Be Independent

So after we had washed the car and unloaded the sleeping bags and tent - Ryan said that he wanted to go and see the Declaration of Independence which was on display at the Utah State Capitol. I wanted to go too so we headed off to wait in line for 3 hours with the other (not kidding) 25,000 people. An original document was found framed behind an old picture. The document was purchased by a gentleman that said - this is the nations copy - and will have it on display at every single state capitol so that everyone can look at it. That's a very kind deed I think. I enjoyed looking at the videos of the remodel job and earthquake proofing that happened to this massive building. The inside is so beautiful and the restoration was brilliant. It was a very respectful and reverent line of people - each filled with the excitement of the moment. I enjoyed every minute of the 3 hours - and I enjoyed being there with Ryan - and was grateful for a free and independent opportunity to see an important part of history. I did spend a lot of time looking for Nicholas Cage and another "National Treasure III" to start filming.....

Great Idea Ryan - Thanks for sharing it with your momma!

We Be Campers

Well, several of the Brave and the Free decided to go to the Willow Canyon 7th Ward Campout. Needless to say - the rest of the ward left from Sandy through Park City. Our family left from Sandy through Provo (had to pick up the camping students from BYU) then to the assigned destination. Which took 35 minutes for the first group and our family???? About 3 hours over 4-wheel drive unmarked by human territory - we arrived. Not without laughing so hard that we had to stop the car just to start breathing again! Ryan Merriman, my son in law will never ride with me again.... wait - he needs a ride to the airport on Monday.... HEEHA! Here are our stories of the rest of the adventure. We had a tent that would hold 400 people but Mandy and Ryan had to have their own tent.... Go figure...... We gathered for the campfire and sang some songs and played some crazy game that only our ward could do called, "Wha?" I lost right away - but Ashley was one of the finalists. She came away with her smile and the overall experience. That night we were camped by the Dastrups. Their son Jeremy asked if the Hillarys were going to be noisy all night - his mom said probably... he said good, it will keep the bears away! I didn't think they need to worry - we peed all around their tent to keep the bears away! In the morning the Hillary crew was hard at work making pankcakes, and eggs. Then the games began - we were the Yellow Team - the Gold medal team no doubt. First we had to blow bubbles, Kyra Morris won! (Full of Hot Air!) Then we had to run down the lane with water weenies between our legs - looked more like we were running to the outhouses! Next we had to find the Olympic colors (fruit loops) in a pile of sawdust - please don't eat the rings afterwards. Next in line was eating chocolate after rolling the dice Vegas Style (don't tell the Bishop!) Finally - we rubbed vaseline on our faces and then mashed our faces into cotton balls - the more the merrier! In the end the Yellow team was defeated but we also were fully fed with chocolate, fruitloops and bubble gum, and worked the extra calories off by running, and wrestling in sawdust. Needless to say - we cleaned up and left town - finding the road we were suppose to take on the way up. Using the extra time to head to Subway for $5.00 subs and Kyra's 'dark beverages'. Camping - a great sport to be followed by a hot shower.

THANKS ASHLEY, MANDY, RYAN AND RYAN - LET'S DO IT AGAIN.....NEXT YEAR!

My Grandson is 6 Months Old!

I swiped this picture from Drewy's mom from her blog because he was sleepin' when I called to visit him on his 6th month celebration.... gotta sleep.... still growin'! I love this little guy. He has defined 'priceless treasure' for me. I love that when I tend him he tightens his arm around my shoulder. When I make a tiny 'tweet' sound in his hear he knows it's from me. I love when he swings in the swing in the backyard he looks up at the windchimes and says, aaaahhhh. I love that he looks 1/2 like Matt and 1/2 like Bethany - best of both worlds. I love that he is loved so much by his Grandma & Grandpas on both sides and that we think he is the best thing to brag about at any given time. I love that I see heaven in his eyes when I sing to him - and that he doesn't cover his ears. I love that when he sleeps he looks like Matt did at that age and that it reminds me of how precious time is. I love that when I whisper to him, "Grow up and be a good boy and be kind to your parents" he listens. I love that he needs me, and then he needs green beans with rice cereal and then applesauce and his bottle, and then he needs me again. I love the soft part of the back of his neck - and I give him kisses there to tickle him. I love his cowlick at the top of his forehead and how all of his school pictures will make us giggle a little bit in the future. I love that he came first in his family - showing that he trusted his parents - and those that are still in heaven were wondering how he would do. Hopefully they come soon so we all can play with them too! I love that in spite of all of the challenges of parenting - Matt and Bethany said - this is what we want. I love that he exists - because of that the world is a better place. Love you Drew!

5000 Boners and still going...

FYI - I get up at 3:15 AM to go to work - and the only thing that keeps me sane and keeping me from killing people are the calming voices of Kerry, Bill and Gina from the 'Radio from Hell' show on X96. If you have a problem with that - tough- that's the way life is for me. (I mean the station I listen to - not that I have to get up early...) Extremists, Opinionated, and, yes, family to me. Today they celebrated their 5,000th show - and believe me - they had better have 5,000 more because I can't retire for many many years. I though that it was interesting listening to the 'celebration' today that they went totally talk radio after 9/11. They play one song in the morning, always interrupted with drops scattered throughout the song, and one song in the middle of the 6AM - 10AM program called the potty song. The daily 'Boner of the Day' (oh please - it means mistake) is always a great laugh about stupid people making stupid mistakes, and my favorite; "Things That Must Go" on Wednesday mornings are the spice of life for me. Ok - it's a rough group - but I love them just the same. Congrats X96 for having such a great start to every single morning that I wake up and wonder why I work retail.....

FYI - because I'm too busy to post remember?

Cornyness story on Gmas blog
check it out
Junes Journey

Sorry, kinda busy....

I know that I should post a blog - but the Olympic Committee has informed me that I will be officiating the 'Mens Beach Volleyball' - and right after my cold shower - I will go and do just that..... good times....tough job though afterwards - I am in charge of brushing all of the sand off....

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

It just seemed like yesterday she was dressed in Soccor cleats and knee pads right after her ballet class. Take a look at this beautiful person! Planning Ashley's wedding was a new experience for me - there were 'code words' for when she had reached the level at which she would kill me. (There were many times she had to use them too!)

All in all it was a beautiful day - and a memorable one at that. Ashley was my first child to be married and it was a whole new ballgame to me! We all fell in love with Mike at the same time. His motto was "Date the Mother First". He was always a gentleman to me and treated my daughter as if she could walk on water. I had prayed for someone just like him to come a sweep her off her feet. But when I met him - he was even more than that. I have watched Mike and Ashley survive 2 tours of separation as Mike has served in Iraq. I have really been touched by their love for each other. They are crazy funny and yes, they are both dorks - which works out well for their relationship. I am proud of their choice to be married in the Salt Lake Temple - this was a new experience for me and one I will treasure - it is my goal to see all of my children married the right way - for time and all eternity. Gettin' mushy here.... Anywho - I am proud of them in everyway. They are living in North Salt Lake now. Mike is still active as Staff Sargent Doxstader - and is away right now teaching special forces classes in California for a month or two. Ashley is currently finishing up her Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering and is employed at ATK in Promotory. I love, love, love them in every way and I wanted to wish them Happy Anniversary. They are celebrating their Anniversary in California in Montery as Mike is still assigned there. Thanks for showing us all what crazy love is all about. I have only one request - stop practicing and make me some little Dox's with diapers and cowboy boots and Popsicles dripping down their belly buttons! Enjoy your day! (Lee Lee - need wedding pics as I have dislocated my brain as to where they are... send your favorite!) P.S. Good help was hard to find the day of Ashley's bridals - we sold her to the highest bidder last year....thanks Beep!