Finally got our cards out yesterday! Can you tell this was a FREEZING day? Thanks to my sweet, beautiful family for standing out in the cold without coats just so I could have a precious family picture to mark the end of 2010. Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone!
These are my awesome, handsome twin cousins (with their half-sister, Annie), James and John Uharriet at Arlington Cemetery for the re-burial of their half-brother, Mitch, who was a veteran of the Vietnam war. I am so proud of my Uharriet family, including my sweet Uncle Ray, who is in a VA home right now. God bless America!...and thank you, guys, for your amazing sacrifice and service for all of us.
To all my favorite little people--the witch vampire and the witch with boots and the kitty cat and the lady bug and Mr. Incredible--you are my best TREATS! Have a bewitching night!
Our soccer boy is now official! He's playing his heart out on Saturday mornings, even though there have been a few 3 year-old meltdowns. But EIGHT goals in one game is pro status in my book! Go, Orange Crush! It's just the beginning of a long career for our own Mr. Sports!
A week ago today, my sweet mommy had open heart surgery. It was a frightening, anxious time for all of us. We each wanted to be there at her side, holding her hand, praying for her broken heart to be healed. Aunt Barbara suggested that we draw a heart in our hands to keep our positive thoughts centered. When I saw 3 year-old Avery that day, she showed me the little pink heart in the middle of her palm. I asked her about it. She simply said, "We're saying our prayers for Nana's heart." We're all saying our prayers and He is listening. Mom is on the road to recovery. Bless her precious heart forever...
This is my girl at camp this summer, but today was her first day of 8th Grade! Yahoo! Have a fun year, sweetie!
Today is little A's big No. 3 birthday! She is adorable. I especially love her VOICE--we have to get a recording of it. When I hear her talk, it makes me giggle. And when she says, "Grammy...", well it melts my heart. Love you, Avery, so much!!
The 4th of July is really one of my favorite holidays because it is full of tradition: parades, picnics, and of course, fireworks, all with my favorite people. It's also the time when I miss my daddy the most. He was a patriot with a plow, a flag-waving American, a hero to his family. I felt him with us through all the festivities. He loved a good show...
When all is said and done, THIS is what I love the most and is most important to my heart... (May 2010)
"Borrowed" this great picture of Chels and Olive Lillie at Aunt Anna's wedding reception. Now we know that summer has begun! Weddings, sundresses, soft brown skin, and smiles...
Just finished reading this great book. Through Dean's family, we are related to Governor William Bradford, yes, THE William Bradford of "Mayflower" and "Plymouth Rock" fame. I'm thinking I should invest in buying this book because of the interesting tidbits about our ancestor; discovered his first wife--sadly alone after leaving her little boy in England and afraid for her husband as he explored the wilderness for the best place to build their village--probably committed suicide by jumping from the moored Mayflower off Cape Cod. But mostly, I was intrigued by the development of the community of Pilgrims that shaped all of New England: their relationship with the Native Indians, their struggles through those first lean years, even the mistakes they made as they first befriended, then alienated their Native brothers and sisters. The book puts William Bradford and his descendants in a good light (thankfully!), so I do believe that they tried their best with what they had. An interesting piece of trivia: "In 2002, it was estimated that there were approximately 35 million descendants of the Mayflower passengers in the United States, which represents roughly 10% of the total U.S. population." ...of which my husband, children, and grandchildren are all a part! 
My good hubby borrowed a Bobcat and scraped away the hard-as-rock dirt in our unfinished backyard last Saturday as one of the first projects to get the improvements going! On the list are cement pads (patio, trailer pad, trampoline pad, basketball hoop), gardens, trees, grass, and a back fence. Doesn't he look a little like Wall-E? Just trying to make the future real!
Today is my Chelsea Diana's "golden" birthday--she's 28 on the 28th!! Chels is a beautiful woman, inside and out. She is my best friend and supporter. She is a wonderful mother, a creative and successful business person, and she is kind and caring. What more could a mother ask for? I love you with all my heart, darling girl!
Look at my little boy...he's a daddy with three beautiful angel-girls! Where has the time gone? Happy Birthday yesterday, Big A! You make me smile...
Sylvia is already famous for her beauty and musical talents (she sings in the wonderful and famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir), but look what she's doing now!! Playing the world-famous organ in the Tabernacle itself! I'm so proud. She looks happy, doesn't she? And why not? Go sister-friend!
Saw "Alice" over the weekend. Visually stunning, even if it is all computer-generated. (What isn't these days?)
Celebrated my adorable (and only) grandson's birthday this past week. When asked what he wanted for his birthday, he would always say, "Chicken nuggets!" Funny guy! I loved getting hugs and playing ball and seeing his cute, happy face. Love you, Bubby!
I admit it...I'm partial to babies. Any size, any kind. (Thanks for the picture, sister baby lover, Cindy...)
Welcome to the world, baby! This is Aaron and Lindsey's 3rd beautiful daughter, born February 5. Isn't she an angel? We love you already, Jane Addison. Hurry home so we can snuggle you...
Almost 2 weeks ago, a terrible earthquake shook the impoverished country of Haiti. We have seen the devastation, the dead, the barely living, and all the hopelessness--but we have also seen the brave spirit of the Haitian people and the charity of people all over the world as help starts to pour in. I am especially awed at the starving, thirsty children who say "thank you" when their rescuers hand them a simple bottle of water and a small packet of food. They are teaching me to be grateful, to be aware of the abundance I have, to be charitable and share that abundance, and to trust in a loving God who always blesses His children, whether directly or through the hands of another.
My darling baby girl is now a teen. We just spent a delightful day together, and guess what we bought? BOOKS! She is giddy with excitement over her huge stack of brand-new books, and can't wait to dive in. Happy Birthday, sweetheart! I love you to the moon and back...
