In the Eyes of a Child

In the hustle and bustle of the season, sometimes I find myself missing the wonder of this beautiful time of year. It only takes a visit from my grandchildren, however, to remind me what I'm missing.

Little Tykes puppy and kitty visiting Baby Jesus


Mr. & Mrs. Gingerbread touring Temple Square

Pioneer Heritage Park / Summer Recap #3

With part of Marian's summer visit including the 24th of July, we decided to make a visit to Pioneer Park. We toured several pioneer homes, visited the Indian village . . .

Rode the train . . .

Marian, Addie & Ethan on the train

Panned for gold . . .


















Ethan and Addie panning for gold












And even played a few pioneer games!


Ethan rolling a hoop

We had a great day!

Seeing in Technicolor / Summer Recap #2

Joseph and his coat of many colors is one of my favorite stories of the Old Testament. His treatment at the hands of his brothers drew my attention at a very young age and perhaps might explain my fascination for the theater production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I'm not even sure how many times I've seen this particular play over the years but I've loved it every time!

When it came to Hale Theatre in August, I couldn't imagine anything more enjoyable than introducing my oldest grandchildren to this favorite of mine. We had a wonderful time and afterwards the kids even got to meet Joseph!

On the way home they were all chattering excitedly so we asked what had been their favorite part. Answers were similar until we came to Alicia, who had loved everything except Joseph himself! Surprised, I asked why. With a horrified look on her face she explained emphatically "He had his shirt off all the time! Ewwwww!" :-)

Kimberly, Emma, Joseph, Ethan & Alicia

Ken's 60th / Summer Recap #1

Because I have practically skipped blogging this summer, I'm going to try and recap a few highlights. :-)

This last June was the big 60 for Ken. His preference was for it to pass quietly in the night but the kids and I had other ideas. :-)

Since Ken was going to be driving his carpool on his birthday, I planned to fill his car with balloons he would have to move in order to make room for his carpool. Unfortunately, Ken made the decision to take the TRUCK to work that day. Since the cab of the truck is huge, I'm afraid my 30 balloons made little impact. (sigh) He almost didn't notice!

Cab of the truck

Since turning 60 is such a milestone it seemed like a 60th celebration should take at least a week. :-) Together we went to dinner one night, the theater another, out for ice cream the next, a movie the day after, a James Bond night, shopping for a rose bush the next and last of all, he got a day of yardwork to surprise him when he got home. We had a great week!

Last, but not least, the family found their way to the mountains and spent the weekend camping and celebrating. We had pictures of Ken hanging in the camp and the kids were told they could ask their Grandpa about any one of them. Michael made a special birthday cobbler and we spent the evening around the campfire telling Ken and/or Dad and/or Grandpa stories.

Pictures of Ken hanging in Camp

We did discover a few nuggets of truth during this campout. (1) We are both too OLD to be crawling into a pup tent!

(2) Our grown sons are still little boys at heart (playing Chubby Bunny with jumbo marshmallows)

Michael & Keith

(3) Picnic tables make a great place to take a nap

Ken

(4) Our grandkids make everything special (even if they do think grandpa is so very old! :-)

Moriah & Megan

Abigail

Aaron

Kimberly & Emma

Grandpa & Alicia

Natalie

Teagen & Rebekah







And (5) My PT could really hold a lot of stuff!

Emptying the camping gear!

Here's to many more birthdays to come!

End of an Era!

SOLD!

A Beautiful Day

We are happy to announce the recent marriage of our son, Justin, on Friday, August 19, 2011.

We welcome our wonderful new daughter-in-law, Heather, and our beautiful new granddaughter, Teagen. We're so thrilled to have them join our family!

Heather & Justin

Cutting the cake

John, Keith, Justin, Heather, Michael, Ken & Randal

Gail, Marian, Me, Justin, Heather, Dana & Delores

Justin's new family!
Justin, Heather & Teagen

Good As New!

It's great to have the car back!

Strike Three! (sigh)

How do you like our Wednesday morning surprise! We found one side of our back French door shattered from side to side and top to bottom. :-( Actually, it looks a little like lace. :-)

Sunroom French Doors courtesy of our last wind storm. (We found a tiny entry hole down near the bottom.)

Strike Two . . . But Truly Blessed!

Today I've been thinking about blessings. Last week found me frantically dodging a camper shell and work equipment when it flew off the truck in front of me. At 75 miles/hr. you have little time to think or react but surprisingly, I found myself doing both. In my mind I could hear Keith talking about how Ken had calmly kept control of the car during his deer accident a few days earlier. As objects started flying around me, I knew it was important to do the same. Even when a can of sprinkler glue struck, splattering the windshield, I was able to keep control! Later by the side of the road I gazed at the chipped paint, purple glue and dented grill. It was glaringly clear what a dangerous situation I had been a part of.

As I filled out our 2nd police report in as many weeks, my first thoughts were discouragement at this newest course of events. With reflection, however, it has been very apparent how blessed I was during this experience. Admittedly, the damage to my car is frustrating, but remembering the accident, I'm amazed the camper didn't land right on top of me. As I maneuvered through the flying debris, I was certainly guided and I'm truly grateful! I wonder, however, how many blessings I have failed to recognize because I was focused on the adversity involved!

May we always recognize the many blessings in our lives!