Updated Family Photos

I've been reluctant to change our family photo on our blog or on my Facebook page until Austin returns home from his mission and we have a truly updated family photo with all of us in it.

However, I was determined to get a photo of Riley before he headed out the door to college once again.  We didn't ever really have Senior year photos taken, nor did we have a nice pre-mission photo done either.  Our kids grow and change whether we want them to or not.  I want to remember the kids at all phases of life and photos are the one way to do just that.

So, thank you, Mickisha Glen for coming on Dec. 31, 2011 late in the afternoon and taking a few casual photos of the kids and the rest of us to document this moment in time.

Riley

Parker

Macey

The kids and me.

Silly kids having a good time.  Love the laughter.

Thankful #2

Then . . .

I am thankful for my husband.  We have been married for 24 years now.  There are so many things I love about him.  We are different in many ways but the same in the ones that matter most.  What are the things I love about him, you ask . . . let me count the ways!  (I'll just name a few).

1.  He balances me out in so many ways.
**I tend to be too loud and he is more reserved.  This has taught me to think before I speak.
**I have a hard time falling asleep and he has a hard time staying awake.  I am a nightowl (or used to be) and  he is the one that lets me know when it's time for bed. 

2.  I try to do too much and he reigns me back in.  He lets me know it's ok, that I don't have to fix everything for everybody.  Yet he supports me in my endeavors.

3.  He doesn't complain that I'm not a good cook.

4.  He still says I look awesome!  He doesn't notice the wrinkles, veins, cellulose and all.

5.  He has a hairy chest that I've always loved.

6.  He is a hard worker, humble, honest and caring.

7.  He is a great speaker.  I love listening to him tell me stories, discuss the gospel or catch up on the news.

8.  He remembers everything - things he reads, people, places and moments in life.

9.  He takes good care of us, loves us and loves spending time together as a family.

10.  He is mine - now and always!  Forever!

We enjoy most of all the fall and the few cooler days we get here in Florida.  It gives us time to spend watching BYU Football together and taking longer walks in the evenings.  The cooler days allows me to snuggle a little closer and a little longer. I love it when he nuzzles my neck just as much now as 24 years ago.

Our Dad Is Our Hero and More!

I had to go into John's office for something.  He had an apple in his lunch.  He proceeded to tear it in half with his bare hands.  I was amazed!  In all these years I don't think he had shown me this trick of his.  I had him give me the apple to take home to Macey to show her.  She thought it was the coolest thing.  She wanted her own demonstration!



She didn't waste any time in making use of the 'cut' apple by devouring it as her after school snack!

Haircut Success!

Parker needed a haircut. John said he could do it - and he did - and it turned out great! How does that work? First time success. I've tried on occassion and it never turns out very well if I'm doing a real haircut. If I'm just trimming around the ears and shaping up the neckline them I do just fine.

I've been asked by John and the kids to "please, not to cut the dogs hair, ever again." I guess the end result is a little embarrassing.

Happy Father's Day - John!

We always seem to need to get up and moving after Sunday afternoon naps. We don't make it a habit of going to the beach on Sunday, but every once in awhile it sounds like a good family time activity.

John had suggested that we go to the beach to watch the sunset. There was a good little breeze so it kept the humid feeling away a bit. We got there a little too early this time so we enjoyed ourselves but ended up not staying 'til the sun went down.

Happy Father's Day - John!



We told Parker & Macey they could go in up to their knees. They obeyed (for once) but sat down to experience the full effect of the waves! The beach itself with the wind, water and view was peaceful. The drive to the beach, however, with Parker & Macey exchanging jabs in the back seat was not! Life - gotta love it.

Let's Eat Cake!

Here is everyone indulging in John's birthday cake and wishing mom would just put the camera away. They were all good sports though and we had a little fun with it. It was a contest with some to see if they could prevent mom from getting the shot. No way - I'm very persistent.

John's B-Day

John had scheduled a scout service project on his birthday! Silly man! We celebrated with cake and ice cream the next day - Mother's day.

Kind of funny how John's birthday and Mother's Day always fall on the same weekend and my birthday and Father's Day do as well. We are good at sharing our time in the spotlight.