Wendy

Shutterfly Makes Me ........Shiver!

2010-12-07T14:49:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. Why, you ask? Because I've been told about a GREAT deal through Shutterfly. They are offering free Christmas Photo Cards. You can look at their many great selections at I don't know about you, but I really like getting photo cards from my friends and family. Now I'm very disappointed when all I get is a card with no pictures.

I have two important Christmas photo cards that have been my favorite. The first was a picture of our family showing us at my daughter's wedding. A great way to showcase the bride to those who couldn't attend. The 2nd memory is the photo card I used to honor my son and his memory. It's true, a picture is worth a thousand words.

If you're not familiar with shutterfly, be sure to check out their site. You'll be using them for the many events that will be happening to you and your family. And don't forget to gather your extra pictures and make a calendar with those. I LOVE the calendar I get every year.

So, let's see, which design should I use this year? I want to include my new grand baby this year so I'll need one with more than one picture choice. Hmmmm.....

Remembering G'pa

2009-05-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

I went to Brigham City, Ut over the Memorial Day weekend. My Dad

is buried in a pretty cemetery there and here is his headstone with

Kari and some of her cousins: Spencer, Heidi, and Sara. It was

really a nice weekend. I love spending time with my many relatives,

especially Kari and Matt and Little Dude.

Taking a Vote - Survey

2009-05-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's the deal. I didn't realize that it's a big deal here in the South what you're called once you become a Grandmother. Whenever I tell anyone I'm going to become a Grandma, they always ask, "what are you going to be called?" So, I've been thinking for the past couple of months and here are some choices. Feel free to vote.
G'ma (conventional)
Meme
Nana
Momga (haha, family joke. That's Carol Ann's name)
Grammy
Grandy (combination of grandma and Wendy)

Do you have any names to share??

Thank you for your cooperation in this survey!

Havin' A Baby......Shower

2009-05-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday afternoon there was a shower for Kari and
Little Dude Hobson at my sister in law - Carol Ann's house.
I had to get a picture of Kari and Matt as soon as they
got to the shower. Their new profiles.

This is the stroller that will arrive eventually. Pretty, isn't it?
This little guy is going to start out being secure with his
masculinity from the "get go."

A cute little shirt.....

Kari has a very talented sister in law, Jocey. (I hope I spelled her
name correctly) She made the cutest things for the baby. Yep,
she appliqued the star and stitched "Little Dude" on the front.

Some of the guests.....G'ma Lorscheider, Aunt Sandy and
Mommy Dearest.

Quinn was the only "man" allowed. He's with Kelly and Lori.

Kari's 2nd mom, Kristi, and Jocey with her new, little 2 mo.
old baby boy, Gage.

The Peets sisters, Jami and Michelle.

Monica, Jessica, and Vanessa Ercanbrak.

Kari and Stacy Brinkerhoff Thiot. They go way back....
to age 2 0r 3??

Group hug before Kari and Matt had to leave.

It was a GREAT day being with people you love and eating yummy
desserts! THANKS!!

Texas Rangers Opening Day

2009-04-06T20:50:00.001-07:00

This is a pic inside the Ballpark. Don't ask me why I didn't take one
of the outside. It was windy and cold and we wanted to get to our
seats asap.

Karen and Kiera. Kiera is our expert when it comes to the
Rangers. She knew every road, shortcut, and employee there!
Thanks for taking such good care of us!

Karen and Wendy

B-52s flying over. Down low and loud!

This flag was huge and I couldn't get a very good picture since

we weren't way up high looking down. Such a sacrifice having

GREAT seats.

Yep! President George W Bush was there too. He threw

out the 1st pitch. It all happened so quickly that my pictures

were either blurry or this one has my stupid finger in the

frame. Sorry....

Look who else we found at the game.......Laura Bush.

This pretty much sums it up.....The Rangers won! They're still

in World Series contention!

Kauai!

2009-03-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ryan enjoying the waves

Kari and Matt

Ryan

Wendy and Kari

Ryan trying his best to hold the sunset in his hand

Ryan, Dennis, Matt, Kari, and Wendy

Ahhhh....this picture says it all. It was GREAT!

1 Month until Kauai!!

2009-02-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, Kari, Matt, & Ryan, we have 1 month until we're on this beach with this monk seal. He's taking a nap and can't be bothered, really!

Instead of Monica and Carol Ann posing, it will be you!

Pretty nice, eh? I know you're not crazy about sunsets, Kari, but these are grrrreat!!

This is the walk and view on our way to the beach. Can't wait!!

I've Been Tagged!

2008-12-18T18:08:00.000-08:00

This is Ryan and Kelly's youngest guy, Holden. Notice how he looks like cousin Ryan with the red hair?

Tag 4:4:4:4 Here is how it works.
1. Open your photos folder
2. Go to your 4th folder and pick the 4th photo
3. Up load it
4. Tag 4 others
Lori, Kelly, Mandie, and Stephanie

Christmas is Tight This Year

2008-11-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

My Dear Friends,
Somewhat embarrassing to admit, I'm not getting an annual bonus and Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.

How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads: You need four maxi pads to make a pair. Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part. The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top. Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part. Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc.These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic * Non-slip grip strips on the soles * Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh * No more bending over to mop up spills * Disposable and biodegradable * Environmentally safe * Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags. I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty slippers for yourself.... Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.

A Sure-Fire Diet!

2008-11-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

It's been too long since I talked with y'all! I went to CHINA the last week of October and while there, I found a fantastic way to lose weight! Now I understand why the people are rather small in China! Mike, Carol Ann, Monica and I took a taxi to the area in Beijing where there are all these food vendors set up selling their yummies. This place was featured during the Olympics on The Today Show. These folks need to come to the Texas State Fair and see how we Americans can pack on the pounds by eating funnel cakes, deep fried snickers, fried banana splits, fried cheesecake. You name it, they dip it in batter and deep fry it! Giddy-up! Anyhow, here are the Chinese versions of "snacks."

A Sample Menu:

Yes, you are seeing what you think you are seeing. Sea Horses on a stick!

We didn't actually see any dog meat.

This guy was telling me this was "Cow Stomach"

Yep, here are the Silk Worms!

Finally some "normal, fresh fruit"

Some sort of a rice dessert..........

Now, this is how we ate. Whew!!! And that's why I didn't lose weight on this trip!

My 1st TAG!!!!

2008-10-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

What the heck is this tagging stuff??!!
What was I doing 10 years ago?
Let's see if I can remember back that far..... age 46. Brandon was 22, Ryan 20, Kari 13
Driving Kari to and from school
Driving Kari to sports and going to her games
Going to the Y to exercise
Walking Harley every morning at 5:30 with my neighbor (still doing it!)

What are 5 things on my to do list? (Not in order)
Finish dinner before some friends come over to eat
Find a larger suitcase for my trip to China
Buy some black shoes
Start my packing list
Hang my "autumn" weath

What are my favorite snacks?
CHOCOLATE
Ice Cream
Almonds
Fruit

What would I do if I were a millionaire?
Buy a smaller but nicer house (wood floors, granite, etc.) However I don't know where
Set up retirement funds for my 2 kiddos
Donate
Cleaning lady - yeah Stacey
Travel

Five Places I have lived:
Brigham City, UT
Logan, UT
Del Rio, TX
Tucson, AZ
Arlington, TX

Jobs I've Had:
Car Hop/ Peach City
Ding, Dong....Avon Calling
Check out clerk at Smith's Food King
Called people for Survey company (ug, what we'll do for money)
Sales woman for a couple different stores my friends owned
Fitness Instructor

I tag - nobody at this time

1 Week with Kari, Matt & Jared = FUN!

2008-08-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

Six Flags Over Texas! Notice how happy and fair-skinned we look!
Kari & Matt

Jared and "the older woman" Wendy

Their shorts are drippin' wet after that last ride

Kari & Matt are in the 2nd car, do you see them??

Hmmm....not so happy and a little "green" now

This was the final ride. Kari got the vote for "stomach of steele" since she was the only one not feeling sick and dizzy

San Antonio and the Alamo

Why does "Dumb and Dumber" come to mind here?

Sorry Olive, Harley is Kari's 1st true doggie love

I had a FABULOUS time with y'all!

Christmas in August!

2008-08-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling like a little kid waiting for Santa, Rudolph, and Christmas! Why?? Why is Wendy so weird? Well.........Kari and Matt are coming to TEXAS! Yippee! And they're bringing their buddy, Jared, too. Who cares if it's 1000 degrees here. We're going to have FUN, FUN, and more FUN!!! I know y'all are excited too because I'll have material for my blog! It's a win-win situation for all of us. Catch ya in about 10 days..........Giddy-up!
I'm going to have to keep an eye on this guy. Notice how he pushed her onto the train tracks!

The 3 Stooges or 3 Amigos. You pick!!! See y'all on Tues!!!!

GRAND CANYON July 2008

2008-07-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

(Hoover Dam)

Last spring my friend, Bet Ellis, asked me if I'd like to hike the Grand Canyon with her. Being the busy body I am, we ended up with 7 of us going on this trip together. Here is the story of our adventure:
Sandy, Wendy, Kaylene, Carol Ann, Bet, and Monica flew to Vegas where we all met - some of us for the first time ever. After a two hour wait in the already reserved car rental line (yep, that was 2 stinkin' hours) we loaded all our gear into the 12 passenger van, I put my pillow under my butt so I could see over the steering wheel and off we went. Monica brought her portable GPS so these chicks didn't get lost once! "Go Monica!" After quite a few stops we made it to the parking lot/trail head around 10:30pm. Poor Kaylene had been feeling poorly the entire day with stomach problems and we all know what that involves. We had all settled down in various places in and out of the van, hoping to get some sleep before heading down the canyon at 4am when Kaylene came to me and said she was too sick to do the hike. After deciding what would be best for her, we kicked everyone out of the van and Sandy, Kaylene and I headed back to the Vegas airport. She was able to get a seat on a 6:30am flight back to SLC and we arrived at 5:30. We helped her into the airport and felt terrible about leaving her as we left. We stopped in at Denny's for food and recharging the phones, and headed back to the canyon. We arrived around 11:30am and now it's too hot to start hiking so we did what any sensible woman would do: we rode the helicopter down! (Notice my pillow, Kari)

This is the 1st waterfall we came to as we were walking down to the campsites. We actually ran into the rest of our group just walking along!

This is a small cave we crawled thru on our way to a waterfall on the 2nd day.

Monica, Carol Ann, Kelly, Wendy and Sandy. Bet decided to do her own thing that day and just stayed around the campsite. That's why she's not in the pic.

I had two more picture to add but I can't get them to load up at the bottom of this page and I'm doing this in order. How do I do that?

Carol Ann took alot of pictures with her big, ole camera so I'll post more when I get them. Anyway, we had a fantastic time and I'm ready to go back. Kaylene, when you're ready, I'm there! Kari, you really can have fun hiking and camping for 2-3 days! You just need to hang out with us!!

Meet Some of my "Little" Friends!

2008-06-29T17:50:00.001-07:00

Mary Agnes, Mary K, LaVera, and Anna. These are some of the ladies who live at The Conservatory where I work 2 days a week. I teach fitness classes and personal Pilates sessions. Too bad I don't have a picture of Clarence aka Brownie. He's a bit chubby and wears hearing aides and I don't believe he hears very well even with the aides because he "toots" constantly!!! I have a feeling he thinks he's being discrete! I never thought I'd be doing personal training and the client would fart not once, not twice, but quite often! haha

Terry and Ruth.

These two little dogs were outside our cabin at Girls Camp whining to come inside. So we let them in and they decided to spend the night with us. They're chiwinnies. Well, the next day the camp staff told us NOT to let the dogs in the cabins because they probably have fleas! Too late!
The girls held the dogs nonstop while we were there.

HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY, KARI!!!

2008-06-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Kari and Brook McKibben around 4 yrs. old

First Day of Kindergarten. Look at this hair...........

Then look at this hair! ha!

Entering 9th grade

Looking Italian in Florence, Italy. Another great moment in time with Kari!

Kari, If you were here, I'd try to make this cake for you.....or something that resembled it. Instead, I have to be lonely and think back 23 years ago when I had you.

It started off like this: Dennis and I drove to the hospital around 6am because you were scheduled to come into this world at 8am. Our good friend, Jay - short for Jacquline - was there too because she's the one who was brave enough to go into the delivery room with me. Your dad was a bit squimish about watching a C-section. Whimp!!! .....back to the delivery...... I had a spinal injection so I was awake to watch you enter this world. I asked them to play some music because all the medical TV shows have music in the operation rooms. They put on The Beach Boys and it was such a treat to watch in the mirror as they delivered you!! I didn't get to do that with Brandon and Ryan and I was ready to witness one of my babies being born! Jay took pictures of you and then the nurse took you outside the room where Dad, Brandon, Ryan and G'ma were all waiting for you. It was one of the BEST days of my life!! We Love you!!! Have a GREAT day and eat extra cake for me!!!

Wanna See my Grand-Doggie???

2008-06-02T11:00:00.001-07:00

Ok all you little mommies out there who go on and on about your kids, meet my Grand-doggie, Olive. She is such a smart dog! When I was in Utah for Mother's Day, I found a frisbee and she learned to catch it. Then 3 weeks later, again in Utah, she was one of the girls playing in the Zundels back yard. The other 6 girls were human cousins. They were all laughing, running and being "girls." Olive thought she was one of them and followed them up the playhouse ladder so she too could go down the slide! She's pretty entertaining! My smartest grandchild yet!! Oh by the way, the other two people in this pic are Matt and Kari!

Norris' Funeral

2008-05-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Dennis, Rick Zundel and Mike Cazier

Diane and Rick's Family (part of it)

The rest of the fam

Yours truly.....Matt and Kari

Military Honors......a very nice touch.

Norris Goold, Betty Jean's husband, passed away last Mon. His
funeral was Sat. It was very nice and he will be missed by many.

Finally.........

2008-05-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

We live 1 mile from a large, beautifully wooded park with walking trails and for the past few years, people have dedicated "memory benches" to their loved ones when they have passed on. We decided to honor Brandon with a memory bench too since I walk down there every weekend. We ordered it in January and they said it was to
take about 8 weeks and just this week it was completed. Finally......

Brandon spent time there himself either running or rollerbladding. I remember running with him once when I really wasn't in the mood but I did it anyway and I'm so thankful I did. I saw a Bobcat there that day and because Brandon had run ahead of me, he missed it. Bummer......

Harley went with me to take the pictures. Brandon loved his cats
but he also hung out with Harley at the park every so often. So
to all of you who will eventually visit us, we'll go and enjoy the
bench and tell funny stories of Brandon.

Brandon's Garden

2008-04-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Brandon marched to a different drummer. Well, he had a "thing" for growing cacti. He researched how to grow them and would get cacti cuts from wherever via the mail and would plant them in my pots. He would come over and make sure they were getting whatever they needed to grow. The cacti are still here and after every one of our HUGE Texas storms, I go out back to see if they survived, and sure enough, they're hanging in there. Now, Dennis and I smile when we see them. It's nice to have little rememberances here and there.

Happy Birthday, Brandon

2008-04-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

32 yrs ago Dennis and I were living in Tucson, AZ. Dennis was in the AF & I was selling real estate. On April 26, 1976, Brandon was born at 5:30am. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 14 oz. via Ceasarean section (notice his birth weight - you can't fit a square peg through a round hole). We wish to remember him today on his birthday. I was hoping to tie balloons to his "memory bench" that is going in River Legacy Park that's by our house but.....they didn't get it installed in time. I'm very disappointed and have cried over it but, what do you do? We'll do it when it is completed. (jerks) In the meantime.....enjoy some of the pics of when Brandon was little. Oh my gosh he was cute!

He just gave it up and feel asleep

This is Brandon's 1st b-day.

He did pretty much anything Dennis did.....

Another Farewell

2008-04-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

Well, another good-bye was said today. We sold Brandon's white Honda. Having it parked in the driveway wasn't always a good reminder yet having it gone also makes me sad. I hope it gives whoever is driving it a good ride.

You Can Call Me Betty (Crocker)

2008-04-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

I felt the need to bake today. So I came home from church, put on my apron and went to work. As you can see, I made oatmeal cookies and bread - both Dennis' FAVs. They do look yummy, if I don't say so myself! Come visit me and I'll bake for you too!

Wedding Bells

2008-04-20T17:07:00.001-07:00

For those of you who know Rivon Kellis, she got married yesterday! Here are the bride and groom. She's a teddy bear and he's a wolf. Rivon is now Rivon Wolff - hence the wolf. I should have taken a picture of the actual bride and groom but they weren't available when I had my camera out. Needless to say, Rivon was smiling ALL day long - and probably all night long too!!! Cheers to the new couple!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-04-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Who is this masked man? I do believe it's my brother, Mike! Yep, you guessed it. He's now 60 years young. Isn't he cute? I went to Utah to help celebrate and had a great time. Carol Ann had a party and made 3, yes 3 delicious cakes! I always enjoy spending time with my Utah family and friends. Yikes! I just realized there are only 2 people between me and 60 - Dennis and Carol Ann. More parties to come! Yippee!!

ALOHA!!!

2008-03-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

I am a very lucky girl!
My very nice brother, Mike,
and sister in law, Carol Ann
invited me to join them
in Kauai w/6 others. FUN!

The 3 Stooges. I think the place
behind is called "Bali High" where
they filmed "South Pacific"
Not sure but it sounds good.

We kayaked to this swing.
You'd climb up a tree and jump
off. Ahhhahah (tarzan yell)

This is Monica and me with the

can of cheese she smuggled into

the water to lure the fish to us.

Notice the water bottle in the

air. Nice throw!

Like These??

2008-03-16T14:44:00.001-07:00

How do you like these funky water sandals? They came in very handy for hiking and for walking through water in Kauai. No soggy, stinky shoes for me!

The Cousins

2008-03-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

While in Calif. I was able to get a couple of photos of Kari with some of her cousins. Sorry that I didn't get everyone.......I'm just so excited that I have some new blog material!!! Aren't y'all?

A Trip to California

2008-03-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

It was with great sadness that Dennis, Kari and I attended Virginia Fleming's funeral. She was 91 yrs. old but had the spirit of a 19 yr. old!! She has been and will remain one of my favorite role models. I loved her style, her sense of humor and most of all, her fantastic attitude as to how to live life! We should all be so lucky to leave such a legacy! "To Virginia!"

The Way We Were

2008-02-11T13:49:00.001-08:00

Well, how about these pictures!
The first one is of Dennis' college graduation. Look at Kaylene, Mom and Dad! Wow......Let's see...Dad is approx 50, Mom is 48 and Kaylene is 11.

The next picture is of Dennis and me and ...yes, that's Betty Jean. Dennis had just graduated from Flight School and we were all dressed up to go to the "Dining In." We were in Del Rio, TX and the year was 1973. I was about to be 22 and Dennis was 24. I made my dress and I'm sure Betty Jean made hers too! We're a couple of "lookers!" Ha ha, her hair is so big she's taller than Dennis!

Memory Mondays

2008-02-11T13:07:00.001-08:00

I asked Kari what pictures she wanted to see on my next post and she said "Harley." So, here she is! She's 10 yrs. old now and is always ready for a walk and/or treat. She's taking a nap right now.....Maybe I'll curl up with her and take one too!

I forgot one picture...

2008-01-24T22:39:00.001-08:00

Here are a few more of us at
the airport....

Derek's home!

2008-01-24T22:29:00.001-08:00

This past Wednesday at 6:15am, a bunch of us gathered at the DFW airport to wait for Elder Spitzer to walk through those double doors, coming back to Texas from Paraguay. Here are a few pics of the family in case you were wanting to know, "Who is Derek?"

The ReMARKable 5k run,walk & roll

2008-01-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, here's the update to my blog. I tried to post a picture from the internet of this event so I can show you what was going on but I'm not savy enough to do it. http://www.designedfocus.com/yc08/ (if you should want to see any pictures. Our youth conference is included in the photos)

As alot of you know, Mark Evans was serverly hurt on his motorcycle last April when a lady ran a red light and hit him. He's now paralyzed from the chest down. So, Karen Spitzer and I decided to organize a 5k run to raise money for the Evans family.

It turned out to be THE EVENT if I don't say so myself!!! We had around 400-450 runners, music, tons of food, 40+ door prizes, and we rasised..........(can you hear the drum rolls here?)......$50,030!!!! We did have an annoymous donner who gave $20,000 so without that generous check, we still made $30,000. AWESOME! AND....it was about 26 degrees here that morning. They still came to run. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it all. THANK YOU to all who helped!

Christmas...........

2007-12-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Dennis is holding Riley, the puppy that every child wishes for at Christmas!! No, she's not ours. She belongs to our neighbors and she came over to play with Harley and entertain us. What does that say about our evening?? Dennis and Ryan are so excited this year!

Merry Christmas From Heaven

2007-12-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

I recieved this poem from Diane Zundel and want to share it with you....

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year

Dancing With the Stars II

2007-12-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

OK, here is a picture of the whole group. I told Lisa I'd put her on my blog so here we are at our 2nd performance. We're on break from our very busy touring schedule and will resume our lessons in Jan. Whew! Maybe I'll record us dancin' sometime and try to post a video! Stay tuned......

"Dancing with the Stars"

2007-12-09T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official.....I'm a nerd.

Here I am with Denise and Karen before our performance. Yes, we are dancers who danced at the mall! On Saturday in front of people! I can't believe it myself!

We've been taking line dancing classes and our instructor is so sweet, we didn't want to disappoint her by not dancing so......

Oh yea, we have a 2nd gig Monday night at a different mall. Also tomorrow, I'm signing up for Level II. We can't wait until we graduate to the level where we wear short skirts that flip around and boots! Giddy-up!

Happy Birthdays!

2007-12-07T22:46:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to Ryan & me,
Happy Birthday to Ryan & me,
Haapy Biirrthdaay dear Ryyan & me,
Haaapy Birrtthdaay tooooo us!

Yep, it's our birthdays today. Ryan is an old man at 30, which makes me ANCIENT!

This is a pic from last year. I'll have to get one later when we have our cake so I can update this fantastic blog.

Brandon...........

2007-11-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

Brandon Dennis Collmar 4/26/1976 - 9/9/2007

I read a book some years back called "All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten." Well, I would like to share my own mini book called "What I've Learned Since Becoming a Mother."

I really thought I knew how this child rearing job would be. After all, I was 24 when I had Brandon and pretty savvy. I had no idea what an education I was about to receive.

I'd like to share just a few of the lessons I've learned in the past 31 years. I had no idea that from the first moment I heard the heartbeat in the doctor's office, I would fall in love.

I love kissing the wrinkles on the back of a baby's neck.

I learned that all babies come prewired, no two alike and with no instructions attached.

I've learned that regardless of how naughty my kids were during the day, a little halo appeared while they were sleeping - giving them another chance to live with me for another day!

I learned that I just loved getting those Christmas gifts made from too much glue and too little eye-hand coordination.

I even learned once while killing time in an airport, that if you let your kids play on the payphone - pretending to call people by just dialing numbers with no money involved, the medics actually can appear.

I love smiles with missing teeth.

I had no idea it would be a challenge keeping sitters for my two boys. What one didn't think of, the other one did.

I loved being Santa, the tooth fairy and Easter Bunny.

I learned that when one of my kids hurt, I hurt even more.

I discovered Brandon was never more proud than when he graduated from Basic Training in the Air Force. And he loved answering my military questions by saying "I can neither confirm nor deny that statement."

I have finally figured out that the rule is: "There are no rules." What works for one, doesn't always work for another.

I learned that it does take a village to raise a child. And today, that village has come forward to show their love and respect for a fellow fallen member. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of Brandon's life - and our family's life.

And now for the most important lesson I've learned: Unconditional love. Regardless of what Brandon did or didn't do, I loved that boy. And believe I will go on easier without him knowing that he is with the Master. The Master of unconditional love. The One who knows even every hair on his head. The One who blessed me with Brandon at birth. I'll admit it hasn't always been easy. But I can say it was worth it. I will now look forward to that next rebirth, our next life together when I can embrace him again, and say "I love you."

Spicin' Up

2007-11-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, Kelly says my blog needs spicing up. Well....I need to spice up my life so I can write about something!!

Let's see....I had lunch today with 5 friends because one of us turned 60! Ouch!
(Marcy is the ole gal)

We have no Thanksgiving plans yet. Dennis thought it was later in the month so he is currently flying. Bummer. Ryan wants to go to the Dallas Cowboy game that day. So, who knows, I might be flying to Utah to hang out with you folks!

Well, I need to go do the EXCITING job of "clothes folding." I hope this latest blog has been spicy!!

Why can't I figure this out??!!!

2007-11-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

I am so frustrated! I swear I'm doing this right...trying to add a picture. I had the pictures in front of me, I selected one and then boom! The blog page closes and I'm staring at the picture on the computer. I went back to do it all again, and I can't get to the pictures. I guess I'm too dense to "blog." I gotta go vacuum...or is it vaccum???

2007-11-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

A Mini Reunion in Provo....

2007-09-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

Once we found out that Kaylene was going to be in Utah for a week - taking Michelle to Provo, we decided to join her and stay at the Lorscheider Provo/Hilton. We had a great time and many laughs. We also got to see Kari and Matt's new condo. They're a couple of ambitious people, painting every chance they get. Now, I'm back home and doing my routine. However, I've added a new activity, Every few days I'm visiting my friend, Mark, who is now a quadraplegic. My friends, Karen and Lori, and I took him to lunch today. Next week, the movies.

Howdy!

2007-08-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, let's see. What have I been doing? I did make a very quck trip to Utah and hiked Mt. Timanogos. Too bad I'm not smart enough to add a pic to my blog. I'll get on that after I figure out my IPOD!

I'm headed to Utah Sat. 25th for a week...yiippee! I'm meeting Kaylene and Sandy there. It's going to be fun, fun!

Survey

2007-08-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Jobs I've Had:
1.Carhop @ Peach City
2."Avon Calling..."
3.Grocery Checker
4.Real Estate
5.Fitness Instructor

Movies I can watch over & over again:
1.Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
2.Steel Magnolias
3.Braveheart

Places I've lived:
1.Brigham City, UT
2.Logan, UT
3.Del Rio, TX
4.Tucson, AZ
5.Arlington, TX

Favorite TV shows:
1.Dancing w/the Stars
2.24
3.Seinfeld reruns

Favorite Foods:
1.Chocolate
2.Ice Cream
3.Salads
4.Fruit
5.Chocolate

Favorite Websites:
1.none

5 Places I'd rather live:
1.I'd like a home in:
the mountains, Texas,
on a lake.

Happy July 24th

2007-07-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

I guess if I lived in Utah, I'd be celebrating they day by watching a parade, swimming and having a cook-out. Since I live in Texas, I forgot it was a "holiday." I'm headed to Utah however on Thursday and will be hiking with Carol Ann. We're headed to the top of Mt. Timp. I'll have to learn how to post photos and will do that next week!

2007-06-20T20:00:00.001-07:00

2007-06-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am! Let's see....my 1st post.
Kari's birthday is tomorrow.
Butch is having neck surgery tomorrow to remove plaque. This is the other side and a little more serious. Say a prayer.