August Happenings

Man, August has flown by. Here is August at a glance.

This actually is what is happening today... September 1st, but close enough. We finally had someone come and paint the 20 foot walls in the entry. I am so excited I can't stand it. They look so much better after 10 years of wear and tear.

I am so glad we didn't try to do it.

The last weeks in August have been dedicated to home improvement. Nice deep wire basket drawers by my sink for dish towels and such.

These chrome drawers are great for the heavy stuff in the cupboard. No more pulling everything out to fined something.

I also decorated Rick's new office at work with some pictures of beautiful rock art taken in Lake Powell, and outside of Vernal, Utah where we grew up. Some of the pottery was made by the kids in high school, some were gifts, and some we bought.

He needs some plants but all in all I thought it looked pretty good. His boss said it looked like an art gallery...I am still trying to think if that was a complement or a slam. I think is looks nice!

August is a big Birthday month for us. Bailey, Me, Becky my sis, Becky my dnl, and many nieces and nephews.

Bailey celebrating her 7th birthday.

Looli made this darling cupcake cake for my birthday. 5 years plus........?

The neighborhood squirrels are getting so friendly...busted for digging under my tree! .

Here is his partner in crime standing atop the neighbors garden art.

Jake is cutting teeth. He came over the other day and I gave him a Popsicle. This was his second Popsicle for the day, listen to his sound effects... hysterical.

Along came a spider and sat down...

This would have been a great post for Halloween. I am sure that one of these pics will make the header for October! I always get a little nervous when Rick summons me to come outside. I never go out willingly. Why you ask? First of all, he always says, "come and see my friend." He says it like he really means it. So finally, I go out to see his "friend." His friends usually consists of a snake, a lizards, or a toad...but this night it was a SPIDER! Not your normal spider, but the grand old size of Texas, SPIDER! The thing was HUGE! It's web had the circumference of about 36 inches and the line that anchored it span 20 feet across the driveway to the big oak in our front yard! Rick was so intrigued by it, he wouldn't harm it. He got totally upset when I told him where the Raid was. So...we did nothing. We never saw our "friend" after that evening...but will talk about it for a long time to come.


You can see how big it is!



The anchor lines were up for weeks.


I still can't figure out how Rick drove his car in the garage wiyhout knocking it down.



Up close and personal!

Bay and I...and our annual pilgrimage to IHOP

Since we didn't want to create overload on Bay's actual Birthday we celebrated a little early this year. Her Mom said that she was so excited that she didn't sleep the night before. She slept in, so I didn't pick her up until around 9:00am.

Bay hungry and ready to eat.

Notice the whipped cream didn't last long!

She ordered her favorite face pancake!

Enjoying her breakfast.

Then came the Birthday singing waitresses and a heaping tablespoon on whipped cream, and a dish of icecream.

I would say by the look on her face that the day was successful!

We went shopping for school clothes after we were done. We love you Bailey!

The reality of never becoming a "Design Star."

As I made a reality stroll through my house this morning, some things became very clear. After being gone for a week, having company for a week, and getting sick for two weeks, I have a lot to catch up on. I saw that the floors needed to be mopped, toilets need to be scrubbed, dusting and vacuuming need to be done, and windows needed cleaning... Then I noticed two things that needed attention, but with some thought and hesitation I came to the conclusion, that just maybe these things weren't critical as the other list.


I am just sure that everyone is jealous of my cluttered fridge... ha ha ...it's surface is full of love notes, reminders, and cheery magnets. Even though I know it is time for some of these things to come down, they will soon be replaced with new treasures.


and....Who wouldn't want a Bishop's office set up on their dinning room table? At first I saw clutter, but then I saw something a lot more meaningful. I saw a Bishop who is trying so hard to serve the best he can. One who prepares diligently to speak to, counsel, and guide those he is in charge of. It put things into perspective for me. So for the time being...


The reality of being a "Design Star" is on permanent hold.

Random....

This are just random shots of our goings on while Jamie and Becky were here. Thought I would post them for memory sake, probably boring to everyone else...sorry.

Shopping for the girls a movie for the boys...I think we had more fun.

Jamie and Becky had missed the Tex-Mex in Houston so we had to hit all their favorites while they were here. Papasittos was the last night hurrah! The kids were great considering we waited 45 minutes to be seated. Bri and Becky enjoying a moment.
All the grand kids are becoming quite and chip and salsa eaters. Laynie

We had plenty of play time.

Note... where are all these children's fathers?

Feeding the crew lunch.

First night Becky and Jamie arrived it was Lupes.

Kids took the outside of the restaurant over.
Notice Ike diving in the fountain.

Laynie and Benz enjoying a ride on the cow.

Benz was so happy to see Aunt Becky.

Princess Laynie playing with Woody.

All seven celebration!

Looli made the kids matching outfits for the 4th of July. I was bound and determined to get a picture of all of them in their outfits. This was the best of 35....so there you go.

4th of July BASH!

We started out our celebration at Valley Ranch BBQ. It's one of our favorites. With all that is going on at the Morgan's and Wallace's we decided it was a great option. We feasted on our favoirtes...BBQ beef, ribs, links, turkey, or stuffed baked potatoes with all the fixins. Then it was off to Jarod's and Brianne's house for treats and fireworks.

Morgans and Wallaces at Valley Ranch...chow down.


The kids had time to play while it was still light. Bryn at the train table.


Kinda looks like a nursery doesn't it?


Baby Jake is cutting teeth, he was miserable.


Laynie didn't want anything to do with fireworks!


Benz and Brandon enjoying sparklers

Anticipation...Ike loved the fireworks!

Kids had so much fun we could have called it a night on this alone.

Morgan boys having a good time.

Gavin in his Statue of Liberty pose.

Bay having a good time.

My 4 runner was the fire works station.


Front row seats.

Boys and their toys!

The boys picked out a good variety of fireworks.

Happy 4th of July!