Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!

While I was growing up, my mom used to tell everyone that she is the meanest mom in the world. I disagree! I have one of the greatest moms! Here's a great picture of her:



My mom has taught me so many great things -- she taught me how to look for ways to serve others. I remember when we would load up the lawnmower, weed-wacker, and edger in the back of the van and go and mow a neighbor's lawn while they were on vacation. I remember when she would spend 3-4 hours snowblowing the walks of all the neighbors on really snowy days. She always volunteered to help others, whether is was a call to do something or a simple feeling to help out. I have to say, I have learned and felt the true spirit of service by watching my mom's example. Her teaching me this principle has brought unmatchable happiness in my life.

My mom has an always-positive attitude! Despite sometimes feeling under-the-weather, she will always have a smile and carry a happy attitude. She is so light-hearted and fun to be around! I remember when she took Keith Hays and I in the van somewhere, and she did like 4 u-turns in a neighborhood 3-way stop. It was one of the funniest things. Whether it be a scouting event or working in the yard, being around my mom has always been filled with laughs and smiles. As a result of her fun and light-hearted nature, I have had fun carrying this light-hearted nature into my current family-, school-, and work-life. Thanks mom!!

My mom is such a hard worker! I remember her always working hard during every waking hour. She always has something to do--and she is always good at what she was doing. She isn't afraid of trying something new. She is creative--and she uses her creativity and talent in the work she does.

I sure love mom. She is a great example of service, an always-positive attitude, and hard work. She's taught me so many things. I love you mom! Happy Mother's Day!!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

FYI

I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight. I get to tend Andrew tonight.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Here Comes the Sun! (do n do do)

Just wanted to share a song from my favorite boys.... gotta go, I need to find a place to plant my 'Strawberry Fields Forever'. Enjoy the song and the sun - I'm sending it your way!

Friday, April 25, 2008

OH BABY BABY BABY



Yes - as of April 22, 2008 this lovely couple has been married for 25 years. We have actually liked each other a couple of those years! Can you just feel the love here? I must have over a thousand pictures of our family but I only have about 2 of Del and I. One on the day we were married - and this one - still in shock that we are still married! Fortunately for us - our genetic disorder will be passed on and on and on over the years. You can almost start seeing it now in our 4 children! Look carefully the next time you look in the mirror kids - yep - there it is! Del surprised me with a new bike so that the #@%* level will not be too high on our next century ride. I surprised Del with a much more 'less expensive' gift and took him to 'The Roof' for dinner where we each visited the buffet several times - hey - we plan on doing it for our 50th with our artificial hips and knees! Needless to say - there was a reason we hitched up - and we both know it was.... um... honey.... what did we decide on? Oh Ya LOVE! He's still as hot as ever and I love him like crazy. From this odd couple we have had the honor of having 3 children and then Mandy. Ooops - I mean we've had 4 children, Matt, Ashley, Mandy and Ryan. Lucky us - and now we have 3 in law children that we love, Michael, Bethany and Ryan (I'll squeeze Mikenzie in here too) - and to put frosting on the cake we have one grandchild that we are CRAZY about, ANDREW! I think we should have had the grandchild first! Ok - Del and I are off to hold hands in a movie, have a sweet dinner, and you guessed it.... desert. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart! By the way - Mandy would like me to mention that she is the favorite child because she was the only one that actually said "Happy Freakin' Anniversary" to us - I'm assuming that the cards are in the mail kids right?

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Andrew's Big Day

There are birthdays and anniversary's and holidays that come around every year whether you want them to or not. But you only bless and name a child once. Matt did it up right on Sunday as he presented his and Bethany's son - and my beautiful grandson to be given his name and a blessing. Short and sweet and right to the point - Matt set Andrew up with some wonderful things to live up to. One thing I remember through the tears was that he prayed that Andrew would have patience with his parents. I hope he has patience with his Grandma Hillary! Andrew was blessed in the same outfit that Matthew was blessed in 24 years ago! Andrew didn't seem to mind. Great Grandma June Bowen bought the outfit, and Great Great Grandma Elsie Bowen bought the little shoes. I appreciated so much the sentimental sweetness of using the same outfit. I know that there is a God - for he sent down a little sweet spirit to teach me more about him. How lucky you are to have such amazing parents - you are going to have so much fun with them - they will never lead you astray so follow them closely. You'll learn many wonderful things from your Grandma and Grandpa Stimpson also - they are strong in the Disney force! (: I love you Andy, and Grandpa Hillary does - and so does everyone else. (You are so dang freakin' cute!) Always love and listen to your parents - when you turn 18 - you'll realize that they really were right about everything! (Picture quietly swiped from The Royal Hillary's blog spot - I will repent for stealing at a later date - too tempting - too cute of a picture!)

ALI ALI OXENFREE.......


.......WON BIGGGGGGEST LOSER! You go girl! Showing up those waa waa men! I loved seeing BERNIE win on the other side of the coin. (thank you Ashley) All in all it was a good season for losing weight er, WATCHING people lost weight during the writers strike (donuts anyone?). Next biggest loser? How about Biggest Loser Animals! Biggest Loser (is) Donald Trump? Biggest Loser Loser? Biggest Paris Hilton Purse? Biggest FLDS Family? Biggest FLDS HAIR? Biggest Loser Presidential Race? Biggest Blogger? Biggest Butts - AH HA - finally one for me!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

MISSING

110 lbs from the bodies of Eric and Terri Bowen. Eric and Terri Bowen themselves are actually missing - they must be at Disneyland spending the $1000.00 they won for being the biggest losers at ICON (Terri's place of moneymaking). ESSENTIAL - read The Bowen's blog for words you CANNOT use around either one of them. WORRIED - because today we are having a family dinner after Andrew is blessed and every single item we are serving will be loaded with fat, sugar, carbs, and goodness. SO out of guilt for the menu - I have a spinach salad - naked. Congrats Skinnies! Pass the brownies....