A "Twilight" Happy Birthday to Kimberly!

I've always said that if you're going to have your birthday on a holiday, Halloween is the BEST!

We LOVE Halloween at our house! 

It all started thirty-something years ago....

It was a dark, stormy night...

Ok... it was the first snow storm of the year when our little spook decided it was time to make her arrival.

The pressure in the atmosphere changed drastically triggering the onset of labor in pregnant women all over the valley... 

(The nurses in labor and delivery did say it was a busy night for them, and they did mention the weather being the reason.   Of course, I don't suppose the fact that I was eight days overdue had anything to do with it.)

All at once something sharper than knives ripped through me!  Could I bear the pain? 

(Hmmmm....Is this labor?  I had to be sure so I called my mom.  It had been 21 years since she'd had me, but surely she'd know.)

Ripping. Breaking. Agony.  I couldn't breathe.  I knew time was short and I needed to save my baby and myself...
(Still not sure if this was really labor, we decided it was best that I be checked.)


More blackness!  I knew what that meant.  It meant that we were dying!
("Yes dear, you're in labor, but you're not ready yet.  Are you feeling any pain?"  "Yes, a little."  "We'll be able to make you comfortable in a little while.  Just hang in there.")



How long had passed?  Had it been hours?  How much longer could I endure?
("You're doing better than we expected.  Let's go ahead and give you something for the pain.")



"Get her out!"  I screamed.  "Now!", I choked, unable to finish.
("You're going to put that needle where?!")


Pieces of me shattering, snapping, slicing apart....More blackness.  Voices, this time, shouting, as the pain came back!
(Oh wait, I guess that was me shouting...."If you say one more time, 'that was a big one!', you're gonna be sorry!!  Quit watching that dang monitor!")


The pain faded away, though I clung to it now.  My baby, my baby.....
(I think the pain meds are working now...finally!)



"You stay with me now Diane!  Do you hear me?  Stay!  You're not leaving me.  Keep your heart beating!"
("Yeah, I'm here alright.  I'm just numb up to my earlobes!)


I tried to feel my heart, but nothing felt right.  I blinked and found my eyes.  I could see the light!
("Hey guys, I'm thinking if I wasn't so numb this would be a whole lot easier!  And do you think you could get that light out of my eyes?)


As my eyes struggled to adjust,  Edward, I mean Bob whispered....."Kimberly!"
("It's a girl....it's a girl.....it's a girl!!!!!  Johnson's never have girls!!!!!")


Not the pale and perfect son of my imagination?  I felt a moment of shock, and then a flood of warmth.
(Renesme, Kimberly)


It was a stormy Halloween night........

And that's how it all began.  That's how Halloween became our favorite holiday!  Honest!

I wanted you to hear it straight from me.  Heaven knows her Dad would only exagerate and make it sound like I won the fight of my life or something!  Vivid imaginations runs in his side of the family!

So tonight at "Twilight" while all the little goulies are getting ready to trick-or-treat, our "Little Goulie" will be celebrating her birthday.  I believe part of the Utah Coven Anne & Michael will be there to help protect her from the Volturi scary trick-or-treaters! Be safe!  We love you and wish we could be there with you!

Love,
Edward & Bella er...I mean...Mom and Dad

And finally...a happy belated birthday to Robyn

Happy Birthday Robyn!!! Hope you know how much you are loved!

28 has been good to you...but you're looking like 29 will be even better!

I can't believe she is 29 years old! Where have all the years gone? Our once upon a time rambunctious little girl is now married to her prince charming and the mother of two adorable babies. Life with her has been quite an exciting ride indeed! Her life is like a book you just can't put down. She has definitely kept us on the edge of our seats waiting for the next chapter.

Chapter one: The cutest baby on earth! She turned heads everywhere....and those big blue eyes took in everything around her and captivated all who came in contact with her. She reminded my visiting teacher of Tweedy Bird, thus a new nick name.

I remember sitting in the rocking chair in the middle of the night with her and thinking..."I wish I could freeze time."

Chapter two: Grade school. Top of her class, smart as a whip! Definitely a mind of her own, a spunky little girl with lots of personality and a great zest for life. She had no fear and wanted to do everything. I asked her one day what her favorite color was and she said "green". When I asked her why, she said "because green means GO!" And "go" she did! She learned cursive with her left hand in the third grade because she played a game at recess called "whip" with the sixth graders. She was whipped all right. She fell and broke that right arm clean in half!

I remember thinking...this child is going to give us a run for our money, and I wish I could freeze time!

Chapter Three: Middle School. After her victory at the end of her fifth grade year for student body president, her next step was to run for office at Tuffree Middle School. She ran a great campaign as "Rockin Robyn". Everything was going her way. The kids at the school were behind her, and we thought she had it wrapped up. The day of the elections, she gave her speech, the kids voted, and we waited for the results. She lost! She had been disqualified because her speech went a little over the time allowance. I thought she'd be devastated, but not Robyn! Although that was the last political campaign of her school career, she put her focus on other things.

I remember thinking...this child is a fighter, she is going to give us a run for our money, and I wish I could freeze time!

Chapter four: High School. This was a long chapter! Teenage life and Robyn got along very well, and although she suffered some defeats, her friends rallied around her and helped her feel success in other areas of her life. This is when T.R.A.K.S. was formed (Trisha, Robyn, Amanda, Katie, and Stephanie). What a great gift to have such good friends. They really kept each other on "track". Sometimes the track took the long way around, but it was still going to the same place.

Robyn's Spanish teacher loved to tease her because her face would turn red so he gave her the nickname "Tomate". I became "Mama Tomate". She loved Spanish! She loved singing! She loved playing basketball! She loved being a cheerleader! She loved going to early morning seminary! She loved being in Young Women's! Trust me, this was a long chapter! The list could go on and on. I'm not saying that she never gave us a run for our money....she did! We worried some, we saw her through some heartaches, but mostly we watched as a young woman learned and grew from her experiences. Things in this chapter happened so quickly, that sometimes it was hard to focus on the moment and just enjoy it. The moments were too many too fast! Before we knew it we were sitting at her graduation wondering where in the world the time went!

I remember thinking...this child is going to do great things, she is a fighter, is going to give us a run for our money, and I wish I could freeze time!

Chapter five: BYU! Great times, great friends! Heritage Hall in the summer, and Helaman Hall for fall semester! Only seventeen years old, I encouraged her to go around campus all day long saying to herself "I'm only seventeen". I didn't want some returned missionary to nab her just yet. Her experiences at BYU could fill a book!

I remember thinking...she's off and running, look out world here she comes! She is going to do great things, she is a fighter, is going to give us a run for our money, and I wish I could freeze time!

Chapter six: Mission. Where do you think someone who studied Spanish for seven years, and even studied abroad in the Dominican Republic would serve her mission? Spain, Mexico, Central America? You'd think Spanish speaking anywhere right? Wrong....Finland! Spanish speaking would have been the logical choice, but Finland was definitely the right choice! She froze, but she LOVED her mission!

I remember thinking....pinch me....I'm a missionary mom, she's off and running, look out world, here she comes! She is going to do great things, she is a fighter, She is no longer going to give us a run for our money, She's going to love the people of Finland, and I wish I could freeze time!

Chapter seven: Mr. Right! Getting married! Having babies! (There's simply too much information in this chapter to share with you here.)

I'm thinking to myself....this is going to be a VERY LONG BOOK, pinch me, this is my daughter, her mission is over, she's off and running, she's going to do great things, she is a fighter, she is going to give Joe a run for his money, but she's going to make life fun and exciting, look out world, here she comes, She's going to love life wherever she is, and I wish I could freeze time!!

Trust me, this book will be well worth reading! I'd recommend it to anyone!

Happy belated birthday Robyn!!!!! Love you!!

(I'll be back soon with pictures and posts about the wedding. Don't hold your breath though. My "back soon", doesn't always mean what your "back soon" means! I'm trying to get myself back in gear! Life events always do something to me!)

My Little Secret

My dear Internets,



I have kept a secret from you for the past six months. My DH and I have been going to the gym religiously for the past six months. No lie....six months. He goes to his work gym at o dark thirty every single day, and I go to mine. (Mine is nicer, but we won't tell him that because his is free and mine's not.) Anyway...the good news is that my DH has lost over 20 pounds. Yes, you read that correctly. And no...I didn't inadvertently leave my results off. Now I ask you....is that fair?!

Anne's Shower

I thought I'd better get these pictures posted before Anne and Michael are married and have four children!

Anne's shower was so much fun! It was on Saturday May 30. We had it in Penni's beautiful backyard (thanks Pen). The day was beautiful too. As it turns out, it was a good thing we started at 11:30 a.m. because it rained....I mean really rained....later that afternoon.

We could not have asked for more. We had good food....

Lots of support from family and friends....

VERY generous gifts....

And a happy and excited couple!

Thanks to everyone for helping make this such a special day! Both Kimberly and Robyn's mothers in law helped out. We really couldn't have done it without them! Thanks Helen and Cathy! I tell my girls all the time that they really hit the jackpot in the mother in law department. I should take lessons!

It was so much fun seeing everyone there. We know Michael is marrying an amazing young woman, and are so excited to have her join our family. We're a little crazy, but somehow we think Anne is going to fit in just fine!

August 8th is the day!! We can't wait to see ya'll there!

Sweet Baby Blakey Turns Three

Is this not the sweetest little face you've ever seen? Blake is three years old now and is busy making some very important decisions about his life. Like which super hero he should be. It's a tough decision! Just when you think you've got it figured out,

someone gives you a Transformer and gets you thinking maybe you've taken the wrong direction in your life.

So you take a break from those big decisions and decide to be just Blake for a while. After all, that's pretty important too, and you wouldn't want anyone to figure out your secret life as a super hero. Just humor all those weak humans, give a smile to the camera that is always annoyingly following you around, and show off a little "Blake fashion". That will satisfy them for a while!

After all, they do think you're the baby in the family and those babies do get lots of perks!

Happy Birthday Baby Blakey!!

Friends!

I have to admit I was a little nervous to have them come visit. After all, it had been YEARS since we'd actually spent time together. Would it be awkward? Would they still like us? Have they changed? Have WE changed?

Someone told me that having someone come stay at your house is like standing in a public place in your underwear. There's no way of disguising the real you! They'll see it all...the good and the bad!

In the days leading up to their visit, I found myself remembering some of the things we've done together. I remembered the many times we would go out and our kids would play. I remembered our many, many craft projects. We made Christmas Caroler ornaments one year. They were made out of smashed soda cans, and it was so cold outside that the spray paint we were using wouldn't stick to the cans. We persisted though! We were going to make those silly things even if the fumes killed us! I also remembered when we made our girls matching dresses for their eighth birthday. We even did a combined eighth birthday party for them at the Lion House.

Such fun memories!

With memories like those how could I possibly be nervous?!

When I finally saw them walking down the terminal, a feeling of sheer happiness poured over me as I realized these are our friends! I mean really good friends! I knew in an instant that everything was going to be just fine. As a matter of fact, it would be much more than fine...it would be great! We were in for a weekend of great reminiscing, catching up, and lots of laughs!

I don't know too many people who can say that their plumber is such a good friend that he would fly across the country to help with a plumbing project. Yes, you read that right...a plumbing project! That's the kind of friend Dave is. He's not only the cleanest plumber on earth, he's the best too!

The guys spent most of their time building, while we girls did what we do best.....shopped, drove around, and went to lunch. We made sure to keep the boys on a strict deadline though because we needed to hit some of the Nashville hot spots like The Bluebird Cafe, and the Grand Ole Opry.

I don't have any pictures at the Bluebird, but did get some at the Opry.

Grand Ole Opry highlights: The Virginia Boys, Ashton Shepherd, Riders in the Sky, Keith Anderson, Ricky Skaggs, Hal Ketchum, Gary Mule Deer , Little Jimmy Dickens, and Gene Watson. Little Jimmy Dickens is 88 years old and still going strong!

The funny thing is that Vicky is the one who got me hooked on country music. Now we can say we've gone to the Grand Ole Opry together! Whoda thought!

And we won't let any of our friends leave Nashville without a trip to The Loveless Cafe. Those world famous biscuits are worth the two hour wait. Trust me! They leave a lasting impression (especially on the thighs)!!

So, it wasn't' awkward, I think they still like us, we've all changed (for the better, I hope), and I never once felt like I was standing in a public place in my underwear! Thanks guys, it was so much fun having you here! Y'all come back now, ya hear! It would be fun to do it again when you don't have to work so hard!

Now for those of you who have been asking... here's pictures of the progress in the basement. As you can see, we're coming right along.

They broke the concrete, moved the spot for the toilet, re-cemented everything and even got the tub set.

Dave made sure everything was done better than just to code. He and Bob built a whole new wall so they could run pipes and not weaken any support walls.

They installed the lift pump (yes...lift...that's what it does). They also installed my favorite thing... a sink in the garage... so Bob the Builder has a place to wash his hands and anything else I won't allow in the house!


Hooray for progress! Hope y'all will come over for movie night when we're done.

The Adam Lambert/American Idol Finale

If you missed the American Idol/Adam Lambert finale, you really missed out! It was a great show! The results were shocking, but it was a great show!

Adam Lambert was my pick early on. I know he seemed a bit dangerous, but maybe that's why I liked him. I was happy that Kris won. I mean, after all, he did sing with Keith Urban, and who in their right mind wouldn't like that! But... there was a part of me that really LOVED Adam Lambert...glittery makeup, black nails, elevator shoes and all! Maybe this all stems back to my teenage concert-going years!

He is just such a performer! I'll have to forgive him for picking KISS as his music icon to perform with though. I can listen to them, I just can't look at them. They creep me out! Seriously, how old are they anyway?! They really need to stop than tongue thing!! The pyrotechnics were great though!

So history has been made, a new idol has been crowned, and the underdog has come up the winner! So I give three cheers to Kris Allen who has proven that nice guys don't always finish last!

Mr. Personality turns three!

Meet Mr. Personality.....

There's never a dull moment with him around!

He can make even the worst snowstorm fun!

He loves posing for the camera,

He loves his family,

and we LOVE him!

Happy birthday Parker!

Taylor Turns Seven

It must be April! The Pansies are in full bloom.... The Dogwood tree has blossomed....

And it's Taylor's Birthday!!!!


My Sweet Taylor,

It seems like it was only yesterday I flew to Utah to see you right after you were born. I couldn't wait to get to the hospital to hold you and to look at you. You were absolutely perfect! I spent a week with you before I had to go back home to California, and I cried when I had to leave. That was such a special time!

Soon you moved to California where I got to see you a lot more. I was pretty excited about that, and knew I'd better take advantage of the time we had because somehow I knew it wouldn't last forever. I never grew tired of that beautiful drive from Placentia to San Diego.

You even lived close enough that I got to babysit you. Your parents were pretty new at this parenting thing, and it was pretty funny watching them fuss over you. One time when I got to babysit you, your mom left me with detailed instructions for your meal times:

Meal Time

Morning (7:30 a.m.)

Bottle with rice cereal when she wakes up.

1 hour to 2 hours later give snack (i.e., fruit, muffin bar, yogurt)

Afternoon (1-2:30 p.m., after nap)

for lunch she likes hot dogs, mac & cheese, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, string cheese, fruit, yogurt.

Dinner (4:30-5p.m.)

She will eat any of the same as above.

7:30: Breakfast

9:00-10:00 Snack

11:00 nap with bottle

1:00-2:00 lunch (if grouchy, give bottle for snack)

5:00 dinner

8:00-8:30 bedtime (unless tired earlier)

This was just part of the instructions I was given. The best ones were what your Dad wrote:

Getting Taylor to Bed (8:30-9:00)

1. Get a bath drawn.
2. Get house a little darker
3. No loud TV, softer voices, no romper room play!!
4. Take Taylor into dark bedroom
5. Sit down in rocking chair (put rocking chair in bedroom beforehand).
6. Rock Taylor while you feed her bottle (she likes being sung to).
7. When she finishes bottle, lay her down in her bed.
8. Say "Go night night Taylor, close your eyes".
9. Cover her with her blanket.
10. Then leave and close the door.
11. Listen for 5 to 8 minutes to see if she cries out loud.
12. If she cries out loud, go back in, don't say a word, rock her until she goes back to sleep.
13. Once asleep put her back in crib.
14. If she wakes up, repeat the rocking....DON'T TALK TO HER!

If she doesn't go to bed!!!

1. 1. Take her for a drive
   2. Go on the 57 Freeway to Pathfinder Road and back. That will probably work.
   3. You WANT to get on the Freeway!!! (Evidently it was best to be on the freeway where I wouldn't hit any stop lights.)
   4. Put her straight into bed...close door.
   5. If that doesn't work, you have a LONG night ahead of you!!

Amazingly enough we survived!!!! I think they were surprised to come home and find out that you did great. We didn't even have to make that drive on the 57 freeway.

You are such a beautiful little girl and have brought so much love into our family! We love you so much! Have a happy happy birthday!!!

Love,

Grandma Nannu

Goin' home, Meeting Anne, Conference, and a Birthday

The weather changed and allowed us to make our flight on Friday morning getting us to Salt Lake City by 11:00 a.m. Of course, to get there by that time meant we had to leave our house at 4:00 a.m. to leave Nashville at 6:00 a.m. If you EVER travel with us, you can rest assured you will NEVER be late! You will also we awakened in plenty of time to get your "tired ol' @**" out of bed and your A.I.S. (a term now used in our household frequently meaning your blank, blank, blank, in your seat in time to get you to where you are going plenty early....thanks Steve, or should I say....thanks Everyone Loves Raymond). Being late, or just on time, is NOT an option! You'd think he'd run into long security lines a time or two or something.

Nashville to Colorado...Colorado to Salt Lake City. What's up with the snow? It's April right? We landed in a snowstorm! Note to self....listen to your son when he says you should bring your winter coat. Since you did not listen this time, you'll just have to think warm thoughts while you are standing in the freezing cold snow.

Next stop Robyn's house. From this point, the weekend is a blur! We just hit the ground running...literally! So if any of our family is wondering what exactly it is that we do to keep us so busy while we're in Utah, here's a brief synopsis...

Goal....meet future daughter in law! Hope she's not disappointed! Be fresh, beautiful, alert, witty, and fun!

• Arrive at Salt Lake International.
• Baggage claim.
• Rental car.
• Drive as fast as we can to Parker and Avery's house, glad Robyn and Joe are there too.
• Feel bad that we don't have that horse that Parker told his mommy grandpa was bringing to him.
• Stop at Del Taco for a combo burrito.
• Arrive for hugs and kisses and see how much the kids have grown.
• Take kids to see "Monsters vs Aliens"
• Meet up with Michael and Anne at Red Robyn.
• Meet our future daughter in law in person!
• Crash in bed.
• Up early to take TRAX to downtown Salt Lake City to go to conference with Michael, Anne, and Robyn. (Thanks to Joe for watching the kids.)
• Wait in the freezing snow in the longest security line ever because I didn't leave my purse behind.
• Be glad that we had to wait in the freezing snow when we see friends (Elder Dalton and Louise) from California!!!
• Shed a few happy tears!
• Enjoy conference!
• Anxiously await arrival of Luke, Taylor, and Blake....glad Kimberly and Devon came with them.
• Enjoy a girls night together while the guys attend the Priesthood session of conference.
• Eat pizza and learn the Cleveland Shuffle (thanks Kimberly)
• Have my makeup done by the expert...Kimberly!
• Crash in bed.
• Awake early to drive downtown (forget TRAX) for early session of conference with Kimberly.
• Meet up with California friends (Randy and Linda).
• Shed a few happy tears!
• Home for steak dinner prepared by our sweet Robyn who is such a good sport to have all of us in her home.
• Surprise Happy Birthday to Me!
• Eat Anne's delicious chocolate strawberry shortcake!!!
• Later more surprises.
• My family shows up to say happy birthday!!
• Mom brings delicious chocolate cake.
• No worries though birthday cake calories don't count!
• No candles (thank goodness).
• Laugh over improvised matches on birthday cake!
• Shed a few happy tears!
• Say tearful goodbye to daughter #1 and her family.
• Visit and laugh with family.
• Get things together.
• Crash in bed.
• Awake at the crack of dawn to have my A.I.S. to get to the airport in plenty of time.
• Take off.
• Arrive home.
• Unpack.
• Crash in bed!

Salt Lake City to Chicago.....Chicago to Nashville. What's up with the cold weather. Doesn't anyone know it's April for crying out loud?!

Goal achieved...met future daughter in law in a loud restaurant with popcorn between my teeth, baby banana fingers on my sweater, sticky kisses on my cheeks, straight hair from the wet snow, bags under my eyes from having to get up at O-dark thirty and have my A.I.S. early enough to be at the airport before on time, and smeared mascara from happy tears shed. She, on the other hand, was absolutely gorgeous! I think she liked us anyway! All in all, a perfect weekend! Not "picture perfect",but perfect just the same!

My Next Career....Storm Chaser!

What happens in the South in the springtime when the air is warm and a storm is in the forecast?

TORNADOES!!

For the second time this week, we've had to seek shelter. The first time was last Saturday when Penni and Rick were here. We took Bob's brother Rick to the airport on Saturday morning and then headed to downtown Nashville for a fun-filled day. We toured the Country Music Hall of Fame, walked to Demos' for lunch, and then headed back home. The weather had been GREAT all day. It was a bit windy, but other than that it was a perfect day to be downtown.

When we got home, Penni and I decided to go to town and rent a movie. As we were driving down our street, I heard something. I thought maybe it was the radio, so I turned it up. It wasn't the radio. Just then, my cell phone rang and it was Bob telling us we may want to turn around and come home because we were under a tornado warning. It was then I cracked the window of the car and heard the eerie sound of the tornado sirens in the air. It was sunny outside and looked like we might get some rain, but didn't look that serious. Then I looked to the West and saw this big black cloud moving our direction. Needless to say, we headed home.

We turned the television on and watched them tracking the storm as it was moving our way. We thought that was pretty interesting, but not nearly as interesting as watching the clouds converge from the vantage point of the front porch. Isn't that what you're suppose to do when the sirens are blaring and the clouds are mixing it up in the sky? I mean, how can you take your eyes off of it? Seriously, I think Penni and I could be storm chasers! We finally relented and went downstairs to our "safe place", and did so only after Rick told us it wasn't some little spouts we were looking for, it was THE WHOLE SKY! So off to the basement we went. Thankfully, we had enough light (thanks to the other Rick) and a ping pong table to keep us occupied for the short time we stayed down there. Penni and Rick were able to get the full Nashville experience....country music, barbecue, and tornado warnings!

The second time we had to seek cover was today. Our flight was scheduled to leave Nashville at 5:15. We left home, drove through torrential rain and lightening, parked the car, checked our luggage, and stood in line to go through security. As we were standing there, they suddenly closed everything down, had everyone stand against a wall. Then they led us all to a secure hallway away from any windows. You know the door that says no unauthorized personnel? That one! We were under another tornado warning! We stood there for about 15 minutes before we were allowed to go through security and to our gates. When we got to our gate, we found the flight had been delayed until 6:40. That would have been fine, but we would definitely miss our connection in Chicago. Only problem....no seats on ANY OTHER FLIGHTS! Even if we got there tonight and put ourselves up in a hotel (they don't pay for anything if it's weather related) there were no seats on any flights to Salt Lake City on ANY airlines leaving Chicago in the morning.

You know you've got a real dilemma when the girl at the desk has that "deer in the headlights" kind of look and looks at you and asks..."What do you want me to do?" Uh.....GET US ON ANYTHING THAT WILL TAKE US TO OUR DESTINATION!!! I think she wanted us to say "Oh, that's OK, we'll just go some other time...have a nice day!" We have learned from experience that it is better to just keep cool and keep trying ANYTHING! This, unlike the guy next to us trying to do the same thing. I guess while I was gone and waiting in line at the Southwest counter to see if they had anything at all available to get us to Salt Lake, he started losing his cool, left the counter, and left "cool-hand-Luke" (Bob) with the flustered girl at the counter who finally exhausted all efforts and found the only two seats available for 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. If you're ever in this situation and see Mr. Cool standing next to you....DO NOT LEAVE THE COUNTER! This is the guy that can get you first class seats when you miss your connecting flight and sweet talk the girl on the other end of the phone when everyone else is yelling at her.

When Bob called me and told me to come back because the girl had found something for us, I didn't know about this other guy and how upset he was with this girl for giving US the seats. It must have really rubbed salt in the wound when I returned and told the girl she was a miracle worker and thanked her over and over. I didn't even notice this guy seething next to us. Hmmmmm, I wonder if he's going to conference too. I'd sure hate to ruin his entire weekend for him by saying hello and reminding him where he has seen me before! Guess he'd better work on that little attitude of his now shouldn't he!

We're Wired!

Bob's brother flew in last Thursday night to help us get the electrical work done in our basement. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I mean, how many brothers would fly clear across the country to work? Even more than that...how many wives would allow their husbands to do this on their anniversary? Thanks Connie! We owe you big time!

The two of them worked feverishly for a day and a half to complete the job. Now we have plenty of lights, plenty of outlets, and plenty of switches to turn everything on and off. We're even wired for surround sound for that much needed fourth big screen TV.

If you'll remember, Bob (the builder) LOVES projects...especially when it involves a trip to Home Depot. And...although no wood was involved in this project, the rush of adrenaline produced by electrical wiring tools and supplies delivered the same effect. The difference this time was that he had his brother guiding him through, thus eliminating the overwhelming impulse to buy all the tools and extra items that seem so all-fired important when you are under the influence of the "smell" inside the Depot. Of course, they are brothers....maybe it's genetic!

Thanks Rick!

Meet Michael's Lucky Charm

Meet Anne!

She's the girl who has swept our Michael off his feet, and said YES when he proposed to her on St. Patrick's Day! He will tell you that it was definitely the luckiest day in his life!

She loves to have fun!

She's talented!



She's determined, smart, and strong!



She's beautiful!



We can't wait to meet her! We love her already! She'll always be our lucky charm!

Happy Birthday My 24 Year Old Baby Boy

Dear Michael,


Twenty four years ago you made your much anticipated entrance into this world. The announcement of your upcoming arrival was a neighborhood event. When one of our neighbors found out you were on the way, she adorned our front yard with five Styrofoam snowmen...a mom, a dad, two children, and a baby. It didn't take long for word to spread. Everyone was excited with us. We had waited a long time for you!

My doctor wanted to make sure you were a boy and said if I took the blue prenatal vitamins he prescribed that you would be. They worked! We drove home with a bundle wrapped in blue, and soon afterward our home was transformed from having everything pink and frilly to having an equal amount of everything "boy".

You have always been very determined and have long been making your own decisions. I always knew if you decided to do something, it would get done. The trick was getting you to think something was your idea.

Honestly though, I think you knew how to do this to me better than I did to you. I mean, what mother in her right mind would share her ATM card with her teenage son? Oh, and also her Chevron card. I remember you saying to me that I might as well give it to you and save myself a trip to the ATM for that twenty bucks you'd need again in a few days! It was much easier for you to go to the ATM than it was for me to leave work to go there. Makes sense no? As a matter of fact....where is my Chevron card?

Trust. It's a simple word, but such an important one. I knew I could trust you. Evidently others felt the same way. I remember one of the mom's in high school saying she was always comfortable and never worried when her daughter was out with you. I knew I didn't have to worry either. You made the teenage boy years pretty fun. That's probably the reason you got off so lightly when you drove the Civic into the ground playing Michael Andretti on Skyline Drive in Fullerton. Seriously, new brakes after only 8,000 miles? Did you really think we'd believe your innocent eyes and cockamamie story about Keaton and the emergency brake? Well, maybe me, but Dad? Seriously!

Speaking of fun...I remember getting in your car and moving some hats so I could put my feet on the floor and then opening the glove compartment and finding a bunch of my old sunglasses. I think there were some old Blue blockers and some big 80's style sunglasses in there. When I asked you what you were doing with all these in your car, you told me that whoever rode in your passenger seat had to wear the hat and glasses that went best with the music choice for the day. I can still picture in my mind poor Whitney having to wear sunglasses and a straw hat on her way to early morning seminary.

It's no wonder you have so many friends. You truly care about people. You demonstrated this quality at a very young age. I received a phone call from a mother one afternoon asking if you could come over and play with her son. She then began to express to me how thankful she was for you because you had been so nice to her son who had been struggling at school. Other kids made fun of him, but you were nice to him. You were his friend.

You love all people. I remember waking up in the hotel room in Honduras and you opened the curtains wide and exclaimed, "Don't you love my city?" Then as we drove to the distant places you had lived and served, I could see how much you really cared. You were hesitant to leave them and continued to worry about their well being long after you left.

You've managed to put a lot of life into your short 24 years. Thank you for the happy times!

I thank my Heavenly Father every day for letting me be your mom. Happy Birthday to you my 24 year old baby boy! I love you!



Mom

Happy Birthday Bobby

Nothing you could say

Could tear me away from my guy (my guy)

Nothing you could do'cause I'm stuck like glue to my guy

I'm sticking to my guy like a stamp to a letter

Like birds of a feather

We stick together

I'm telling you from the start

I can't be torn apart from my guy

A friend is someone who knows the song of your heart and can sing it back to you when you forget the words. I know you'll always be there to remember if I ever forget! Happy Happy Birthday!

Luke Turns Five!

Here it is March 1 and our cute, handsome, adorable, and lovable Luke is having his 5th birthday today. Where have these 5 years gone? As grandparents we think of what Jacob from the Book of Mormon taught when he said: ". . . by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream . . ." (Jacob 7:26). Luke's 5 years have gone by so quickly it seems like it has been a dream. This young man has touched our lives in so many ways, we just can't imagine life without him in it! What a joy it has been to watch him grow up! We're sure glad his mom has a blog so we can see pictures and hear about all the fun things he is doing. So what are some of the things we know about Luke?

We know he loves his family. Luke always worries about Taylor, Blake, and his parents. He has very tender and kind feelings for everyone, and yet, he also knows how to teach his younger brother the fine art of wrestling, and playing bad guys. Yes, recently we found out this is a favorite game the boys like playing together. He's all boy, but has a very soft spot for his big sister Taylor. He'd probably do just about anything for her.

We know Luke is passionate about the things he likes. When he was in preschool in San Diego, the teachers had to ban Transformers from school because they became a distraction. (I can just imagine.) In an act of solidarity, Luke and his little 3 year old rebel friends congregated on the playground in a circle to sing the transformer song together. They would stomp their right feet and sing "Transformers....more than meets the eye!" I'm sure they really felt like they were getting away with something. He still loves Transformers, but lately he's had to balance his love for Transformers with his love for music. High School Musical music that is. Yes, he can sing along with High School Musical with the best of them.

We also know that Luke is very inquisitive. He asks lots of questions. He'll ask a question and then answer it with a "right Grandpa?" or "right mom?" or "right (fill in the name of whoever he is asking the question of)?"

Whatever you are doing, Luke wants to be in the thick of it. He wants to be grown up so he can play the games his mom and dad play with their friends.

A funny saying we remember is when Luke was in preschool in California. He had a new friend and they were playing a game of sorts. Luke told his new friend that girls can't play with them because, "it's for boy's only, right?".

Luke is kind and respectful of any adult he meets. He greets them with friendship and kindness. It's no wonder all his teachers love him. Who can resist those amazing blue eyes, beautiful blond hair, and sweet smile? He was certainly born in the right state. He looks like a beach boy! He's definitely stolen my heart!

Luke is Bob's mini me, and is right by his side when they are together. He loves when his Grandpa J. twists him around and throws him over his shoulder.

Luke and Grandpa have a game they always play. Grandpa didn't know it had a name until Luke came up to him and said, "Grandpa, let's play you can't go." Grandpa had to think about it for a few moments before he realized what the game was. This is a game that Grandpa has played with Luke since he was little. Grandpa will sit on the couch and Luke will stand in front of him. Luke starts to walk away and Grandpa grabs him and says you can't go. It's pretty hard to tell who is having the most fun.

Most importantly, we know Luke is our friend who we love, we miss, and we pray every day for. We are grateful Luke is a part of our family.

Happy birthday big guy.

We love you and miss you.

We wish we could spend this special day with you.

Nanu and Grandpa

32 Years and Counting

Guest Blogger

32 years ago today, we were in the Salt Lake Temple creating an eternal family unit, another kingdom so to speak. Little did I know how great those 32 years would turn out. Neither you nor I knew at that moment in time we would be blessed with three beautiful children. 32 years ago we weren’t thinking about three children and especially about the five beautiful, loveable, adorable, incredible, wonderful grandchildren that would come into our lives and prick our hearts with a love we never thought we would experience or even realize existed. We’ve learned in those years how to forgive, forget, and how to love even more than we did when we first met. You have shown me how to be a better person. You’ve taught me about service and devotion to family. You’ve shown me how to love at all times. You’ve truly shown me how to love as the Savior loves. Your Christ like demeanor continues drawing me and others to you. Your love for our children is greater than any love I have ever witnessed.

Neither you nor I knew we would have opportunities to move around the country and see areas outside of our comfort zone that caused us to stretch. Here we are in good old Tennessee with new friends, new church callings, new opportunities to grow in ways we never thought possible. We’re now at a stage in life where we wished our children were closer to us or we were closer to them. We continue going forward, striving from a distance to build up a family whom we love, miss, and are grateful for blogs and cell phones so we always know what is going on.

Where have we come in 32 years? Our first daughter was born 9-months after we married. OK, so no one told me it was that easy. 3 ½ years after our wedding day, our second daughter was born. 8 years from day one, we had number three who became our number one son. We’ve sent two of those children on missions to the far reaches of the world. Two of three have graduated from college, with the third close to completing his undergrad degree. Two out of three married in the Los Angeles Temple causing them to feel closeness to the Lord’s house in California. All three have returned to their roots in Utah. Number one daughter has three children, and daughter number two has two children. Oh what a blessing these all are to us. There really is nothing better than watching your children grow, develop, raise children, and most importantly, have a testimony of the Savior.

For 32 years you have stood by my side, watched my struggles in life, and encouraged me to better myself. You have shown me how to love others more than myself. You’ve taught me kindness by example. You continue quietly serving and loving and leading in so many ways. You have blessed my life beyond measure. You truly are the key to my happiness. When you are gone, my life is empty. When we are together, our lives are full. I will always be grateful for the day when you and I married for the eternities. I will always be grateful for your love and kindness. I will always be grateful for the person I call my best friend. You truly are my best friend forever. Thank you honey for 32 wonderful years. I love you so much (ILYSM).

Bob

Our Baby Avery's First Birthday

Avery's first year has been full of lots of smiles,lots of kisses,

lots of good times,

and lots and lots of sweet memories!

We've only known you a year, and just can't imagine life without you in it. We Love You!

Happy Birthday Baby Avery!

OId Hickory Ward Sisters/Christmas 2008

On December 6th, I was asked to head the food committee for our Relief Society Christmas Party. Everyone LOVED the Chinese Chicken Salad, so I thought I'd share it with my favorite inter peeps.


Since I didn't share this event with you then, I thought I'd throw in a few pictures so y'all can see some of my sweet sisters here in Nashville.


As my son-in-law Joe said to me...."You know, Amy Grant had it right...It really is a Tender Tennessee Christmas!"

The Skit

Putting the Salad together...

By the way, the recipe calls for rice noodles. You should have seen all the varieties of noodles that showed up. Have you ever tried to eat Vermicelli rice noodles uncooked? (They are like spaghetti noodles, only tougher to chew.) Well, they were not cooked...just broken up and tossed in the salad. We got a really good laugh over that one. Thanks to all the polite sisters who ate them while trying to choke them down. We also got some long wide noodles cooked and ready to toss. At least they were dropped off in a zip lock baggie and not tossed into the salad. Can you imagine cold wet noodles in a green salad? Yummm!

Needless to say, I'm changing the recipe to say "Chow Mein Noodles". I'm sure there are crunchy rice noodles out there. More power to you if you can find them. It was really good with the Chow Mein Noodles.

Old Hickory Ward Sisters

It was lots of fun!

Here's the recipe...enjoy!




Chinese Chicken Salad
Serves 12-15

12 oz spinach
21 oz. romaine lettuce
(Add some red leaf lettuce for color)
1 cup shredded carrots
3 cups mandarin oranges
1 1/4 cups bacon (cooked and cut into pieces)
2 1/4 cups toasted almonds (sliced)
1 1/2 bag Chow Mein Noodles

Poppy Seed Dressing

1/3 cup vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
Heat and dissolve sugar in vinegar

Add:
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1 1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds
2/3 cup oil
1/2 tsp. salt

Whip together to mix oil and vinegar. It will mix completely and not separate IF whipped together long enough. This makes about 1 2/3 cups.

Chicken

Cook and cube 4 chicken breast halves. Thaw chicken or, if fresh chicken pieces are used, remove skin and trim fat. Dust in flour mixed with some seasoning mix (Lawry's Chicken Rub). Shake on a bit more of the seasoning and a tiny bit of garlic and bake in butter at 375 for 35 minutes, turning the chicken once.

The spinach, romaine, red leaf, and carrots can all be mixed together ahead of time. the rest of the ingredients are to be mixed in just prior to serving.

Finally...Christmas 2008

If you fly the friendly skies, it could take up to a half a day to fly from Tennessee to Salt Lake City, and that's if you have a layover somewhere. By car....well lets just say....if you go by car, it's NOT a day trip! But... when all is said and done, you will be able to say you've been in Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and Utah. So after giving it some thought, we decided to drive home for Christmas. This does shed some doubt on our ability to make a rational decision, but all rationale goes out the door when you're emotionally driven by a great desire to be with loved ones for Christmas.


So our road trip began...and after miles and miles of miles and miles, we ended the first leg of our trip in Denver. A mere 18 hours and we had arrived back in the Rockies. Ahhhh....home! And though we still had miles and miles of more miles and miles to travel, we were finally able to take some scenic pictures. (Yes, our first and only scenic pictures were taken the second day of our journey when we drove through the mountains of Colorado.) As a matter of fact, it was so beautiful that we almost made a phone call saying we'd come as far as we could and if anyone wanted to see us, they could join us on the slopes of Vail Colorado. Too bad we don't ski. Lucky for us we were just one step ahead of the snow storms that wreaked havoc on Christmas travelers across the U.S. As a matter of fact, the road we were traveling on (I-70) was closed the day after our arrival in Cedar City, Utah. Then it started to snow. And snow. And snow. We wanted a white Christmas and it looked pretty likely we would be having one.

After we arrived in Cedar and the snow kept falling, we decided this called for some serious gingerbread house making and snow playing. After three days, we were back on the road again. But before we left, Before we left, we made sure to stop for the best burger in town. Ya wanna guess where that was? The BOWLING ALLEY! Go figure.



Next stop...Salt Lake City. With our sleigh packed to the gills, our bun warmers on, and an extra gallon of windshield wiper fluid, just in case, we headed north.


After traveling all those miles and miles of miles and miles to get to Salt Lake for Christmas, we began to really question our decision. What in the world possessed us to do such a crazy thing! Especially since we still had to drive back...AAUGH!

So...why did we do this...

Maybe we did it because we really wanted to be a part of that crazy gift exchange at Penni's house. You know...the game that Grandma Hand started years ago with all her treasures from entering the Reader's Digest Sweepstakes that she couldn't bear to part with so she decided to wrap them up for a Christmas Eve we would never forget. Thanks to Penni, the tradition continues. Oh the treasures one can walk away with...
Maybe it's because we love opening up new PJ's to wear to bed on Christmas Eve. Or maybe it's watching the faces of our grandchildren as they listen to the story of our Savior's birth on that first Christmas so long ago. Or maybe it's that magical feeling only present on a snowy Christmas Eve.
Maybe it's because we can't wait for Santa to come so we can watch the faces of the kids as they open their gifts. Priceless.Maybe it's the jammies that fit,



and those that don't.
Maybe it's tradition. Maybe it's Christmas casserole, muffins, and juice, or Bob's
Tenderloin....yummm!

Maybe it's having a white Christmas and playing in the snow.
Maybe it's the family band and lots of Christmas songs together.

Maybe it's four generations of girls under one roof.

Maybe it's having breakfast with best friends and wondering how time has gone by so quickly that our girls are now moms and we're grandmas! Maybe it's realizing how blessed we are to have such lifelong friends. (Thanks LaDean and Aly...it was so fun to see you!)


Maybe it's staying up as late as we possibly can after getting all the kids settled down so we can play games, laugh, and just have fun together.

Or maybe it's that after-all-the-games-are-over-late-night-talk-with-mom. You know... the one that's not planned but happens every time we're together that I look forward to after dad goes to bed. The one that sort of caps off our visit and begins our long goodbye. That one.

Maybe those are the reasons we do it, or maybe we're just crazy!! I guess we are a little crazy. All I know is that it was worth it. Thanks for such a wonderful Christmas! We love you all!