Oh, how they grow...

Give me a T! Give me an O! Give me a D!

Give me another D!
What's that spell?

TODD!

Todd is now 12 years old.
**April 18, 1997**


Todd & Mitch.

(Grandma, the outfit fits. Thank you! )

This is how he usually looks when we try to take his picture

We had a cookout for dinner. Here is Justin enjoying his hotdog. It was fun and the weather was just perfect.

Layne built one of the biggest fires we've ever had. (We've had some pretty big fires.)He claims he was trying to get rid of some wood, old tree limbs, etc. to clean up the shed and back yard...I think he was just playing with fire.

Happy Birthday Todd!
Todd has always been a super great kid. We are thrilled to have him for a son. He was ordained a Deacon at church today. His little brothers really look up to him. Good thing he is such a great guy.

We love you!

Never Judge a Book by Its Cover

Every time I watch this I get all teary eyed. I am not able to pull it over here to post so here is the link.

Please take time to see my new favorite,

Susan Boyle!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Rubber Band Wars

We are putting our house on the market!

All I can say is holy cow! Thirteen years of stuff really adds up! I have found things that I forgot I had, never knew I had, and wished I didn't have.


We have been working hard cleaning and decluttering and I noticed a common theme in my findings....rubber bands. My boys (including Layne) love rubber band wars. I never really gave it much thought, till now. Now I'm thinking I don't really love rubber band wars.


They are messy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you find the one on the piano?

The rest of these pics are of some that Josie has taken. We thought Aunt Geri would be proud of her.

Fabulous & Forty

Happy Birthday to Becky!

I've spent the last five years pointing out that this day was coming. Now it has finally arrived and we definitely had to celebrate. I don't think she knows I have this picture on my computer. I think she looks darling.

We had a great group of friends over for dinner, cake (a very warm cake when lit), gifts (some were pretty funny), great conversation, and lots of laughs.

I think Becky had a good time, and I know the rest of us did. This night was proof positive that Becky is loved by all!

Happy Birthday my dear friend.

You're the Best!

Breakfast at McDonald's

Today's the Day!

~Only one of my top five days of the year~

!!!April Fools Day!!!!

This year my aim was out on the kids. Layne gets off easy this year, unless I come up with something great in the next several hours.

This morning I woke the kids up for school and asked them if they'd like to "eat breakfast at McDonald's"?

YES! Was the answer.

We pulled in and I parked. I asked them to wait for a minute and I got out and got in the back of the van. When I came back to the doors I started handing out cereal bowls & spoons, handed Todd the jug of milk, showed them their several options of cereal, and even offered everyone a banana.

The look on all of their faces was Priceless! Todd was down right mad. Mitch and Judd thought it was way cool and asked if they could still get a 'breakfast soda' (I said no), & Josie said that she was a little surprised I hadn't done anything earlier that morning and figured I must have forgotten.

(Forgotten April Fools Day?! Um, NO!)

Mother's & Daughter's

Art By: Daphne Keskinis

Friday night Josie and I went to the symphony together. We had a fabulous time. We left early so we could do a little shopping and a little eating (mac & cheese at Noodles) before the performance.

At dinner I took a good look at her and she had changed right before my eyes! What happened to the little girl with the pixie haircut? Who is this beautiful young woman that is now taller than me? When did we stop talking about Clifford, The Big Red Dog and start discussing her aggravation with an algebra teacher or 'girl friend' stuff?

This post has been in the making for several weeks now. It started with going to high school orientation. It was then the thought occurred to me (and Layne) we only have four more years with Josie living with us! I know most parents are very partial, but I do have to say...Josie is a joy to have as a daughter and Layne and I got VERY lucky to have her join our family.

I don't know how many times people told me through the years to "enjoy this time". "It all goes so fast". Ya, ya, I know...it's flying by.....as I haul bawling children out of Sacrament Meeting, or clean up a sick kid. Now reality has hit. Time doesn't stop for me to enjoy the special moments so I must take them when I can.

My sister Audrey just had her first daughter this past weekend. Congratulations to her and Lane. Just a bit of big sisterly advice, Aud. Enjoy the time. She'll be grown up before you know it.