When the Family Gets Together

We always start with a lesson

Some times the kids listen; some times they don't

There's always a treat afterwards. This time...cRaZy cake

Then the kids goof around

While the adults gab

And then we dismiss until next fast Sunday when we'll do it all again

Disclaimer: My camera's batteries died right as Family Home Evening started. So, being resourceful, I used my cell phone. As such, the pictures are less than fabulous.

Forty years ago...

...my amazing parents made the most important decision of their lives.





















I'm so glad they did! I'm even happier that they've stuck with it for forty years, even if/when it wasn't easy (I had nothing to do with making it harder -- okay, so maybe I did). My parents are living proof that even in these crazy times where divorce is rampant and the very foundations of marriage are crumbling, success is possible! People still get married and grow old together (even though my parents are NOT old yet -- nor will they ever act old).

Aren't they cute?!






















Missionary Photo

Look at the impact this choice has made!! Six kids - Five married (all in the temple) - Ten grandkids (and two on the way - Tara is due in October and Alicia in March...yay for babies!) I couldn't ask for better!

















This is the most current family picture and was outdated six days after it was taken -- so, no, I'm not just really fat here...I was 40 1/2 weeks pregnant

Introducing the Newlyweds

It's true. They both went through with it and now they're hitched. We're so happy for them and even more excited of their choice to be sealed eternally.

The temple grounds had beautiful flowers

Waiting, waiting, waiting

Oh! Here they come!

The Happy Couple

The Reception


The Cake -- almost too pretty to cut...

...Almost

It's been a long day...we are ready to go...

And We're Off...

Owen's best guy friend, Ryan, is getting married tomorrow and we want to be there to make sure it happens. (Oh, and he's my friend too...I just didn't grow up with him like Owen did.) So, we're headed on a 500+ mile adventure to Monticello, Utah today. With a baby it oughta take us around ten hours. Wish us luck!!!

Little Miss Vanity

Make no mistake, this little girl already has quite the act of self-admiration going on. Every morning (as long as she's not napping) Miriam sits in her yellow chair at my mom's make-up counter while I get ready for the day. She loves to check herself out in the little round mirror while she plays with my hair pick. Well, at least she's headed down a path of pure girly-ness (I'm pretty sure I just made that word up).

Why are all non-toys so much more interesting to babies than their real toys?...Probably because they don't get to play with them much.

Uh, oh. I got caught with the camera!

That's okay; it looks like she'll smile for me anyway.

Any guess on where the main mirror in the bathroom is?

A Long-Time Coming, Difficult Conversion

Hello Readers. I have a new friend for you to meet.

Readers, my first purse. Purse, my readers.
















Ain't she pretty? Okay, now that we've gotten the formalities are out of the way, on with the story.

For the past, well...basically my entire life, I have sworn up and down that I was just not a purse-user. Whether they were too girly, or what, I'm not exactly sure. They just weren't my thing. But, after mulling this option over for quite a while I've finally decided to withdraw my "I'll never get a purse" choice for a bit of practicality.

I had a few necessary specifications in my purse of choice and this one came out on top in all categories.

• Space -- Enough room to hold my phone, camera, new small and sleek planner, and a wallet (which I still haven't bought because I haven't found one that I like, but this purse has plenty of room).
• Organization -- Lots of separate pockets to help with my "everything has to have its own place" OCD behavior.
• Quality -- Leather is a must. No imitations please.
• Price -- As always, I need a good deal to be happy with my purchase.

It's nice and roomy, but not so big that it looks like I'm packing a small carry-on around, has separate little pockets for my phone, camera, planner, wallet and the bonus of some extra pockets to hold chapstick and other odds and ends. It's leather and, the best part...purchase price = $7.20. Can't beat a deal like that!

Me in Six Words