I can't leave her out

I pointed out that I had some favorites in my last post, and the NWP (Next Way Paver) pointed out that she wasn't on the list. I don't want to be responsible for another potential topic she brings up with her therapist, assuming she has one, so, I will simply post one of the most gorgeous pictures you will ever see.

This is a picture of Carolyn and Mom in 1958 when Carolyn was just a few months old, most likely at Christmas. She has THE best hair ever. Seriously, what baby has hair like that? In fact, Dad likes to tell the story of when Carolyn was born and he was at the nursery looking at her through the window. Standing next to him were these two older ladies and one says to the other, "Oh, look at that darling little Indian baby with all that hair!" Dad corrects them that she was HIS baby. We're not sure where she gets the hair.

Gosh, I just love this picture of my mom. She reminds me of Grace Kelly in this picture. She was just always so polished and put together. The ultimate of matchy-matchy. And guess what? I have those earrings and bracelet of hers. In fact, I wore them to church two weeks ago. When I miss my mom, I wear her awesome vintage jewelry that is so trendy now, and which she probably got at Woolworth's for a few dollars. To me, it's priceless.

Miss you Mom. And NWP, you're one of my favs, too. ;)

Can you believe.....

It has been 6 months today since he left.




Looks like the teaching is going well, huh?

MIA? Not possible....

See the way I like to do things in my life is making things as exciting as possible. Like hoping lots of people will check your blog often to see if you have updated yet. I really do want to update my blog more often, just figuring out how to get pictures in here effectively from the photo manager I use. SO....here's what we've been up to, even though I seem like I've been MIA.

Krista got her Patriarchal Blessing on Sunday. One word: Amazing. Here is a picture of her with our Patriach. Is is amazing, spiritual and adorable all rolled into one:



This is Gracie. She likes to get heat anywhere she can. This just happens to be under the sink in the kitchen. It has been cold, for sure, but seriously, what is it with my pets laying right where I am ALL.THE.TIME?


This is everyday of my life. In fact, it almost needs no words. :) Jordan and Krista just....being. And Krista looks thrilled, doesn't she??


Now, you may think this is an odd picture, but to me it represents a lot. It is my front entry. It's where everyone takes their shoes off. Lots of shoes at the front means there are lots of people in my home. And usually there are lots of shoes that don't belong in my home, which means there are my kid's friends here having fun. It means my life is very full!


Jordan has been on the swim team since the beginning of the school year. He has his last meet today. 3 of his best friends are some of the best swimmers in the area, yet he hasn't been intimidated by them at all. He has done such a great job and has been committed and in his words, "Swimming has kicked my trash". Here's a great shot of him swimming.


It has taken me a long time to take all of the decorations from Christmas down this year. Mostly because I just love them and all my little Department 56 houses are still out. Rachel and I have decided that they are "winter houses" now that Christmas is over. I mean, we've had so much winter, it's appropriate. Anyway, this is the way the fireplace looked for about 2 weeks after Christmas. It was fun with the Nutcrackers that remind me of my mother, and the empty stocking that is Scott's. We missed him so much. Did you get that we missed him? We did, however, get to talk to him for THREE hours on Christmas Day. It was awesome.

I love these people:



Two of my besties, Trisha and Tammie

Rachel at Courage Reins where she volunteers, which is a therapeutic riding center which helps handicapped kids. She also takes lessons here. Here she is with her boyfriend, "Hank". Doesn't she look happy? Um, yes, she would be happy if she was here every single day riding this horse, or any other horse.







AD and Krista on Halloween. They actually cut a hole in the bottom of the cauldron and then when the little kids would come over, AD would pop her hand out of the bottom and scare them. Awesome, huh? I'm pretty sure Mere has videos.

I'll be back sooner this time....promise.