Could someone run me a hot bath?

I'm glad this isn't a scratch and sniff because after riding for "The Best Dam MS 150 Bike Event" we don't smell very good. Del, Ashley and I went the distance, ok Ashley raced, Del chased and I kinda watched from far behind - but never the less we finished and we liked the numbers on our times. The MS ATK team was amazing and led by an amazing team leader. The race is wholeheartedly supported by many many volunteers and because of that it was quite a success. We decided that our jerseys looked like watermelons! I kept looking for the rockets and stars for the aerospace company we rode for on the jerseys like last year - but we did stand out on the beautiful countrysides of Cache Valley. I'm pretty sure we glowed in the dark! The MS ride also supports Diabetes - of which I hope that there is an answer very soon as to how to finish off this disease. We all know and love someone living with the complications that come with each of these. The ride is a test of endurance - but when you cross the finish line - it is difficult to hold the tears back knowing that the money raised may someday save a loved one. Next time you see one of these events - DO IT. Don't think twice. It changes you. Next up? The ULCER in August around Utah Lake for cancer. Sunscreen anyone? Thanks for the ride! (and the water, and ice, and sandwiches, and poweraid, and bandaids, and oh ya - the Advil and finally the shower....) aaaahhhh.....

Mom + Dad = 60 years of love

Our family celebrated my parents 60th wedding anniversary. It has been a world wind weekend and I haven't been able to post pictures but I do want to thank everyone that came and shared the day with us. Everywhere I looked I was surrounded by my parents memories found in the smiles of their friends and family. It was a chaotic day none the less with the MS ride and and party within moments of each other! I'm going to post (very soon but not tonight) pictures of the day and I know that my brother Eric will also post his so that you can share the day all over again, on my mom's blog listed at the left under Junes Journey - or Junietunes. I know that I am not alone when I speak of the love that these two have for each other. Dad had a hard time understanding the happenings around him - but as soon as Bethany (my daughter in law) and Betsy (Eric's daughter) brought in the Great Grandbabies - he perked right up and the rest of the day went down as a total success. Thank heavens for babies... I love my parents (and my brother) so very much. We were a little tiny family for a very long time - and now - we are surrounded by the blessings of children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Look what you've started Mom and Dad - not everyone can say they've made it 60 years! I'm so proud of you! Still sweethearts after all these years. Happy Anniversary!

Who loves ya Matty?

Just so happens that Shopko carries some exquisite movie cinemas and all for only $6.99. SO I guess you'll have to come home for the 4th of July to get it..... and by the way - I miss you like crazy - and I'm proud of you - and good stuff is coming your way. Love Mommason

Mmmmmmmm.....

Boston Celtic Cream Pie

Fill in the blank, if you think you know the answer...

I'm not sure there is an actual 'Top 10' reasons to be married to Mandy because the other nine wouldn't even compare to this one. So let's just say. . . the number one reason is . . .

hum...

let's see how you all fill this one out on my comments.....

this ought to be fun!

Happy Gran-Daddy Day, Daddio!

Happy Father's Day, Daddio! This pic was taken within a few days of Andrew's birth. Yep! We all know how cute a new little baby is... but, we don't get much of a chance to recognize how great a new Grampa looks! They both look great!

Time to take a moment and recognize some of the great things my dad has taught me. I am so blessed to have Dad as my Dad. He has taught me a lot. Just by simple example, he has taught me how to fix things--everything from cars to vacuums. He has taught me the principles behind making things last. He has taught me how to appropriately use 4-letter words while working on the car or other projects. "Sometimes Golly-Gosh-Darn just doesn't cut it," he says, and I agree!!! He's smart and creative. Even with all of these great things, perhaps that most important thing he has given me as a father is his joining the Church. Not one of us is perfect inside or outside of the Church, but doing our very best is what counts the most. I think my dad is always trying to do his best. I am one of his greatest fans and always will be. Love you, Daddio!

I freakin' told you kids.....remember?

Just in case you think that your old mom is crazy - let me remind you of something. When you were little I told you that tomatoes were poisonous and that you should avoid them at all risk. I told you this because I HATE tomatoes! But now - the whole world knows that they are bad! Pull them from your shelves and THROW THEM AWAY WITH GLEE!!!! HA HA HA! Now leave me alone - I need to go get some chips and salsa..... peppers are not bad.

GREEN NEWS

I didn't want anyone to be GREEN with envy BUT........ I just received my babysitting schedule for Andrew for the summer while the lovely parents are interningshipness. Just in case you need to know the photo shops will all be busy with pictures of Drew being printed off. Na Na Na Na Na Na.....

IT'S OFFICIAL - JHS GRADUATE RYAN HILLARY!

After 3 years of AP this and AP that - Ryan graduated from Jordan High School today. The day was perfect - the whole family and even Grandma Bowen was there. It was a little bit harder day for me personally because it is an end of an era. My last child leaving Jordan High. There have been many memories that will always make me smile. Well - except for the attendance office ladies - may they grow warts. But back to the day. It was held at the South Towne Expo Center - we were seated right behind the graduates and had perfect seats to watch Ryan walk in - and walk on the stage to get his diploma. It was a special year for the graduates as it was the 100th graduating class from Jordan High. They wore a special medallion given to them this morning honoring them. They are beautiful and one of a kind. Ryan was full of smiles because his sisters and his brother were there - he felt pretty honored. I feel it such an honor to have a son like Ryan. He has a Warrior's Spirit and he has proved to be an incredible human being. He brought home his final grades and he didn't let up a bit pulling in another 4.0, can't argue with that as a parent. Ryan is looking forward to college this fall - he's been accepted at BYU and will attend for a semester and then leave for 2 years on a mission for the church. My heart will break - but that's what we promised the Lord we would do if he gave us strong healthy children. I looked at my previous graduates and I loved their futures. Matt and Bethany receive their Master Degrees in April from BYU - Ashley is next with her Masters from the U of U next fall, Mandy and Ryan (Merriman) are next with their Bachelors in a couple of years and then Ryan is off to Law School. I am thrilled with their choices and the people they have become. They are funny, kind, serve right and left, love Mexican food (an important factor), and succeed because they put their heart and soul into all that they do. Michael continues to train new soldiers daily and will leave for California to train them there for 6 weeks, and Ryan's sweetheart Mikenzie has just finished up her first year at BYU. All in all - Del and I feel truly blessed - and know we made the right choices to be the meanest parents ever. Del treated the whole family to a wonderful lunch at La Costa and we all visited and laughed and gathered in some memories. Ryan, thank you for this day - it's one for the scrapbooks - and one for my heart always. Your family is very proud of you and can't wait to see the great things coming your way because of the great choices you have made. I love you! Mom

Chicks day out

Today was one for the books. Mandy was staying over for the weekend while Ryan the husband (we have 2 Ryans - we have to be careful) was running in NCAA Regionals in California. Ashley's husband Mike was working at Camp Williams. Thus deeming the day - CHICKS DAY. Here's how it went. Ashley and I went for a 3 hour bike training ride while Mandy ran - different genetic make up there - but after that we laid out in the sun. Then Ashley said we needed to get our hair cut so we went there next (after showering of course.) Then it was essential that we went to a chick flick so we chose "What happens in Vegas. I cannot believe that the Radio From Hell program said it wasn't a good movie - we busted our guts laughing at it and will probably buy it when it comes out! Topped off by a fabulooous Chicken Alfredo Pizza and crunchy ice water. Then we had to pull our favorite thing to do from "White Chicks" SHOPPING! Which consisted of us watching Ashley shop like a maniac finding every single great deal out there and Mandy and I just standing there in amazement! You go girl! Never miss a chance to go to Rod Works in Draper - gotta go there - they were closing in 15 minutes - didn't stop us from doing some financial damage. Then out of no where we decided to run through the forest...Wait what the heck? We never ran through the forest... But I did have one strange request and that is to stop at the Chevron and have a Tiger's Blood Fruzzle. My girls had never had one so I made them have at least a sip and they left with a large. Just like little puppets on a string they trusted me. I never told them that both of their tongues and all of their teeth were now bright red and we were out in public! All in all it was a perfect day. I love my daughters (ok I love my sons too) so much. They are so fun and ready for any crazy thing at any time. When I die - the dash between my birthdate and my death date will include - "She had one fabulous day with her daughters on May 31st 2008" Time to hit the sack girls - home to your respective husbands and cuddle up! Thanks for 'tending mom' today. PS love the haircuts.......