orem let us know that she had breast cancer. That I was there and able to facilitate and take part in a certain doctor's visit, a super fun shopping trip, and a rather memorable sister dinner was...well, I'm learning more and more to not look at happenings as coincidences, but more and more as "tender mercies". We are currently waiting for the final diagnosis, but Trish has had a lumpectomy and some serious (long-awaited) reconstruction. Her future will include a rather aggressive chemo and radiation regimen, but so far things have gone well. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiOkzPLsZqm0IkJhdeVbRKYPy6VkI0n0bxqzOnebx8XdoF3GhiR-TkDF8PeX7P3b1TekWGu3BH3CKZn4YldbbPiOwFM57znFdO7PGdds_OQDaEiUgQIIIvk8MHFdAOVRy2wLyALVEUw/s1600/November+2010+-+Trish+and+Cliff.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490197677563184130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiOkzPLsZqm0IkJhdeVbRKYPy6VkI0n0bxqzOnebx8XdoF3GhiR-TkDF8PeX7P3b1TekWGu3BH3CKZn4YldbbPiOwFM57znFdO7PGdds_OQDaEiUgQIIIvk8MHFdAOVRy2wLyALVEUw/s400/November+2010+-+Trish+and+Cliff.JPG" /></a>This is Trish and her good husband, Cliff, at Chris' wedding last November. I love her and know that with her very positive and determined outlook she'll get through this and come out on top! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO5VmHcaGN9AVdiD-9OmGc3KmF0XDrG11TP8d604UAp_3e2N6cK7D4w912jhhcSCLtWItw-3v4dxXfjmZ32n9VhXMm1ryMSAZz47dyNg3ngDKWTYj44RfIgMCkeH7ms9P3_TTl2D6Bg/s1600/100_5885.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490196884974963858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO5VmHcaGN9AVdiD-9OmGc3KmF0XDrG11TP8d604UAp_3e2N6cK7D4w912jhhcSCLtWItw-3v4dxXfjmZ32n9VhXMm1ryMSAZz47dyNg3ngDKWTYj44RfIgMCkeH7ms9P3_TTl2D6Bg/s400/100_5885.JPG" /></a> Ah yes! Guess what I got Rich for Father's Day?? Tickets to Michael Buble! Wasn't that nice of me??!! So the concert was on June 25th...and let's just say...it was a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! We haven't been to a concert for well over 30 years, so this was pretty darn fun. Fortunately we had some great seats and the folks in front of us didn't stand up very much, so we didn't need to, either. Such a great evening...he's an amazing performer with a fantastic voice! </div><div> </div><div>Happy Birthday...and let's have a Tea Party while we're at it! Kirstin and Heather, here in Edwardsville, have fairly close birthdays, which are always fun to celebrate. As I was thinking about those that would like to help celebrate, I realized that almost all of them had little girls, so I decided to get another good friend, Melody, to help me and put this little event together. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VbLdckrmeFGHv9EnwSWNH2CEOwwUptRNkX-LNIIaRHo30iKmSovzqTiZevjfhfdEsZu09ssriwJla1M3WcT8FPSUTBC3D87LxIlHul6TC7bvd5zjGpjSHtQCuSGfy5qKxPx4FnQq9w/s1600/100_5919.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490196587874455314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VbLdckrmeFGHv9EnwSWNH2CEOwwUptRNkX-LNIIaRHo30iKmSovzqTiZevjfhfdEsZu09ssriwJla1M3WcT8FPSUTBC3D87LxIlHul6TC7bvd5zjGpjSHtQCuSGfy5qKxPx4FnQq9w/s400/100_5919.JPG" /></a> Our little girl friends had such fun getting dressed up and playing with all the "girl" stuff that I've collected over the years. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIdopzVpHuqXInxV4lODeQw14nPy1iI9o6uET2LEsRSKuilfZW8INNreB5AKn3a8aapgd6_DI7L7ADKzs9Mi6u70NlGL3O5MiMhnAg6UD5eSfKA7BDpOG8eCXb9MfLsKKckYtqCovUA/s1600/100_5914.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490196578897379218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIdopzVpHuqXInxV4lODeQw14nPy1iI9o6uET2LEsRSKuilfZW8INNreB5AKn3a8aapgd6_DI7L7ADKzs9Mi6u70NlGL3O5MiMhnAg6UD5eSfKA7BDpOG8eCXb9MfLsKKckYtqCovUA/s400/100_5914.JPG" /></a> Bella was particularly happy to find some clip-on earrings! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaTQ9qIRGv9FVgNVDao_huEL-3x1G78NNr4Q_gkr__RwXlA3etgWv3ka9cO-qUTB-Tyb5LtSoozPgEKqKNnxNngpe7e3374qXJcDMcBqM4SeOwKDJjBLzGA3tshmeOGjQh1Pr42HlOA/s1600/100_5920.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490196569745235218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaTQ9qIRGv9FVgNVDao_huEL-3x1G78NNr4Q_gkr__RwXlA3etgWv3ka9cO-qUTB-Tyb5LtSoozPgEKqKNnxNngpe7e3374qXJcDMcBqM4SeOwKDJjBLzGA3tshmeOGjQh1Pr42HlOA/s400/100_5920.JPG" /></a> The group! Thanks ladies...so fun to put this together. You are all such great friends and moms to your wonderful daughters! <br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div>Last year my good friend Karen Wall, who has a yard that pretty much looks like the Garden of Eden, introduced me to the many varieties of lilies that exist. I had NO idea! She shared several with me last year and I've waited so patiently to watch them bloom this year. Here are some of them...so beautiful! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGgPCj-q_PjiFwBPJm8KyVv1lTmEGz64pM-kZB6_AkBrGUYOQUOGN41kOynmAiAzHrboEI69F-u9XCnhW6gZGkWgE-jVXMLQoY3x0HhnJ3gpXmieSdCm4gEmugvJCFxx6EDS1ThlA2w/s1600/100_5908.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490195228295186002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGgPCj-q_PjiFwBPJm8KyVv1lTmEGz64pM-kZB6_AkBrGUYOQUOGN41kOynmAiAzHrboEI69F-u9XCnhW6gZGkWgE-jVXMLQoY3x0HhnJ3gpXmieSdCm4gEmugvJCFxx6EDS1ThlA2w/s400/100_5908.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSayld-ANNTdhaRPhvLEThSMFza1CZHZWOaC2DlRWqZsHspg_3agcpe_5Xws2GtXdhvJM5zAdFJ5RReOeglG4fdwhPiyEF1-DNkR1TB0iPdiS8Db6u97iyhrU_VI8yc_Oth_KZyQk0dw/s1600/100_5907.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490195216790021778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSayld-ANNTdhaRPhvLEThSMFza1CZHZWOaC2DlRWqZsHspg_3agcpe_5Xws2GtXdhvJM5zAdFJ5RReOeglG4fdwhPiyEF1-DNkR1TB0iPdiS8Db6u97iyhrU_VI8yc_Oth_KZyQk0dw/s400/100_5907.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvXcbnxYzl38BwYU_kH121tmx_fbry2aixf19WN0hFFrvFGVWPLk_MTdRLJtN4etTE-HDlfWaKXP-FG6djIuVcQAxiyPkEAx8BCmRyi_ddXaUyytSLDpnOQPlJ7I-oM_xGjHHAkPkpw/s1600/100_5881.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490195203652905682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvXcbnxYzl38BwYU_kH121tmx_fbry2aixf19WN0hFFrvFGVWPLk_MTdRLJtN4etTE-HDlfWaKXP-FG6djIuVcQAxiyPkEAx8BCmRyi_ddXaUyytSLDpnOQPlJ7I-oM_xGjHHAkPkpw/s400/100_5881.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_z1bo0C0UfDBL22b3MFpXGcBYbrV-gWE0m3kwCWeua_BZprgJyFZgvDdyodJCSIgzrp_81qCHPlpzoJOGg6JZC-jg0X4rexc4J4ObSMUUMf0bcRYhZpFBeNheuMVf6fgsphKOtQCcg/s1600/100_5878.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490195195073987858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_z1bo0C0UfDBL22b3MFpXGcBYbrV-gWE0m3kwCWeua_BZprgJyFZgvDdyodJCSIgzrp_81qCHPlpzoJOGg6JZC-jg0X4rexc4J4ObSMUUMf0bcRYhZpFBeNheuMVf6fgsphKOtQCcg/s400/100_5878.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweXKCGDiOpg3JP9R3mSmHMCZG4GxoMoCPxDwK6vO1NvZKmAGA1qp1hBDv-jskAyqhZ8cB8EAB7Mrv_z8x0mVZtqO-kVS9HElGbtHqNdEsMpVkyXyL5EkQq-omTKS-hLGxE9uPkAMxZQ/s1600/100_5877.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490195185554356130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweXKCGDiOpg3JP9R3mSmHMCZG4GxoMoCPxDwK6vO1NvZKmAGA1qp1hBDv-jskAyqhZ8cB8EAB7Mrv_z8x0mVZtqO-kVS9HElGbtHqNdEsMpVkyXyL5EkQq-omTKS-hLGxE9uPkAMxZQ/s400/100_5877.JPG" /></a> So Rich, Sarah and I headed out to Utah on June 13th. We took Sarah to BYU and dropped her off for BYU Summer Fest - a music camp - for the week. She had a fantastic time. I need to do an individual post just on Sarah and will talk more of her experience in that post. (I'm realizing that these pictures are SO out of order!) Anyways, after her week at BYU and Father's Day, Sarah and I remained in Utah for a couple more days while Rich headed home. We had so much fun with "you know who"! On one of our outings I had bought some M & M's, which surprisingly enough, Claire loves. But, of course, all things come to an end, and she had definitely had enough. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwtYaSCEtN2JpVQoAtXJdJr1xKZvzZy-cavC3Zylhfj_Xo8KXuQpJoLyZEpeorA1FmjxNEZLiF-xvTNSkq5zwW8gmsMJLgpRDrhoXD3rtG2h3ywV3Ay6NfZccRBcj65XBbILR3jvXVg/s1600/100_5867.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490194438526001906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwtYaSCEtN2JpVQoAtXJdJr1xKZvzZy-cavC3Zylhfj_Xo8KXuQpJoLyZEpeorA1FmjxNEZLiF-xvTNSkq5zwW8gmsMJLgpRDrhoXD3rtG2h3ywV3Ay6NfZccRBcj65XBbILR3jvXVg/s400/100_5867.JPG" /></a> At which point, she gives you this look, "Are you serious?" At which point you show her the empty bag...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrPf5B438p2DGCE-J1u9C0uZ_jttuOVRCRE9oCIXKIV9W7MNo1H_UeEnU1iPn3fJgnwV87IP8Y5hb4Y_gZrLYn2dUHZxLbqYvqR4bQ2TT6-2xBE6uc7nBOzks7PK5Nu75kaEBKdyBiQ/s1600/100_5866.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490194432608506818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrPf5B438p2DGCE-J1u9C0uZ_jttuOVRCRE9oCIXKIV9W7MNo1H_UeEnU1iPn3fJgnwV87IP8Y5hb4Y_gZrLYn2dUHZxLbqYvqR4bQ2TT6-2xBE6uc7nBOzks7PK5Nu75kaEBKdyBiQ/s400/100_5866.JPG" /></a> At which point she shows her disgust about the whole situation...no tears, but clearly distraught. </div><div> </div><div>Claire is such a good sleeper...most of the time...or maybe she's a good sleeper when Mum-Mum is not in town. Katie and Joseph have moved her out the crib and for now her mattress is on the floor, and that works fine. But generally she doesn't fall asleep on the mattress. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmf_3IWQ-Ge7A9JZMm_GCWrqZeZHkoAH78BKW8IqojzMEmpbsAt5zKyoFOZ3CZXo71deD-LHNhfwcJJcFsIYrGoXtzB0d7u8xVTO3pnPMtQ2G9Lbd3V-jFaL4zktL9aUw0BepvoZlWQ/s1600/June+2010+-+Claire+sleeping+(1).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490194046223314418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmf_3IWQ-Ge7A9JZMm_GCWrqZeZHkoAH78BKW8IqojzMEmpbsAt5zKyoFOZ3CZXo71deD-LHNhfwcJJcFsIYrGoXtzB0d7u8xVTO3pnPMtQ2G9Lbd3V-jFaL4zktL9aUw0BepvoZlWQ/s400/June+2010+-+Claire+sleeping+(1).JPG" /></a> She loves things piled on top, and always has something covering at least part of her face. So funny! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99JmC2jFG97P6pIuZItqH3DwdQiEH6VPMTM0l6Ee6hfTJtmRuhWqE9wu6kfvFxpdHOQstjzJWGWKU49hgi3BTQpO98W3djxduT3E70dWBKiAl-z9FRzgJqkXFAQ0r5IpXcDiSgii2OA/s1600/June+2010+-+Claire+loves+playing+outside+(1).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490194039835468818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99JmC2jFG97P6pIuZItqH3DwdQiEH6VPMTM0l6Ee6hfTJtmRuhWqE9wu6kfvFxpdHOQstjzJWGWKU49hgi3BTQpO98W3djxduT3E70dWBKiAl-z9FRzgJqkXFAQ0r5IpXcDiSgii2OA/s400/June+2010+-+Claire+loves+playing+outside+(1).JPG" /></a> Claire also loves to play outside...as much as she can talk anyone into taking her out. She's such a social butterfly. Loves to play with any other kids that happen to wander by. </div><div> </div><div>One of my sisters passed on several dresses to Claire. This one was hanging in the closet and I decided she should wear it for Father's Day. I thought she looked like a little angel! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YYk8JLzkaZd4hIHxBtBgSKcGmxDykanClNATj29CT-oOqKM5BxHt5HlHwxFxSPKIyIGpCCfZEOE4R99lSNap87pqqynvYDJ05Og_bS-RvUop4o1y6pZeLH_NuHctHwDQjOgVW6STrA/s1600/June+2010+-+Sweet+Angel+Claire+(1).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490194032226989058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YYk8JLzkaZd4hIHxBtBgSKcGmxDykanClNATj29CT-oOqKM5BxHt5HlHwxFxSPKIyIGpCCfZEOE4R99lSNap87pqqynvYDJ05Og_bS-RvUop4o1y6pZeLH_NuHctHwDQjOgVW6STrA/s400/June+2010+-+Sweet+Angel+Claire+(1).JPG" /></a> When I brought her downstairs the girls were doing their best to stifle their laughter, which I simply did not understand. Finally they let me know that I was stuck in the 80's! This dress reminded them so much of what I tried (successfully!) to dress them in. I did my best to not show all day how my feelings were hurt. In my mind, some styles are "timeless", and this is one of them! Claire cooperated beautifully and didn't seem to mind one bit that she was a little behind the fashion times! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe4lwfvLfbQfEJyAfvXhzsth2-0xNiNsKqfTmKMKYt18p91yxhbcJ-FDIqJvg3Zt9KAvNzTGrYoe_2qxVFW-i4O7JY_JWhrpd7ly4ndn6AYVhqy6zdswz-qSK0RHotxnthUExZyeIIw/s1600/June+2010+-+Claire+with+Aunt+Lindsay.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490194023626381746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe4lwfvLfbQfEJyAfvXhzsth2-0xNiNsKqfTmKMKYt18p91yxhbcJ-FDIqJvg3Zt9KAvNzTGrYoe_2qxVFW-i4O7JY_JWhrpd7ly4ndn6AYVhqy6zdswz-qSK0RHotxnthUExZyeIIw/s400/June+2010+-+Claire+with+Aunt+Lindsay.JPG" /></a> Claire with Auntie Lindsay! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrK2InXHbJ3HGHyzAgmWb8SapqKFKbV42O1xScPMNzkz9TfVxrLImarh8VnxZ3pSp6RUE78MZ1ieGVC9wVpa4b44dRphv3wg4q_RdMwfAzg5gLgBb808bC2m38QzZ_jth-tqskdzNdYQ/s1600/June+2010+-+Happy+Father%27s+Day+to+Joe.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490194015339822578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrK2InXHbJ3HGHyzAgmWb8SapqKFKbV42O1xScPMNzkz9TfVxrLImarh8VnxZ3pSp6RUE78MZ1ieGVC9wVpa4b44dRphv3wg4q_RdMwfAzg5gLgBb808bC2m38QzZ_jth-tqskdzNdYQ/s400/June+2010+-+Happy+Father%27s+Day+to+Joe.JPG" /></a> Happy Father's Day to my daddy!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr_88W18WMpmQz-vGvcSlfbNMQ7tJMF5dkaRZlm5d-xFV4tIS6wgmz0BUXEdGqidCbz53ZnF11PLScfd0XHnTxypI9aK-AgDzAaTFbtcpXmQsYgGvAknTKclSuUhyphenhyphenP-LeFSNGbOaNbw/s1600/June+2010+-+Father%27s+Day+Dinner+(1).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490192820395763058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr_88W18WMpmQz-vGvcSlfbNMQ7tJMF5dkaRZlm5d-xFV4tIS6wgmz0BUXEdGqidCbz53ZnF11PLScfd0XHnTxypI9aK-AgDzAaTFbtcpXmQsYgGvAknTKclSuUhyphenhyphenP-LeFSNGbOaNbw/s400/June+2010+-+Father%27s+Day+Dinner+(1).JPG" /></a>The group on Father's Day...Holly is taking the pic and Joseph had gone to work...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YWrImv7fgvMjSYWxqFtlIS9ZBNiTKE3ZaV5Z5lrBomASdMPDpX_qPePKpkzmvz9AQrM3xG0t61YPWGzAGErP8lHV7b09RchiH5MGG16S5J4W6I0SvU8Ak4ek3JB-swCEDCHL2XD27A/s1600/June+2010+-+Father%27s+Day+Dinner.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490192804552053394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YWrImv7fgvMjSYWxqFtlIS9ZBNiTKE3ZaV5Z5lrBomASdMPDpX_qPePKpkzmvz9AQrM3xG0t61YPWGzAGErP8lHV7b09RchiH5MGG16S5J4W6I0SvU8Ak4ek3JB-swCEDCHL2XD27A/s400/June+2010+-+Father%27s+Day+Dinner.JPG" /></a> Yummy Father's Day Dinner...thanks kids!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbHXZNIdtbnX-hg1zEaoW44BsE68Gtu-wP3FukGeVUQt7LgrQUaVfd-ua11zjyzF02ZY67Gim87iR2j8GO63vj5u1v8Ob5fdxrcfmuAxi5RYZFvmnejZUCGG-SsfdE7ACD3YzPRGv8g/s1600/June+2010+-+Dinner+out+with+the+kids+(2).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490192795410818962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbHXZNIdtbnX-hg1zEaoW44BsE68Gtu-wP3FukGeVUQt7LgrQUaVfd-ua11zjyzF02ZY67Gim87iR2j8GO63vj5u1v8Ob5fdxrcfmuAxi5RYZFvmnejZUCGG-SsfdE7ACD3YzPRGv8g/s400/June+2010+-+Dinner+out+with+the+kids+(2).JPG" /></a> Dinner at the Red Iguana in Salt Lake - night before Father's Day. I love this pic of Chris and Lindsay...let's just say that when I look at this picture I think to myself, "Wow, they've come a long ways!" I'm sure there are some out there that can understand my sentiment. Love these kids! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-dUSi_XCscEEGb5-K3_ONSXkfnzhAtuyhCfFCariMa9L0ZtMbMMkxkR2MZuDU_Q2M01rDPUEmt-I80xl0n-lCd4_G6KZJXpu0AdRDCjue7dcEE5R4Ys6OMEHac_yO3ZSqhx6R4s1BQ/s1600/June+2010+-+Dinner+out+with+the+kids+(1).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490192787061252242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-dUSi_XCscEEGb5-K3_ONSXkfnzhAtuyhCfFCariMa9L0ZtMbMMkxkR2MZuDU_Q2M01rDPUEmt-I80xl0n-lCd4_G6KZJXpu0AdRDCjue7dcEE5R4Ys6OMEHac_yO3ZSqhx6R4s1BQ/s400/June+2010+-+Dinner+out+with+the+kids+(1).JPG" /></a>Rich and our daughter-in-law Holly! Such a good Mexican (Rich's fav!) restaurant...thanks all!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhFjDOWq5TdyBeFgPsVuOwEHYs9ncKCBpyWx4gYgy-WgnKB8Rmzl7qEJBoe5oP9S2DqMsEykG1tF3J2Afn0C5oZYIYVYNXNX9uQ1mX5eEwFyaWsGedLJcoe7Vrb5RuJzdD84d8d6Izg/s1600/June+2010+-+Claire+and+Grandpa+(1).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490192773448871010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhFjDOWq5TdyBeFgPsVuOwEHYs9ncKCBpyWx4gYgy-WgnKB8Rmzl7qEJBoe5oP9S2DqMsEykG1tF3J2Afn0C5oZYIYVYNXNX9uQ1mX5eEwFyaWsGedLJcoe7Vrb5RuJzdD84d8d6Izg/s400/June+2010+-+Claire+and+Grandpa+(1).JPG" /></a> Grandpa and Sweet Baby Claire! </div><div> </div><div>One of the things about having lived lots of different places is that you meet lots of different friends along the way...and sometimes those paths really do cross again! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXZJnidaq00bFgPdqLKu-dIqe-sKLXV4nixLReWK7AOLrlc9h3govfG4JO2RVLikg0dNKHnF1LQc4fuQIArZ3m_S_sCadme_q7E6MeFhyphenhyphen2y18g8H0gl0K0jV-jRtJGFA6y1EdIh1fMw/s1600/June+2010+-+Lisa+with+Kim+and+Heather+Nitta.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490190762291289074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXZJnidaq00bFgPdqLKu-dIqe-sKLXV4nixLReWK7AOLrlc9h3govfG4JO2RVLikg0dNKHnF1LQc4fuQIArZ3m_S_sCadme_q7E6MeFhyphenhyphen2y18g8H0gl0K0jV-jRtJGFA6y1EdIh1fMw/s400/June+2010+-+Lisa+with+Kim+and+Heather+Nitta.JPG" /></a> Such is the case with Kim Nitta. I knew Kim when Chris and Lindsay were little, before I had Katie. They moved, we moved, but we've stayed in touch over the years. Sure enough, two of her kids now live in the same ward in Provo as Lindsay! Too fun. Anyways, she happened to be in town for Father's Day and it was so fun to surprise her and spend some time visiting. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB2_Tp_Nqrn7bcfGZjfihWFLx-j0XXo1UKXLN3qK5r16PGwn-e1fWWdBhsmFu0LEa4ACpIEEJz93REOzReebXS4Haysz9FsR2df574nA7KSlkdap_il9fvHnriI-tNzbOX7O_yjIadQ/s1600/June+2010+-+Lisa+with+Kim+and+Heather+Nitta+(2).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490190749092356274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB2_Tp_Nqrn7bcfGZjfihWFLx-j0XXo1UKXLN3qK5r16PGwn-e1fWWdBhsmFu0LEa4ACpIEEJz93REOzReebXS4Haysz9FsR2df574nA7KSlkdap_il9fvHnriI-tNzbOX7O_yjIadQ/s400/June+2010+-+Lisa+with+Kim+and+Heather+Nitta+(2).JPG" /></a>Lindsay and Heather knew each other well as little girls, and now again! Too fun!!</div><div> </div><div>So, that week that Sarah was at BYU Rich and I decided to spend some time in different parts of southern Utah. We had a great time! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbGfUFfJJkeWu6Szk3KvPZJGJTVwMpiVn18EVuVKFCJWOkVHYsGrve2mDXKpGZ8j0sW4ziCTmx_NC7iTEccUw9ZDOMbWyunz1iJD-KGm9BpX15q0iG-4SlCnYQbFTFKnIWevKJHzP_w/s1600/June+2010+-+Tuacahn+with+Cats+(7).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490189960358821826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbGfUFfJJkeWu6Szk3KvPZJGJTVwMpiVn18EVuVKFCJWOkVHYsGrve2mDXKpGZ8j0sW4ziCTmx_NC7iTEccUw9ZDOMbWyunz1iJD-KGm9BpX15q0iG-4SlCnYQbFTFKnIWevKJHzP_w/s400/June+2010+-+Tuacahn+with+Cats+(7).JPG" /></a> Over in the St. George area is an outdoor amphitheater called the Tuacahn. It is amazing. I stopped there a couple of times with the kids on our journies from southern California up to Salt Lake, but Rich had never been. So we went to see "Cats". It was super fun. Love that place! </div><div> </div><div>Over on the other side of the state is Moab...the Jeep capital of the world! And we found out why. What a neat place...all these amazing sites that we'd never taken the time to see before. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7HLkuDiowQE6d8F87SKABSrZaFMpiRIKJefBmQGONAnbYkscRcrsVye-_mNtZEQB65G5sAvLiKRF_x3etMzAod_meG9F4pq6tWUOtK5op1ms5Uh0CEWWTU1gGO-dTOZhxgZVs3tDKw/s1600/June+2010+-+Trip+to+Moab,+Utah+(14).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490188619084370786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7HLkuDiowQE6d8F87SKABSrZaFMpiRIKJefBmQGONAnbYkscRcrsVye-_mNtZEQB65G5sAvLiKRF_x3etMzAod_meG9F4pq6tWUOtK5op1ms5Uh0CEWWTU1gGO-dTOZhxgZVs3tDKw/s400/June+2010+-+Trip+to+Moab,+Utah+(14).JPG" /></a> Rich's sister, Rebecca, and her husband, Todd, came up from the Four Corners area and spent one day with us at Arches National Park...so cool! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLyPlfw7w12RlNyd1vwC-nWV3xz3S9AxykHaBv_Gnav9PKh1aD9s5zlR21AkSIVT_Zoc2jwU012N5jWQAYNzwFZEt5cWP1g7Ls9RYEx-HY4Z0wweMw9RcLQlvfSTCzZNdiWN-6QvR2Q/s1600/June+2010+-+Trip+to+Moab,+Utah+(28).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490188613283383858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLyPlfw7w12RlNyd1vwC-nWV3xz3S9AxykHaBv_Gnav9PKh1aD9s5zlR21AkSIVT_Zoc2jwU012N5jWQAYNzwFZEt5cWP1g7Ls9RYEx-HY4Z0wweMw9RcLQlvfSTCzZNdiWN-6QvR2Q/s400/June+2010+-+Trip+to+Moab,+Utah+(28).JPG" /></a> Todd and I decided to brave the sun and heat and hike...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwpkIGwJ31EeLxQBa0AzAM3XVYhBHU4hE2kL2J5PY6X-yxtZm80HxP-FQL_qUNWqX2nvsNUNA6vrxkPMVMp2sBKU9Ba64RhXVpjH3TMGX6Jg1cQH1-09ZPMjCUFll2JB97vn12FcFdA/s1600/June+2010+-+Trip+to+Moab,+Utah+(51).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490188602989375922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwpkIGwJ31EeLxQBa0AzAM3XVYhBHU4hE2kL2J5PY6X-yxtZm80HxP-FQL_qUNWqX2nvsNUNA6vrxkPMVMp2sBKU9Ba64RhXVpjH3TMGX6Jg1cQH1-09ZPMjCUFll2JB97vn12FcFdA/s400/June+2010+-+Trip+to+Moab,+Utah+(51).JPG" /></a> ...and hike...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnzx5qxJhuauGTXP88rMe5WROE4l0q7R8ugfsN_5I5o7JITwHviKIEjTPyb8oJhyphenhyphen4ck0hm5Rlf3ObzW8KVzd4tVKfvpINGlEd7Q8EzrOWMSKTwvQ2wW-RLqjBW25lcYFDzaG3gxhHhw/s1600/June+2010+-+Trip+to+Moab,+Utah+(42).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490188596954664962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnzx5qxJhuauGTXP88rMe5WROE4l0q7R8ugfsN_5I5o7JITwHviKIEjTPyb8oJhyphenhyphen4ck0hm5Rlf3ObzW8KVzd4tVKfvpINGlEd7Q8EzrOWMSKTwvQ2wW-RLqjBW25lcYFDzaG3gxhHhw/s400/June+2010+-+Trip+to+Moab,+Utah+(42).JPG" /></a> ...the 3 mile round trip up to this amazing structure...Delicate Arch! So worth it! All in all we had a very fun and relaxing time together discovering this part of the country. </div><div> </div><div>Several months ago a young lady came to our church building. She was 20 years old at the time and had crossed paths with some of our missionaries. I remember the first time I met her...I remember that she radiated a certain happiness and goodness. I remember thinking, "this is a special, special girl". Over the next several months she gained a testimony of the gospel and made the decision to be baptized, much to the dismay of her family and friends. While I understand that we Mormons are considered by many to be a tad different, I simply do not understand a family that would turn their backs on their daughter because of this. I know that her parents must be wonderful people...they have raised a wonderful daughter. I'm sure it is difficult to watch children make choices that are different than what they desire. But, if anything, she is better. Heavens, look at the good choices she is making every day. Regi has made the choice to go out to BYU Idaho, which we think will be such a great experience for her. In order for her save some money, she came to live with us for awhile. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbRlFE4mPSeJ-KRdUiIvqX8dS1SDnBFMKvo9F40ob3K4xDSAZ-oou1uaEp_KcMnew94Wow4Ti8GY2HRlc5eMlUxTIKxVzNo06sUCAEEp9VpFgwc28p5OiPcFRPS1iaKSkyvDbED1aUQ/s1600/June+2010+-+Regi+and+Sarah+in+St.+Louis+(20).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490187129885350114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbRlFE4mPSeJ-KRdUiIvqX8dS1SDnBFMKvo9F40ob3K4xDSAZ-oou1uaEp_KcMnew94Wow4Ti8GY2HRlc5eMlUxTIKxVzNo06sUCAEEp9VpFgwc28p5OiPcFRPS1iaKSkyvDbED1aUQ/s400/June+2010+-+Regi+and+Sarah+in+St.+Louis+(20).JPG" /></a> Needless to say, Sarah and Regi quickly became best friends, and have spent many late nights chatting and laughing together. It has been such a good experience for Sarah, to see how Regi's testimony has grown over the last several months. To see her exhibit such faith until she has fully understood, and then to see the "lights go on" when she understands...amazing. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuwNdmJN9nH_FgKBxJDQ8JCwfT69VfMUY-2-M7WALXjStiO0UJqUhH11L1VJ8zWxrPg6TWSiv_IRGTLIvGeyiNQtMduP0FjxfmFaEfyxq41AQdAn_h3yhwD3BsAaC7hUNkQlxmoxH4g/s1600/June+2010+-+Regi+and+Sarah+in+St.+Louis+(25).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490187124192644386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuwNdmJN9nH_FgKBxJDQ8JCwfT69VfMUY-2-M7WALXjStiO0UJqUhH11L1VJ8zWxrPg6TWSiv_IRGTLIvGeyiNQtMduP0FjxfmFaEfyxq41AQdAn_h3yhwD3BsAaC7hUNkQlxmoxH4g/s400/June+2010+-+Regi+and+Sarah+in+St.+Louis+(25).JPG" /></a> Red hair, lots of freckles = loads of fun!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqk_RQAJ8U0k7utjiEL5MGpbb_f6BefvPEE2st9NX1bPdjRlJcBqk8kJEVFZeFjSCG7jGk58bMEd36QeIG2A2BeO8VNFQ4JiC29Ftz71P05-rGXNDXlqHqKPTWygSnFED_hqcDg3NcA/s1600/June+2010+-+Regi+and+Sarah+in+St.+Louis+(2).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490187113943676290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqk_RQAJ8U0k7utjiEL5MGpbb_f6BefvPEE2st9NX1bPdjRlJcBqk8kJEVFZeFjSCG7jGk58bMEd36QeIG2A2BeO8VNFQ4JiC29Ftz71P05-rGXNDXlqHqKPTWygSnFED_hqcDg3NcA/s400/June+2010+-+Regi+and+Sarah+in+St.+Louis+(2).JPG" /></a> A couple of weeks ago Regi's mother and sister came down to visit her...a huge step in the right direction! Their conversation led to Regi thinking that she should go home for a couple of months before she heads out to BYU. They have agreed to let her take the car to church meetings (huge!) and even have church friends come to the house (even huger!). She hopes, and we most certainly do also, that her influence will only bless her family in good ways. Regi left this last Wednesday and we miss her tons already!! </div><div> </div><div>Well, that was pretty much not in any particular order...now on to July! Girls' Camp and Youth Conference are right around the corner...big events for both Rich and I. Marching Band is already in full swing with tons of other events filling up the summer! Can't hardly believe we're reaching Marshall's one year mark!! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-69631723894581839122010-05-09T15:37:00.001-07:002010-05-09T16:10:48.618-07:00Happy Mother's Day 2010Happy Mother's Day! I woke up several times last night...not sure if I slept at all after 1:30 a.m. actually. I just kept thinking about so many different things. For whatever reason, I was particularly thinking about my mom...and how much I miss her. How I still would love to talk with her and learn from her and cry on her shoulder and take care of her! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pGCbiZTNlFnKcHv1w5rXYwkOhK9WwqTUInFz9Ewg9KCL1BIn3NeF03pvL2o7bLh2HQwl2lqPGF1xC8KNVfkMjGJL6dHMyB_s3KgV3TEKBXh5UKsUePu0j0lX89M5y2h32EGRTkLDMQ/s1600/huber,+betty+1937.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469404422984292018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pGCbiZTNlFnKcHv1w5rXYwkOhK9WwqTUInFz9Ewg9KCL1BIn3NeF03pvL2o7bLh2HQwl2lqPGF1xC8KNVfkMjGJL6dHMyB_s3KgV3TEKBXh5UKsUePu0j0lX89M5y2h32EGRTkLDMQ/s400/huber,+betty+1937.jpg" /></a> This is a picture taken probably not long before she was married in 1937. I remember her telling me that she had made the jacket that she was wearing out of stage curtains that were taken down out of a church building. She was pretty darn creative like that! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPEbagigVKNTfF3OUwaCnL4xXeCsMa78kLq29y7xVvkd-3MLyO1GqGSNUhMaqK0wC56X_86DV6tg_o2ekyyLfg_yoSn9AQLx2x-Ucqky-Qhs3m7_ZdGzj3R1u3QdlLLYV4iATGBI-bA/s1600/Slide+(65).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 388px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469404420487435650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPEbagigVKNTfF3OUwaCnL4xXeCsMa78kLq29y7xVvkd-3MLyO1GqGSNUhMaqK0wC56X_86DV6tg_o2ekyyLfg_yoSn9AQLx2x-Ucqky-Qhs3m7_ZdGzj3R1u3QdlLLYV4iATGBI-bA/s400/Slide+(65).jpg" /></a>And here she is...with me!! I think this picture is flip flopped, and I think I'm wearing a crown that says Happy New Year...this is probably January 1961 and I am about 3 months old. I learned something while looking for this picture...there are not very many pictures of me with my mother. And that makes me a little sad. I, for one, do NOT like my picture taken, but I need to get over that. Maybe someone besides me will regret that some day. But that aside, I am so grateful for the dear sweet mother that blessed my life in so many ways. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZDUWw_Lg2s0NqlM9WfBSD8k6nZM1Q7roR1RVjQK_CgkTyivZsdtfbgomhUtK7kHEggrEGDyJj0s0fFvAHUc3p12j9iPWVd0a59voeuq2Tj8rRK34ze52EKxMGbYC225Qdkqxglocjg/s1600/August+2009+-+Bowerman+kids+(14).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469404409256182274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZDUWw_Lg2s0NqlM9WfBSD8k6nZM1Q7roR1RVjQK_CgkTyivZsdtfbgomhUtK7kHEggrEGDyJj0s0fFvAHUc3p12j9iPWVd0a59voeuq2Tj8rRK34ze52EKxMGbYC225Qdkqxglocjg/s400/August+2009+-+Bowerman+kids+(14).JPG" /></a> I am SO blessed to be the mother to these five wonderful human beings!! Last night as I thought about my mom, I thought, too, about each one of these kids. Chris, married to his sweetheart Holly, going to school, getting an A in Trig (WOW!), and working away. Lindsay, working her creative heart out, continuing to further develop skills in graphic design, spending time getting physically fit, loving being an Aunt. Katie, supporting her good husband Joseph in his schooling and work, being a good little mom to Sweet Baby Claire, growing a new little Brewer, and continuing to learn new skills all along the way. Marshall, (we just talked with him and it was wonderful!) serving as a missionary in a far away country and loving the whole experience. Sarah, the newest Edwardsville High School drum major, finishing her junior year as strong as possible, and anticipating one very busy summer. Each one of them living their lives worthy to be found serving in the temple, serving in their respective congregations, keeping the commandments, reading their scriptures, continuing to learn, recognizing how blessed they are, and giving back. They are kind. They are so good. And I am so lucky! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTEXAIBuDPl8994Q3w4H4Qjw-RqNeLG40Z2-wIuEfDRlXfNImOr9r9lHY1jgan7vYZzYwycou1QrWYCWFgNMs1CKwX-yg9L_UlO0NWwJsQEk6Hz2EX0lA_cX01Wz2t12h-6HwLD1xlQ/s1600/April+2010+-+Sally,+Lisa,+Sharon,+and+Mary+at+Sharon%27s+house.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469404404022419538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTEXAIBuDPl8994Q3w4H4Qjw-RqNeLG40Z2-wIuEfDRlXfNImOr9r9lHY1jgan7vYZzYwycou1QrWYCWFgNMs1CKwX-yg9L_UlO0NWwJsQEk6Hz2EX0lA_cX01Wz2t12h-6HwLD1xlQ/s400/April+2010+-+Sally,+Lisa,+Sharon,+and+Mary+at+Sharon%27s+house.JPG" /></a>Speaking of mothers...I just got back from spending some time with my 3 oldest sisters. Sharon is in the middle...she had 2 children before I was born. I was raised right along with her children. I was a couple of months old when Sally (far left) was married, and Mary (far right) was married when I was about 4. SO, these three sisters are very much like mothers to me...and I'm so glad we were able to get together. They are priceless to me! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMVYooHj_CqhjJuF4azd6Y3WW_wbL8rmoy9AxgdcfLw3EYfcENJRsyHeflGJd_I7nGZ-7AqXVmZkQMYeQtf8j3alCKMNcr-2fpqcLSFCQSeVenvnXKEES-Gw-V-roaHbxizxguTGwsQ/s1600/May+2010+-+Peony+bush+about+to+explode.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469404399361004722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMVYooHj_CqhjJuF4azd6Y3WW_wbL8rmoy9AxgdcfLw3EYfcENJRsyHeflGJd_I7nGZ-7AqXVmZkQMYeQtf8j3alCKMNcr-2fpqcLSFCQSeVenvnXKEES-Gw-V-roaHbxizxguTGwsQ/s400/May+2010+-+Peony+bush+about+to+explode.JPG" /></a> And this just in...my peony bush is about to explode! It's supposed to rain a good part of this week and I hope it will be ok! Thanks Rich and Sarah and the rest of the kiddos for making this a special day...and now I'm off to play a game called Urban Myth...hmmmmm.... <div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-43236138858702402992010-04-21T05:49:00.000-07:002010-04-21T06:00:10.678-07:00Party Hearty in the Bowerman's Flower Beds!Monday I worked and worked and worked in the yard. Things are starting to look super nice. Lots of the perennials I planted last year are back and looking beautiful. And then I went out yesterday to do some more bedding work and couldn't believe my eyes! More than half of what I have planted and coaxed along were gone, pulled up, nibbled on, discarded in the grass! I was really astounded. The more I looked around, the more damage I saw...a tad bit depressing. The nerve...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7btzwtdcPE_1wkBo3xkHvDtEnEIsRe9ljMZ8sxhoCcT_mcG0h6oz7ro9reY8nBcdS8XRAH6XkESnSapwhCpAVDNI7Fxb2Zi2xPXYJ9tWAXySZ-h2mC9ohQJzbgo9nXd-vB4JZ41rKA/s1600/100_5653.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462572728817423698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7btzwtdcPE_1wkBo3xkHvDtEnEIsRe9ljMZ8sxhoCcT_mcG0h6oz7ro9reY8nBcdS8XRAH6XkESnSapwhCpAVDNI7Fxb2Zi2xPXYJ9tWAXySZ-h2mC9ohQJzbgo9nXd-vB4JZ41rKA/s400/100_5653.JPG" /></a> Some creature, I think it's the deer, like tulips...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN-EeA6NxL66psWh1Z5fxZlzsCw6W7TrGDp3H9xpvGMecu1wykqwHbwiYlfs2H9xY0J8DhDXcA3tfytDmvz9sAtTbNLHBC4afuzq4cTdodcudGb3FWC6B2Ypw-7YBMt2P-8fcGKp0xA/s1600/100_5655.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462572721497718498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN-EeA6NxL66psWh1Z5fxZlzsCw6W7TrGDp3H9xpvGMecu1wykqwHbwiYlfs2H9xY0J8DhDXcA3tfytDmvz9sAtTbNLHBC4afuzq4cTdodcudGb3FWC6B2Ypw-7YBMt2P-8fcGKp0xA/s400/100_5655.JPG" /></a> And I think it's the deer that nibbled the tops off these hostas! Bunnies must have attacked the Johnny Jump-ups, Geraniums, and Columbine...they pulled them out and tossed them on the grass. Hey, but they left Johnny Jump-ups that are growing in the cracks of the driveway alone...how kind... <div> </div><div>Geez, I wonder what I'll find this morning when I head out there. Alas, the weather has been perfect to work in the yard and I need to get on top of it all!!</div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-28845046269584484082010-04-18T14:03:00.000-07:002010-04-18T16:17:38.413-07:00Lately...My, oh my, sometimes time just starts to fly and it seems as though it is all I can do to keep up. I have had the chance recently to meet several different women who seem to be so busy, with full time jobs and busy callings and busy homes and schoolwork, etc. One thing I have learned over the years about myself is that I definitely accomplish more when the pressure is on, but personally, I am SO grateful for my life right now. I truly do acknowledge that a great deal of my freedom is due to the fact that I have a hubby who works very hard at his job. I have tons and tons of things to be doing and responsibilities to fulfill, but my days truly are mine for the most part. It has been a long time coming. My challenge is to priortize and move forward. I must admit that my days are often lonely...never thought I would say that. I think that at times it would be nice to go to an office and work together with others, but trade my independence? No way. I do what I can to help friends with children, which I love. I get to spend this next weekend caring for a sweet family in our ward and I can't wait. Ah, changes. It just happens. <br /><br />Anyways, this post really is a catch up of sorts. I think blogging is an excellent way to record what has been happening...more for me than anyone else. <br /><br />So, early March 22nd I headed out to Utah to spend some time with my kiddos out yonder. Doesn't seem right that they are so far away. This has got to be remedied some how. I rented a cute little "Fast Ford Focus" that we named "Fonda". Got me where I needed to go! So good to spend some time with Sweet Baby Claire (and her parents) and Lindsay-Loo and Chris and Holly...I think Claire and I finally connected this time. We have been trying to get her to call me "Grammy", but clearly "Mum Mum" was what was coming out. So for now that's fine with me. She is just a character! I loved getting up with her in the morning and learning how to eagerly greet the day. I loved her inquisitive ways. The girl can figure out anything! She's into everything! She especially loves sharing time in the bathroom. She stands on the toilet and watches everything, doing her fair share to make getting ready kind of difficult. The best way to get anything done quickly is to put Claire in the bath tub, which she loves, and keeps her somewhat confined. Claire loves to GO! She loves to be out and about. She loves her playground outside her door. She is a collector, especially of rocks. They're definitely her fav! <br /><br />It was fun to tackle some projects with Katie. We pulled out her new sewing machine and got it humming. Made up a pattern for a table runner sort of thing and she did a great job for her first project. It seems so like yesterday that I was in Katie's shoes. I wanted to try new things, I wanted to move things around in my house all the time, I wanted to organize and often didn't know where to begin. We had a fun time getting some things in order. Often times it just takes a little something to spur you on. Katie is a great little homemaker and I am very impressed. She takes it very seriously...I love to see her in action. Lindsay's apartment also needed a little organizing/clean-up detail work. It was fun to work together on that with her. Lindsay and I also spent some time doing a little jogging...good stuff!!<br /><br />So, here are recent pics of some "goings on"...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK9ulKaffwNAbAahu01_LIYp5V0uxx2UecDjdQn3z-sVwEdTFMLCHfT_FTuJ8BWxKTCIcSVVlmyJa8ICOv3PKqrNUFrJydCmhFugiPqKnCKVYCnoc2oHRKXWaY5HmPf1b00PEZaNTVg/s1600/100_5557.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461591179451819170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK9ulKaffwNAbAahu01_LIYp5V0uxx2UecDjdQn3z-sVwEdTFMLCHfT_FTuJ8BWxKTCIcSVVlmyJa8ICOv3PKqrNUFrJydCmhFugiPqKnCKVYCnoc2oHRKXWaY5HmPf1b00PEZaNTVg/s400/100_5557.JPG" /></a> I brought a little doll stroller with me for Claire. Ummm...she LOVES to sit in it and be pushed around - the faster the better! She definitely does get the concept that it is for all of her animals and dollies, though, too. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqupdFY3wrmh-u8GDxKAAbRyf9vPboylnAk16LF5OBIem9TZ1TU3QOziYwYe9LnHG41z-7v_HYT_uxWM4nmjvXtrkkYOU64Tg5zbh2gcphYQqBPA71UDn3hIQ1UYfY_U8vonGcCBK-Cw/s1600/100_5576.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461591175699405442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqupdFY3wrmh-u8GDxKAAbRyf9vPboylnAk16LF5OBIem9TZ1TU3QOziYwYe9LnHG41z-7v_HYT_uxWM4nmjvXtrkkYOU64Tg5zbh2gcphYQqBPA71UDn3hIQ1UYfY_U8vonGcCBK-Cw/s400/100_5576.JPG" /></a> One rather cool morning we ventured out to Thanksgiving Point to the petting farm. After Claire's initial encounter with a lamb that was chewing on her finger and a bit of a scream, she settled right down and figured it all out and we had so much fun. Loved all of the noises and actions of various farm animals. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzOQH1liIurPMC1iDqHZFoDhAltprWbharfm0YTLfGD4M-IkCQykOXFUwsXqmhqNJAj-qkYc-VC_79cUYh61-hMSCRzKEaEeZT0_UQtNrLXo_s0h_BqrZ-DOMeMhnTMBlTozGajTEgQ/s1600/100_5586.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461591165067846066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzOQH1liIurPMC1iDqHZFoDhAltprWbharfm0YTLfGD4M-IkCQykOXFUwsXqmhqNJAj-qkYc-VC_79cUYh61-hMSCRzKEaEeZT0_UQtNrLXo_s0h_BqrZ-DOMeMhnTMBlTozGajTEgQ/s400/100_5586.JPG" /></a>These roosters were so loud. As funny as they are, I am really quite thankful that I do not wake up to that every morning...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vCrpuZSrlEt3b5SvT0Btj6RWy1sgHszdChNT6yKeftE-y06bPY1ByWKjG5wZ4Iyd5QvjDx_56G-YfOmgxbwx_YGPfsGf4AZZhRY7wIZq3y8ZGCFuDOtYgBuyD5lcueUoOZpAsV88ww/s1600/March+2010+-+Claire+and+Katie+at+Thanksgiving+Point+Farm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461591152075793186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vCrpuZSrlEt3b5SvT0Btj6RWy1sgHszdChNT6yKeftE-y06bPY1ByWKjG5wZ4Iyd5QvjDx_56G-YfOmgxbwx_YGPfsGf4AZZhRY7wIZq3y8ZGCFuDOtYgBuyD5lcueUoOZpAsV88ww/s400/March+2010+-+Claire+and+Katie+at+Thanksgiving+Point+Farm.jpg" /></a> Ummm, yea, we loved the pony ride!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW6O9OaKlOygeu35nt1GreOj36tWZok7jSrVyN120Rim7LJV9FE6b3kY51wIOJO7SgM8WyBIeSVQAaRQyqM6L_gKT6T50IvgSaZV3xWkGKO41lSwxz-GZt6HB62VWIgN2svfGvn7_DQ/s1600/March+2010+-+Claire+and+Poppy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461591148162350578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW6O9OaKlOygeu35nt1GreOj36tWZok7jSrVyN120Rim7LJV9FE6b3kY51wIOJO7SgM8WyBIeSVQAaRQyqM6L_gKT6T50IvgSaZV3xWkGKO41lSwxz-GZt6HB62VWIgN2svfGvn7_DQ/s400/March+2010+-+Claire+and+Poppy.jpg" /></a> Back in December I mentioned that my niece Jayne and her husband Ta had been able to adopt a sweet baby from Samoa. We got to finally meet Poppy! She is THE most beautiful child. Poppy is as dark as Claire is fair. They had fun discovering each other. I hope they will be good friends over the years. Let's clap together!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZiNZJs24-ZyYz8xoRxiH7UHLYT1MP7LyfY8tm_1ED93GoExbFPkpDfiIMV2Cx_zGm0eL3K5RiFaetJaEgVOsJNea6bj4aXHOzgYPvzsu5ZV25MqSMe8pz2ss1gGLHDlKqS9jPtxK_g/s1600/100_5597.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461589153193721634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZiNZJs24-ZyYz8xoRxiH7UHLYT1MP7LyfY8tm_1ED93GoExbFPkpDfiIMV2Cx_zGm0eL3K5RiFaetJaEgVOsJNea6bj4aXHOzgYPvzsu5ZV25MqSMe8pz2ss1gGLHDlKqS9jPtxK_g/s400/100_5597.JPG" /></a>Sarah joined me in Utah for my 2nd week there. It was her Spring Break and I don't think she'd rather be anywhere else than with her siblings. Claire loves her Aunties! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUvEFWPVicYyq0GLUnqBU03Bro4i5dc-DxNluweiViFVYiYKGfl0qoUY9KToMGrNpEoNigZQpeStghyWMsWdC97w00xwIDXzAxVrMvhuBeKB6UWzuw4-aLoCd5mPLhpVwbweIX-qCpw/s1600/100_5598.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461589145642207506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUvEFWPVicYyq0GLUnqBU03Bro4i5dc-DxNluweiViFVYiYKGfl0qoUY9KToMGrNpEoNigZQpeStghyWMsWdC97w00xwIDXzAxVrMvhuBeKB6UWzuw4-aLoCd5mPLhpVwbweIX-qCpw/s400/100_5598.JPG" /></a> But the true highlight of Sarah's week was a night out with Lindsay...and Michael Buble! Apparently this was quite the concert. So glad they got to go together. Bye, bye girls!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxMPaCYA_c3A4o54IM6NX9HTmoGlM5SZq_3zkJFzq-md_o5_1rP3851HmKD_kIGrDAwDvoh9XJfHsd5lUlv-3PahBgzy9kpxRB79lwIcH017oWw994-Hn1lfGWRDyiYrjsbVNc-8qPw/s1600/100_5599.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461589137111940322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxMPaCYA_c3A4o54IM6NX9HTmoGlM5SZq_3zkJFzq-md_o5_1rP3851HmKD_kIGrDAwDvoh9XJfHsd5lUlv-3PahBgzy9kpxRB79lwIcH017oWw994-Hn1lfGWRDyiYrjsbVNc-8qPw/s400/100_5599.JPG" /></a> The day after the concert we tried to have a "Girls" day...didn't totally work out as I had envisioned, but we did get out toes done! Mind you...I do believe that it was SNOWING outside! Yikes, the weather was just pitiful while I was there. BEFORE the pedicures we had the exciting opportunity to go to Katie's ultrasound. We all crammed in the little room to get a look at the newest little Brewer! So amazing to me. I had thought all along that another little girl was on her way, but I was so wrong. Joseph has an amazing smile, but as difficult as it is to imagine, I think his smile doubled in size when the tech announced, "Well, that would be exterior plumbing that we are seeing" and "Girls don't have those!" He was beside himself with excitement! Over the next several days I saw him standing at the refrigerator door where the ultrasound pics were posted. So fun...a dad and his boy! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHUt3BETNQ6XeqMEXKrqi5AJHyGiZxpZTI_ThjGvX2jEzO0FIPsT_YQq0lrKS_fg-tmNH0tGbrmZdW55FQM3rEnSt7mBau35M8y9XdQdV-yy8ACsxT9cHVaW4Qqab8sNXhENwbMjXjg/s1600/100_5603.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461589133068097730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHUt3BETNQ6XeqMEXKrqi5AJHyGiZxpZTI_ThjGvX2jEzO0FIPsT_YQq0lrKS_fg-tmNH0tGbrmZdW55FQM3rEnSt7mBau35M8y9XdQdV-yy8ACsxT9cHVaW4Qqab8sNXhENwbMjXjg/s400/100_5603.JPG" /></a>That same day some dear friends came to visit. The Raymond family used to live in Edwardsville, but moved to Las Vegas last summer. How fun to see them again!! They are all much taller, and we realized how much we have missed them. Thank you so much for taking the effort to come visit us! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGxmt8N3EQjdTAR8RhxcEZ-pSzrG36DoSWpcns5tmYFYqxJagjjtNV8thOPorMRTgVBjfO24wuLX0zwvbJk2kfcC4OTPMPC4sxh6h_b-CkZXXOjw_W_PIx8bupWJig0Upw7n1Ay4arw/s1600/100_5620.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461589126700545730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGxmt8N3EQjdTAR8RhxcEZ-pSzrG36DoSWpcns5tmYFYqxJagjjtNV8thOPorMRTgVBjfO24wuLX0zwvbJk2kfcC4OTPMPC4sxh6h_b-CkZXXOjw_W_PIx8bupWJig0Upw7n1Ay4arw/s400/100_5620.JPG" /></a> Claire's Yaya sent her the cutest Easter basket. As I mentioned, Claire is a collector. I knew that she'd get right into the Easter egg thing, so we put together a little hunt for her. Took two seconds to get that game down! And we had to do it several more times. So fun to watch. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78ZOprVTN2Fq9p9YjWFu5T4agjcwnsaxNsxFwXSHNOD0RlkUSCEdEVsh-dThwOMnxDU5e3bv6urSNbJEKTpmQK7Nyi53udufJMp5Z_XYMrMuyeYjkrvGwyP4DgU-3bD_r9pxcu9Rb4g/s1600/100_5630.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461587513279066866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78ZOprVTN2Fq9p9YjWFu5T4agjcwnsaxNsxFwXSHNOD0RlkUSCEdEVsh-dThwOMnxDU5e3bv6urSNbJEKTpmQK7Nyi53udufJMp5Z_XYMrMuyeYjkrvGwyP4DgU-3bD_r9pxcu9Rb4g/s400/100_5630.JPG" /></a> Alas, all good times seem to come to an end. Claire had fallen asleep in the car this morning, but we needed to make one more Deseret Book stop. How fun to listen to General Conference play while shopping! Anyways, I ADORE this child. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSfU8FYJKT8ToATa38kTXA4HttU4eKmLLMOlxnTF1-0K91FE5-mdrNiYi0AkO0wK0SrCeZdSqGawlG5PQVa1ZHGlrUlRmmjuYlz9jIQ22NzJIhvp7ERzkWsdK6EubP6Es2C0xuusYwA/s1600/100_5634.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461587511456402402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSfU8FYJKT8ToATa38kTXA4HttU4eKmLLMOlxnTF1-0K91FE5-mdrNiYi0AkO0wK0SrCeZdSqGawlG5PQVa1ZHGlrUlRmmjuYlz9jIQ22NzJIhvp7ERzkWsdK6EubP6Es2C0xuusYwA/s400/100_5634.JPG" /></a> Came home and sang our "Sunshine" song and went sweetly to sleep. I love her little bum up in the air, blankets all arranged in a pile, animal friends put just so, and then sleep! Her curls are multiplying! So fun to see. I never had one with so many curls so early! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o8TJjO7CgawSlUNh8mMxI2u3zckE0e8kwDBmPm037UyNMiLSrBLEOHlAUfDII8ruqP4MqFT70bCHykzHLB0QkNPZoBEz33gqkFtU13iLZX-7aPLO8hdJkoxka5wEz6dgWfzpEMu0xg/s1600/100_5641.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461587501675300082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o8TJjO7CgawSlUNh8mMxI2u3zckE0e8kwDBmPm037UyNMiLSrBLEOHlAUfDII8ruqP4MqFT70bCHykzHLB0QkNPZoBEz33gqkFtU13iLZX-7aPLO8hdJkoxka5wEz6dgWfzpEMu0xg/s400/100_5641.JPG" /></a> A transformation that only can be described as "simply amazing" had taken place during the two weeks I was gone! I got home late Saturday night and so it hadn't hit me yet. I was looking out the window Sunday morning as I was waking up and realized I was seeing "GREEN"! WOW! It is amazing. I felt so humbled. I had complained to a California friend about a month previous how long and awful our winter had been and how she should really appreciate her weather in California. I realized that Sunday morning just how lucky I was to partake of this - this kind of transformation doesn't happen in California and to me it truly is miraculous! I must have looked out the window 1000 times, just to make sure I was seeing it right. Everything is growing and blooming and it's just glorious! I love "Johnny Jump-ups". They remind me so much of my mom. She got to the point where hand sewing was not an option, but she could make cards. And her favorite thing to do was take little pressed flowers and glue them on the front of a card. I used to press lots of these for her. So, the funny thing about this picture is that these "Johnny Jump-ups" are not growing in the planter area out front...they are growing in the drive way cracks! What's with that? I know there is some message/metaphor here, but the first person that drives over them will be in trouble! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZylyP4Ghnp0OWp85Xfio9rsbFQ1g5fRVRsaCUHlsV0gx7VRGb2Nk48Al-zbAOYr1aTkWy7TDT4CnGitcxbzg96QEE6YSON6THO6rpg2mgGFpI-2DDdW68XrmMFX6YqGbgqr2j90PJg/s1600/100_5638.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461587487714285506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZylyP4Ghnp0OWp85Xfio9rsbFQ1g5fRVRsaCUHlsV0gx7VRGb2Nk48Al-zbAOYr1aTkWy7TDT4CnGitcxbzg96QEE6YSON6THO6rpg2mgGFpI-2DDdW68XrmMFX6YqGbgqr2j90PJg/s400/100_5638.JPG" /></a> One of our cherry trees...so full and pretty. My camera is not doing it justice! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMscI0bh_bqWoWuwjmFZ7C7mSgAQiLK-wp5SCzPmA1lhWBv49q2mn5jRhif-YuFYmSoWi6DVXZYsAvJTn8n0TAP6kb649C5scjqAXwF4LFU0YB21jnISQ4BM74Jw0ZWjGlcf6UuvURA/s1600/100_5639.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461587482370241682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMscI0bh_bqWoWuwjmFZ7C7mSgAQiLK-wp5SCzPmA1lhWBv49q2mn5jRhif-YuFYmSoWi6DVXZYsAvJTn8n0TAP6kb649C5scjqAXwF4LFU0YB21jnISQ4BM74Jw0ZWjGlcf6UuvURA/s400/100_5639.JPG" /></a> And then there's this tree! The Primary children sing a song about a "Popcorn" tree. In fact, Claire is learning this song. This is the ultimate "Popcorn" tree! It is on the island as we leave our driveway. This display lasts only a couple of days, but it is so amazing! When the wind starts to blow, it almost looks as if it is snowing because there are so many little white petals. So, so, so pretty! </div><div> </div><div>As far as what else is happening...I've started quilting once a week with a sweet friend. Last fall my oldest sister brought out two valences that my mother had made for her when she was a little girl and asked if I could think of something to do with them. They have six little dutch figures on them that my mom had appliqued and embroidered. Such detail...only my mom! Anyways, I have dismantled those valences and am in the process of piecing a quilt together...way fun! Pictures soon...</div><div> </div><div>My hair is getting a little longer...actually almost long enough to put into a ponytail! Every time Sarah walks by me she whips off her pony tail holder and pulls my hair back...so funny. It's been over 20 years I suppose. Sure is an easy hair-do...</div><div> </div><div>This last weekend was the high school prom and the weekend before that was a prom for all church youth, age 16-18 for four stakes in the St. Louis area. The theme was "In the Garden". That was easy to work with. We had about 160 youth and it was wonderful to see them all dressed so modestly and appropriately. I was able to pull together a lot of the decorations, thanks to my sisters and a trip to Salt Lake and lots of flowers from Katie's wedding - used once again! I'll get some pics of Sarah up soon...she was gorgeous! Rich and I get to work together in our callings right now. We are busy into planning all of the summer activities for the youth, which will be many, but the biggest is a Youth Conference in July. Lots of planning for that one - but it's all good!! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-24779180608804931752010-03-25T10:39:00.000-07:002010-03-25T11:04:03.539-07:00For the Love of Books!!Monday morning, March 22nd, I headed to Utah! I have had so much fun visiting/playing/chasing/rocking/kissing/bathing/knocking on the wall/reading to Sweet Baby Claire! Need to explain the "knocking on the wall" part. Her crib is right up against the shared wall with the extra bedroom, where I sleep. In the morning she likes to lay in bed for awhile and kick the wall and play with her crib friends. We started carrying on a little conversation this morning, tapping back and forth on the wall before I finally went in to retrieve her...so much fun. <br /><br />Claire loves books, which pleases Grammy so much. We finally got a bin to keep a good majority of them in, knowing perfectly well that it had to be sturdy enough for her to climb in/throw/stand on, etc. Sure enough, she emptied all of the books, climbed in, and then pulled all of the books in on top of her. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JZO4swrDiIy9UFimLy1o10RmMGl_hMltZpnZTxh4S5Rm_mQR46YgoPksC8iqVW_Wl7YJueKtF4hlKmEHiGskfHHDZFDxOEJnA8EXGpifkOV3VRrFu8UuLFsjqTn3hmega6WI3_yXGQ/s1600/100_5565.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452628045009756034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JZO4swrDiIy9UFimLy1o10RmMGl_hMltZpnZTxh4S5Rm_mQR46YgoPksC8iqVW_Wl7YJueKtF4hlKmEHiGskfHHDZFDxOEJnA8EXGpifkOV3VRrFu8UuLFsjqTn3hmega6WI3_yXGQ/s400/100_5565.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i0-tJ-e4ASACuJFElqn5iIyzPRvcD_5OFjQvhUfKLiYJSLROV7P_i9HS-S7FQzWNs9Z5FitALB4S_bn7LvVJBc-okWkoUiME8qj1T5ehhJEWNKePdHjtCK5RZbZjLWcWLPorvdOCCA/s1600/100_5564.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452627782492215314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i0-tJ-e4ASACuJFElqn5iIyzPRvcD_5OFjQvhUfKLiYJSLROV7P_i9HS-S7FQzWNs9Z5FitALB4S_bn7LvVJBc-okWkoUiME8qj1T5ehhJEWNKePdHjtCK5RZbZjLWcWLPorvdOCCA/s400/100_5564.JPG" /></a> Ah, books! Can't learn to love them soon enough! </div>Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-24731508192919728882010-02-28T20:09:00.000-08:002010-02-28T20:21:51.875-08:00I Love...February 28th, 2010<br /><br />It's the 28th, and it's late, and it's been a long, long day. I have new respect for those that "blog" on a regular basis! What I was going to write about just doesn't seem to want to come together tonight, so I better save it for another time. In the meantime just let me say...thanks for reading. But in reality the reason I was writing was rather selfish on my part...giving me something to focus on other than a dreary February. I think it helped a little. I am VERY excited for spring to get here asap! <br /><br />I still have a lot of "loves" I could share and still have plenty to learn about love. That which I am grateful for would fill more than a 1000 blog entries. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoso believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Mostly, I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, the Savior Jesus Christ. Hugs, LisaMom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-86171353717333689022010-02-27T19:19:00.001-08:002010-02-27T20:38:47.360-08:00I Am Grateful for Tender Mercies!February 27th, 2010<br /><br />Our organization for the children in our church is called Primary. It is such a blessing to be called to serve with the young children. One of my favorite Primary songs is entitled, "<em>I Feel My Savior's Love"</em>. A thought has gone through my mind several times in the last few days as I've thought about doing my blog posting for the day...what should I focus on...what do I love today...and the thought has been this, "I feel my Savior's love in all the world around me..." One of the ways that I feel like I can more fully understand His love for me is to recognize more often the tender mercies that occur each and every day. "Tender mercies" are just that..."tender". Sometimes they are very obvious, and sometimes you have to look a little closer to recognize that what at first may be somewhat common place is, indeed, a tender mercy.<br /><br />Nephi tells us in the Book of Mormon, "...that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith..." Elder Bednar testifies that, "the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them." I LOVE that thought!<br /><br />Like I said earlier, some tender mercies are obvious. Some you have to look a little more intensely for. And some you don't recognize until some time has gone by. There's a sweet one I wanted to share. Katie was in college and taking a calligraphy class. She needed to do a project and needed a poem, so she called me...surprise, surprise...Mom has nothing better to do...right? I remember when she called...I remember that I was very busy and wanted to point her in a direction and have her do her own searching. But I also remembered that I had recently bought a poetry book for a class and as I had thumbed through it earlier I had come across one of the very few poems that I had memorized way back when. And I said, "Katie, I think I know the perfect poem..." and went and retrieved this one. (<em>Daffodils</em>, the other poem I had memorized, was too long!)<br /><br />TREES<br /><br />I think that I shall never see<br />A poem lovely as a tree.<br /><br />A tree whose hungry mouth is prest<br />Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;<br /><br />A tree that looks at God all day,<br />And lifts her leafy arms to pray;<br /><br />A tree that may in summer wear<br />A nest of robins in her hair;<br /><br />Upon whose bosom snow has lain;<br />Who intimately lives with rain.<br /><br />Poems are made by fools like me,<br />But only God can make a tree.<br /><br />It had the perfect number of lines/stanzas, etc. So she went right to work on her piece of calligraphy and I thought no more about it...just that I had once again done my job as mom and felt good that I had been able to help when needed. So often I think that's how us moms think about it...no big deal, no one notices, just what we do, day in-day out. It's not that we're necessarily looking for recognition, but sometimes it helps. <br /><br />Several months later Rich and I were celebrating our anniversary and found ourselves in the little town of Durango, Colorado. As I'm prone to do in cute little old-looking towns, I find the antique stores and encourage Rich along. So we walked into this little antique shop and sitting right there on a shelf, in an old gold leaf frame, was the above poem. At first I looked at it and smiled because I thought the frame was cute and the paper was cute...and then I saw the poem and it dawned on me what I was seeing. And I smiled some more, wondering just for a second about the thousands of poems in the world and the coincidence of finding just this one, this day, in this antique shop. I bought it as a gift for Katie...and as I reminder for me. It was just something very simple, but at the same time I knew that it definitely was not a coincidence. Just a tender reminder of His love for me. For which I am grateful.Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50716490096578622.post-73544675527096799542010-02-26T17:53:00.001-08:002010-02-26T18:26:34.083-08:00I Love to Shop and Use Coupons!February 26th, 2010<br /><br />I Love, Love, Love to shop...and spend my husband's hard earned money...just kidding! He has such trust in my abilities to handle a huge chunk of our finances, and I certainly appreciate that. I'm sure that at times he thinks I'm over the top, continually asking him if used a coupon on a purchase. He dislikes shopping just about as much as I love shopping. That's ok...it's pretty much a girl-thing! I especially love getting a super, duper deal. Some days, like today, I hit a particularly good sale. <br /><br />Wasn't necessarily planning on it, but just had a "feeling" that I should head over to Macy's today, since I was out that way. Totally worth it. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, and if that's the case, then I'm super strict with my personal rules. It has to already be marked down once or twice, there has to be an additional percentage off (preferably 50% more), and I have to have an additional coupon with at least another 20% off. Bingo, all three rules were in place today! I started out by getting a $70 pair of shoes for $18. And then I wandered through the women's department and picked up a few things, and then headed over to the children's department, and oh my, bargains were just sitting there to be had! All in all I left spending just over $100, with the full price (which, in reality, nobody pays) being about $750! I've got a ton of baby gifts stocked up, which I need for the near future. Thanks for making my day Macy's! <br /><br />I've just about figured out that there are coupons/discounts for just about everything. Sometimes they are harder to find, but the internet sure makes this handy. Also, P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E is key when looking for bargains. And sure, sometimes if you wait too long then the item you're hoping to buy will be gone. This is definitely the case at Costco...if you see something at Costco that you really think you'd like to have, and even if it's something you've seen more than once, chances are if you don't buy it when you see it, then when you go back to get it, it will be gone. Does that make sense? I know whereof I speak...it's happened to me way too many times. Bargain hunting and coupons...part of my every day life...and I love it!Mom and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13991508344923111214noreply@blogger.com1