Update

We spent all day at dads. There is still so much to be done. I spent most of the day sorting pictures and dividing them up between the seven siblings. We stopped long enough to grill up some hamburgers for the crew. We were all pretty wiped out at the end of the day but our niece Kelly finished off our evening with some comic relief. She found an old pair of really short knit swimming trunks. They were red, white and blue. She also found the wig that grandpa used to wear when he dressed up as Santa. So she comes running out in these horrid swim trunks with the wig and is leaping through the house singing patriotic songs. Oh my.....I couldn't stop laughing. If that wasn't enough she also found a really bright pair of quilted pants and she came out singing Michael Jackson songs. Holy smokes....that girl cracks me up. She was just what we needed at the end of a very long day. Scott managed to be home for most of the day after his early morning surgery call. We went and watched the fireworks and Chris and his girlfriend and her father met up with us. We had the best seat in town. We went up to the helicopter pad on top of the hospital. What a beautiful night. The fireworks were really good and we didn't have to face the crowd down at the park. It was perfect. Chris reminded me that this may be his last 4th of July celebration for awhile. He may end up in another country for his mission so who knows where he will be next year.

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July! A huge thank you to all of those that have fought for our country.

I was just crawling out of bed for the flag raising ceremony and pancake breakfast at the church when Scott got called in for an emergency surgery. So....what's a girl to do? Put her head back under the covers and get more sleep! We are spending a busy day next door at dad's trying to get the house ready to rent. Hopefully Scott will make it home soon and we can barbecue some hamburgers this evening.

Happy Canada Day

I LOVE CANADA. This is the home of my childhood. I have fond memories of trips to Waterton to picnic in the Rocky Mountains. It is a beautiful country. The beaches of PEI and the rolling foothills of Southern Alberta and even the flat plains of Saskatchewan all make for a beautiful country. Sure....we have some funny ways.....like I still really don't understand the whole Loony and Toony thing....why carry around all those coins. And our allegiance to the Queen has always baffled me....but it was a good country to grow up in. I have fond memories of Canada Day spent in Raymond with all of my family. My cousins and aunt will be gathered today for a feast....a parade....and the stampede. Fond memories.

Chris's best friend

When Dad went into the nursing home four months ago he gave his beloved dog Morgan to Chris. Morgan is a border collie and she is the greatest dog. She and Chris have always been buds. Her favorite game is to chase baseballs out in the pasture that Chris hits. Living next door to dad's has meant Morgan actually had two homes. She would run back and forth during the day but when Chris would come home from school she would dart right over here to play. Well, the other night we had a rare evening home alone with Chris. We roasted marshmallows for smores and Chris had a graham cracker in his mouth and Morgan came right up and took it out of his mouth and ate it. She did it over and over again. The funniest part was when Scott put one in his mouth and called her over she didn't do a thing. Chris smiled and said "Morgan's my dog dad." He's crazy about that dog. His picture in the yearbook this year is with Morgan. Morgan is going to miss that boy as much as we are when he takes off in September.

Graduations!

So many big events have happened in Chris's life the past few weeks and we have been so busy with family home and dad's funeral and getting dad's house ready to rent that I haven't had time to document everything. On the 31st of May Chris was ordained to the office of elder. Scott ordained him and Kevin and Brent stood in the circle. Also standing in the circle was the bishop, his YM pres. His sunday school teacher, and the missionaries. This was the day before dad's funeral and Scott was speaking at the funeral. Scott asked the boys for a blessing. That night it was so special to have Kevin, Brent, and Chris give Scott a blessing of comfort.



Seminary graduation was also on the 31st of May. Chris and his girlfriend Kelcey were the only seminary graduates from our ward. Chris loved seminary. He had so much fun in his seminary classes. He was class president one year and that was a great opportunity for him. He has grown so much in seminary. I have really seen a growth in him during his last year. Thanks to Bro. Welty and Sis. Payne for being such wonderful teachers and examples.

We managed to catch our breath and gear up for the next big event. Chris graduated from Moses Lake Highschool on the 5th of June. It was held outside at Lion's field. First time in over 30 years that the ceremony was outside. It was beautiful. Chris's good friend Blake was the senior class speaker and he did a magnificent job. Here's a pic before we took off for the ceremony.

Chris and Kelcey showing off their diplomas.

They are both headed to Rexburg. Good luck you two.

Chris and his buddy Tyler Platt. Can you believe I'm actually letting these 2 room together at BYUI? What was I thinking? I know they will have so much fun together. I just hope they remember that they are down there to go to school.

The family at graduation. Kevin and Carolyn wanted to be there so much but after coming home for the funeral they had to get back to class at the Y. We missed them! Thanks grandma for being here to help us celebrate.

We took so many pictures. Far to many to blog. I will have lots to scrapbook this fall when Chris heads off to school. I got so many pictures with all his friends.

Way to go Chris. We are so proud of you. You have such a bright future ahead of you. Remember to always do your best and to always watch out for others along your journey. We love you so very much. You have brought joy and laughter into our home. Thanks for being such a wonderful son.

Happy Birthday Grant!

Happy Birthday Grant!

Grant is my daughter in laws brother. We first met through the blogging world....but after meeting Grant at Kevin and Stacie's wedding I knew he was going to be more than Kevin's brother in law....he was going to be a part of our whole family. Here are just some of the reasons that I love Grant.

1. He loves Obama. Granted, he is a little upset with him right now....but he loves his vision of hope and change for this country. (Pinky twitch)

2.He shares my delight of naughtiness.

3. He is a great cook.....or so I'm told....I am still yet to taste of his delicious recipies. I'm not getting any younger Grant....get with it!

4. His giggle makes me feel good inside.

5. Grant has a tender soul. Stacie and Grant have a sister who is blind and I watched the way that Grant and Stacie are with Lanette. So loving and tender. Lanette adores her big brother Grant.

6. He loves Kevin....even after stealing away his sister.

7. Grant is one of the bravest people I know.

8. He is a true and loyal friend.

9. His ever changing hair color keeps life interesting...although I am still bummed that you didn't go with the green and yellow wedding colors like I'd hoped.

10.Grant is awesome.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENTIE

Nice stash Brent....glad it's fake.

Happy Birthday Brent! Hope you have a good one.

Top ten reasons why I love Brent.

1. He loves my daughter!

2. He is so tender with Carolyn. When he kisses her forehead and says "I love you dear" It warms my heart.

3. Brent's laugh is infectious....and Kevin can make him laugh in about 3 seconds.....once he starts laughing the whole room laughs.

4. He is the smartest guy I know with computers. He is amazing.....and he only teases me a little when I ask a totally dumb question. I am so glad he works at staples. Who needs an easy button when you have Brent? I can call him anytime to ask questions.

5. He is more like a brother to my sons than a brother in law.

6. He loves Moses Lake....which means we may get them back up here someday. I know he'll move back home for Chico's pizza.

7. Brent is the most mellow person I know. Kevin roomed with him freshman year and as much as Kevin tried to annoy him.....he just couldn't. The only time he got really mad was when Cory squirted orange juice into Brent's eye....and then he was only mad for a minute.

8. He has a strong testimony of the gospel and it shows in the way he lives.

9. He is the only member of the family that will still willingly play the game of Trouble with me. He even asks me if I want to play. All the rest of the family goes into hiding when I pull that game out.

10. He is a perfect fit in our family. We love you so much Brent.