Family is Everything!

It's Tuesday ...

and there is nothing earth shattering going on here, except maybe my windshield that is currently in being replaced due to a rock chip and huge crack!

Greg had a birthday! I'll bet you can't guess how old he is :)

Yeon Mi had a birthday! No pictures of her celebration :(

Chase had a birthday! No pictures of his celebration either. And, no, I am not discriminating against the newlyweds!

Melanie had a birthday! 

Every room, closet, and nook and cranny in this house has been dutifully dejunked. Greg's workshop and garage do not count.

It was Homecoming week at Logan High. Dustin, as a SENIOR (yikes!) got to help paint the street. A Logan High tradition. He wore his "spirit shoes" for the occasion! (Yes, they are painted gold.)

He also went to the homecoming dance. I'm still waiting for a picture of these dapper dudes with their dates.

I've been freezing fresh fruit to use in smoothies.

I made the MOST delicious homemade tomato soup from tomatoes from our garden. Did I mention it was delicious? Seriously! And then I made some more and froze it, too, so we can enjoy it when it is fifty-below this winter.

We've had a plethora of fly activity lately. I don't know how they're getting in. Dirty little buggers!

When the new Harry Potter movie came out Melanie and her roommate dressed up to go to the show. Melanie is Professor Trelawney. Cute and goofy. Laycee is Bellatrix Lestrange. Creepy.

I was looking through some old family photos - OLD family photos - and found this one.

I'm about 10 years old here with my parentals. When I saw this I about fell off my chair laughing! Seriously! Check out my mom's dress! Not sure how many years we've had this dress in our dress-up bin, but it has served us well!! And did you notice my dad's sweet white belt?! If we could see his feet I would bet money he has on his white loafers too!

I'm really missing these two lately. Whenever you sit these two together, Andy reaches for Addie's hand. All by himself! This time, he did it again, then Addie started to fuss, and Andy tried to comfort her. So, so sweet! The bond between these two cousins is something special.

Yesterday, Dustin saw the above photos on my desk and said, "Awww. Why do they have to live so far away?"  My thoughts exactly!

 

 

Do You Remember Where You Were?

Do you remember where you were when you first heard that John F. Kennedy had been assassinated?  I'm a little too young (that's a first!) for that one, but I have family and friends that remember.

Do you remember where you were when you first heard that The Challenger had crashed?  

I was at our little home on O'Bannon Street with my two sweet little girls, and I was vacuuming with a television news program on in the background. I remember stopping and falling onto my knees in front of the TV.  My heart was sinking as tears flowed freely. Such a tragedy. And so, so sad.

The question today, however, "Do you remember where you were when you heard about the Twin Towers being hit?" brings more sadness and fear to so many more of our brothers and sisters. So many lives were lost. Not because of a tragic accident, but because of evil, which is why our sadness is tinged with fear. 

Yes, I remember. 

I was making my usual Tuesday morning runs with my three youngest kids to their early morning piano lessons.  It was when I was driving Chase home from his lesson that we heard the news on the radio.  We hurried into the house and turned on the television in time to see the second airplane hit the second tower. And then, to our horror, watch as each tower in succession collapsed.

I remember.

Our Ward had a Relief Society Enrichment Meeting activity scheduled for that evening, and I was in charge. Should we continue? Should we have an activity when so many in our country were suffering and mourning and fearful? 

We had our activity. We, the sisters of the Relief Society of the Lundstrom Park 3rd Ward, joined together in faith and prayer and love. The opening prayer that evening was meaningful and poignant. I felt the love and peace of our Heavenly Father as we joined our faith with others throughout the world. 

It was a tragic day in the history of our Nation. 

And yes, I will always remember. And be grateful to the valiant men and women who did and do sacrifice so much to maintain the freedoms I glibly enjoy. 

SIXTY-FIVE YEARS!

Today marks my sweet parent's sixty-fifth anniversary!

Sixty-five years!

Here they are in 1946! So, so charming!

I often tell my friends that I was raised in the perfect home. Those who know my parents, know I'm telling the truth. My mom and dad are the supreme examples of continuous and unconditional love and devotion! Not to mention patience and long suffering (they did raise my three brothers, after all - heehee)!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!