May 31, 2012

Memorial Day and Jack's birthday bash

We had a fun Memorial Day BBQ and birthday party for Jackson on Monday. It was such a beautiful day and we all had a great time swimming, eating, laughing, playing water balloon volleyball (which quickly turned into a wild water balloon fight) and just enjoyed a great day being together.

 


Before the party Allyn and I went to the cemetery to visit Leah's grave. 
It was hard and we cried lots of tears. We miss her so much. 
It was very spiritual at the cemetery. I have never seen so many people there before, at one time. 
Lots of flags and lots of families showing respect for their loved ones.. There was a peace there that was very comforting. One family had gathered around a family graveside and were singing a beautiful hymn. 
It was very touching and lifted my soul. We love you Leah...

May 28, 2012

MM118 Happy Birthday Jackson

Jackson is:
 Funny
 Smart & Creative
 A builder and engineer
 Game player who makes up his own rules:)
 Baseball Stud
 A great... big brother 
All around awesome and amazing...We love you Jackson:):)
Happy 10th Birthday!

May 24, 2012

Emily and Tristram

Congratulations Emily and Tristram
And even though the shower we gave Emily was over a month ago, here are some fun pics...
These girls have been BFF's for a long time...it's fun to see them grow up, get married and move on to the next chapter.  I'm so happy for all of them:)

May 21, 2012

MM117

A couple of weeks ago I went to Jackson's school to see him do a presentation on a Nevada historical figure. Jackson chose to do John C. Fremont. Jennie had told him that I went to school at John C. Fremont Jr. High School:)
I was looking for a picture of my old school days when I found this really old pic...
I had completely forgotten that I was a mini baton twirler for Fremont when I was about 6.
We even marched in the Heldorado Parade down Fremont Street. 
Pretty soon Jackson's going to be able to do a historical presentation on Grama haha.

May 16, 2012

Levi the T-Ball Stud


 
Levi had a lot of fans in the stands last night. He put on quite a show, even sliding into home plate:)
I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. He is so cute. 
Levi even got the game ball...he was pretty excited about that!


May 15, 2012

Dog Pile on Grandpa Al

 Most of our family gatherings end up with a dog pile on Grandpa before the kids leave.
He really is under there somewhere:)

May 13, 2012

Hapy Mother's Day

 This picture was taken last August on Dad's 85th birthday...

When I walked into church today and sat by my wonderful dad, the first thing he did was take my hand and kiss it and say, "Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful daughter, I love you." And then he got a little teary and said, "I miss your mom so much," and I said, "I know Dad, I miss her too." 
I can hardly believe that it has been three Mother's Days since our sweet mothers passed away. Mother's Days just aren't quite the same any more.  I think that the best way to honor our mothers is to be kind, loving and live good, happy lives...teaching, giving, sharing and trying to be all they hoped we would be. My mom was the best mom ever. She always made dark days brighter and made every happy day even happier. I'm so lucky to be her daughter.
And I miss Allyn's mother and her wonderful advice and constant love. She was amazing.
Mother's Day also makes me wish I had been a better mom. OK there... I said it, because that's really the way I've been feeling today. But when I stop the feeling blue and sad stuff, I realize how blessed and grateful I am. I love my girls...each one of them. I'm so grateful for the lessons I've learned and the love & priceless experiences we have shared as a family. I'm so blessed to be a mom and a grandma. I miss my LeeLee.
My heart is filled with gratitude. Happy Mother's Day to all of you beautiful mothers out there.

 
Mom had a big drawer in her room where she saved all kinds pictures, cards and notes that we had given her throughout the years. We had only been married about three months when I wrote this note to her. 
I had just turned 20 years old...
 
I remember this day in about 1984 that I left this note and some soup for Mom and Dad...
  

May 10, 2012

Double The Fun

 
We celebrated Caleb's and Amy's birthday together...it was so much fun. We heated the pool and even though it was pretty windy, the kids had a blast swimming.

 
The best part of the whole night was Ally and Steve's original birthday song for Amy. It was hilarious!!