Just a shout out....

Well - I miss my guys. I have two sweethearts out of the state right now and our Second Sunday Dinner was just lonesome without them. Their sweet wives sat by each other in the 'without husband section', of which I didn't know I had at the dinner table. It's so hard when we are separated - but there is a comfort in knowing that we have great technology to chat and carry on until we can be together again. Matt - my son, is doing his internship with E & Y in Seattle, Washington. His beautiful wife Bethany is doing her internship here at the hospital in Murray and caring for the 'cutest grandchild in the world' in a most excellent manner. I missed your deep voice at the table, your laugh, and your funny car stories Matt. A couple of his favorite lines are, "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard", and the basic, generic answer, 'Whatever...", and of course "CRAP!". When I talked to him last night he was heating up a can of ravioli.... these are the things that make moms burst into tears. Lie and tell me you made pork chops or something ok? Here is his bright and beautiful smile and his sidekick. (picture pirated from The Royal Hillary's blog)

My other hottie man is my son-in-law Michael. He has just left to experience more military bliss. Michael is my finisher - he finishes my Sunday Dinners. I would like to tell you some of his favorite lines but they are usually directly followed by a Bishop's interview. Gotta love a dirty son-in-law. Michael, although highly trained in combat, is an exquisite table setter. He loves to make salads for the family - and I find that he locates strange things from my refrigerator to put on his own salad. "No, Michael - you cannot put that on a salad.... eeewwww..." Then he pulls rank and he is granted permission. Gunpoint can change you mind quickly. Tonight I miss the smile you put on Ashley's face. Her whole soul lights up when you enter a room - and when you call - I know that the tissues are near for her. Ashley is keeping busy with work and school. She is protected by Commander Zoey - a fearless killer dog. Mike, tonight I missed your massive presence - you always make us feel safe and sound. Here is his handsome mug shot.

So for tonight my guys - know that you are in my prayers - and that I love you both dearly. Life isn't the same without you so get back here soon - safe and sound. PS - eat your beans, brush your teeth, limit the video games, and remember who your mamma is at all times. (Ok Mike, so your's is Pam - but I come in at a close second ok?) See you both very soon....

Need a Superhero?

Well..... have I got one for you - check out my friend, Erin Singleton's new business. She's a freakin' perfectionist - not only in making a beautiful child - but in making every child think that they can conquer the world. Erin just started her business - and I know that she'll be rollin' in the good times. She's designed the cutest capes - all custom orders and made with 100% satisfaction guaranteed! Need I say more about this? TONS more - but check out her website:

http://plumpearapple.blogspot.com

and you too could have someone watching over your neighborhood! Just want to wish you luck Erin - I'll need to order one for my grandson, but he'll need to grow a tad first. I know I'll have to 'take a number' because good things come to good people. Superhero Mom's unite! Have some fun with this concept!

Party on 4th of July Family

Ok - could someone more brilliant than I please show me how to rotate this picture? If not - you'll have to lay sideways to see how incredibly cute Andrew was on the 4th of July at the parade! Forget it! He's cute at any angle!!!!! Our day started out with a trip to Cafe Rio for some serious Mexi mix of tasty temptations. Then to work off the refried beans we took off on a hike up Bell Canyon - hard to believe something that beautiful is 5 minutes away. We found an ice cold place to cool off - oh ya.... good thing it was hotter than $%#@ & and our pants dried out before we were back to the car!


Then we headed off to the Sandy City Parade where the streets were our seats and Drew got into the spirit of things. Our favorite? The motorcycle cops and their routines. Give those guys a ticket for being too cute! Going to the parade has been a tradition for many years. It has always been a hometown celebration and it brings out many friends that we get to catch up visiting with. The weather had been hot all week - like - awful. Today the clouds came in and a nice breeze blew and it was fairly tolerable. It did require a stop at Sonic for a Cherry Limeade, a Strawberry fruit slushy, and Mandy - well - Mandy wanted a breakfast burrito... On the way out to the car the kid carrying our order dropped the extra large limeade right in the entry way of Sonic - I'm sure he didn't have any nice 4th of July words. We laughed our 4th of July butts off!!!

This is how Mike and Ashley watched most of the parade - GET A ROOM! Mandy and Ryan could hardly wait for all of the politician hopefuls to pass by with their campaign promises....
Matt made it back from Seattle to be with his sweet wife Bethany and his adorable son Drew.
Drew was glued to the fireworks - we watched him more than we did the show! Ryan and Mikenzie were waiting for the candy at the parade.... we threw them some just so they wouldn't be sad. Our favorite thing that people threw out to the crowd? Frozen Otter Pops - oh ya... We were joined by some friends of Mikes from Camp Williams - Can we have a big shout out for the troups from GEORGIA? Even GRANDMA got in on the action! I bored Drew to sleep! Ya - I'm sideways (Matt fix this!!!!!) Afterwards we all headed up to Jordan High's parking lot where we did some serious tailgate partying. Burgers, dogs, salad, chips and Ashley & Mandy frozen delights. BYOROOT BEER.... and lots of laughing and talking. Then Mikenzie's parents came and it was the first time for our family to meet them - they are wonderful people and it was fun to visit with them (I feel in love with Jordan - he kissed my hand - eat your heart out...) After we had eatin' our fill of goodies - we all settled into chairs and blankets and enjoyed a great fireworks show. Drew was glued to it - we watched him more than the show! I looked around at my beautiful family and realized how lucky I am to have them in my life. I appreciated the efforts they made that day to be with us and realize many sacrifices made in the name of 'being together as a family' on the 4th of July. I love my kids so much - so I'll share their smiles with you and then I'll join Andy Pants for some sweet dreamin....

Could someone run me a cold shower?

I've
changed
my mind
for now.
I like December.

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