OUR ARIZONA SURPRISE FOR BRITTANY

One Friday night, Natalie called and was saying how she missed Brittany and her family. We decided the next morning to drive all the way to Tempe, Arizona for a surprise visit. We told Neil and Josh, and no one else, packed up and drove all day. That night in the dark and middle of the desert, the GPS said "you are at your destination" but we didn't believe it. There were no lights to be seen. So we turned around and found a place in Boulder City. The next day we arrived about 4 pm and put baby Hazel on Britt's doorstep and hid. When she opened the door, we hid in the bushes, and yelled "surprise." I think we really did trick her. We had such a fun time with her and her family. And the little cousins had a blast. We may never do that again, but it felt so right to do it this time. Natalie and I are just little tricksters.

Lila and Katrina loved to play so much. What beautiful, little girls. Here we are waiting for our food and they just squeezed each other. I was amazed how good the kids were for being in the car so long. They were perfect.

Can you believe this weather! We left the cold and snowy and came to 70 degrees. It was beautiful. We didn't want to leave. The kids had so much fun with each other. They love their cousins.

I loved this park by Brittanys house. The kids had so much fun.

Reagan is growing up so fast. He is 14 months but seems like a 2 year old. He loved baby Hazel and tried to show her quiet affection. I think he could be dominated by sisters! Poor boy!

Yes, it was a surprise, but Brittany said it was her best surprise ever! So that was worth it!

YOU KNOW.......

You know you've seen lazy when your 4 year old grand-daughter can suck her favorite stuffing through a straw, but won't chew the meatloaf in her mouth, and keeps it on her tongue all meal long, because it is too much effort to chew it.

You know you have issues when all you want to do is kiss on 2 1/2 month old Hazel because her mother has broken her will to fight back.

You know you are blessed when your 6 year old grandson asks to watch "Les Miserable" dvd, and when you ask him why he wants to see it, he says, "Because it is God music."

You know you have really lost it when you accept kisses with snot on them, just to get a kiss from a sweet little girl. You know......

LEGO DAY AT GRANDMAS

The cameraman (or woman) is having trouble but couldn't resist these cute faces that I love. Legos are our new hobby at grandmas. And Atticus can beat me hands down. It makes me so happy to see them so happy.

Both Atticus and Scout had a good time today. He is so serious and she is so funny.

Even Scout got in on the Lego building and didn't do too badly. Of course, she had to have her own to work on. We have to be careful, cause she eats the guns, just to bug her brother.

I haven't had pictures in some time. And now you know why. These aren't the best pictures, but my heart is in it. Atticus is getting into Lego land, and I am amazed how well he does it. He loves it and doesn't even take a break for eating!

THE GOOD TIMES KEEP ON COMIN

Of course, this one is one of my favorites. It just says it all about my grand-daughters. They are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this one of Katrina. I took it last year and I would defy anyone to not want to bite her chubby cheeks and legs. I hope she stays this cute until she is 22 years old. Then she can get thin.

I like how serious Bobby J and Bryton are studying the game plans. They are such good friends...I like to go to their games.

I love Reagans teeth. They are so cute and almost as pretty as his eyes. I hear he is in trouble alot now and it makes me smile. I would love to see him sucking on cascade and pulling out bags.

This one of my Lila just says it all. She loves to be on stage. It is funny because her mother was so shy. But it makes me proud. She is in a performance this Sunday at Primar, and when she got the talk, it was only one line. She said, "This is it?" Most kids would want one liners!

I just wanted to put on a few of my favorite pictures. These are the ones that make me smile.

TRIP TO SEE THE WITCHES

This isn't one of the witches.....this is little, Hazel Irene White's one month picture. She is such a sweetheart and we love that hair. When her cheeks get chubbier, they will have bite marks on them.

I told you there was candy around the corner. I think she has her grandma Risha's double chin!

I think Emme and Lila are wondering if this witch is real. Could Cus care less? (I think she might be real.)

One witch....two beauties....and one handsome dude. I think Emme is on the sideline trying to get in on it, but her mama is probably smooching on her.

Scout seems pretty happy. Bet there is candy around the corner. I don't think it's the witches!

I stole Natalie's pictures at Gardner Village. I love that Lila is checking out the witch, and Emme, Atticus and Scout are posing. What a beautiful place to visit.

HOORAY! I HAVE PICS AGAIN. MY BEST FRIEND IS HERE!

After 13 long years, my best friend, Jette and her family have moved back to Utah. It is such a blessing for all of us. I have missed her dreadfully. But we have never failed to keep in touch and I am so glad to have her here with her children and Jim. Myla and JB are growing up so fast. It will be fun to see them grow up here now. Myla will turn 12 this weekend and is getting to be such a lovely, young woman. Jim loves Utah as much as I do, so this should be a great bonding. I love you, little Sandeful family!
P.S. Thank you Jim for fixing my blog. You are the best!

A SECOND CHANCE TO BE A PERFECT MOM

First a few of my favorite quotes lately:
Scout: "Emme called me Cout!" Then after an altercation with Emme, after her mama told her not to hit her cousin with a Barbie. Then Scout held her Barbie straight to the sky and said: "But I WANT to hit my cousin."
Mason: "I want to marry a chinese girl so she can cook and clean for me."
Roman: "I am half Mexican." When asked which half? He says: "The bottom half."
Lila: To Natalie's tummy. "This baby is going to be the cutest little sucker."
Atticus: When told no kissing girls this year at school! He put his hand in front of his mouth and said, "I can't help it if I'm smiling."
To all the grandchildren who can't get enough of my lap, I adore you.

We have had a busy summer with birthday parties and trips. I have really enjoyed being with my family. I read once that no matter what they do or don't do, grandparents affect the emotional well-being of their grandchildren. There are some who live too far away to enjoy their grandchildren. And there are those of us who love their time with each grandchild when they can get it. I want my house to be a safe territory--like "goal" in a children's game where it is the place where you are home free. I want them to know I love their being. I think this purity of feeling-you are, therefore I love you-is a grandparent's most precious gift. I want each of them to just be happy, and to remember me as loving the "forever, for always, no matter what." Lila tells me, "I want you to live with us forever." I look at her beautiful, little face and realize that "The old cannot always remain with the young." But while I have life, I hpe to make my grandchildren feel they are the most special individuals in the world.

SHARE YELLOWSTONE PICTURES-

I loved the Yellowstone trip. The kids were especially great! And my grandkids had such a great time. They loved the outdoors, the rivers, the animals, the rain, and the food! I'm so glad we went. Natalie put the trip incidentals on her blog. She wrote it up so well, so I will let her do the writing and I'll add a couple of fun pictures!

JULY...SO FAR

We have had such a busy month. First we had Cus, Emmes and Jessicas birthday all together. We had it at a water park, and the kids had a great time. Even Neil went through the water. I wish I had pictures of it, but didn't get my camera working. I think they all had a great time...I know I did. Then the 4th of July weekend was great. We went to a parade which the kids loved. They especially liked the floats. The fire engines were a little loud, but still fun. The next morning we went to Neil's favorite....chuckwagon breakfast with Natalie's family and Brandon's family. I think they all got their fill of pancakes, ham and eggs. The best part was the fireworks. They were great and we had Aaron's family, Natalie's family and Beth's family.

When Atticus and Scout got home, we had a new member of the family. As you can see, we have "Bumble Bee" living with us now. Actually, he has a best friend and it isn't Sam. It is a naked kid...don't recognize her. You can't get the costume off Atticuc, unless you demand that it gets washed. He is the best.

Brittany and Ben went to Bear Lake and we were so jealous. They are back now and we are busy. I get a kick out of them but wish they had been here for the 4th. I think they are beginning to really get used to us. I read to Belle constantly and Katrina cries when we leave. Jessie is such a good helper, and none of us can get enough of Reagan!

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens......woops...wait....that is someone elses. My favorite things are good things are clouds, great books, sunshine after rain, fireworks, babies, children's laughter, one on one with people I love, sloppy kisses from 2 year olds, chocolate, having grandkids over for a sleep over. But my favorite are things that happen to me, or my family and friends. Here are some of them!

1. Bryton winning awards at school for her work.....one for reading, one for success and she is one of three to win the National Fitness Award. She had to work hard for these and I'm very proud of her. I went to her program today and she is the cutest kid to watch...I love her so.

2. Noah is in baseball All Stars and is traveling the state for games. He plays a wicked third base, and is the smartest player I've ever seen. I love to see him make smart plays and stealing home. He is so great....and loves his dad and gramma! He is such a fun kid.

3. Reagan is nine months old exactly and is walking with clenched little fists. He stands from a squat position and stands and walks with this big smile on his face. He is tooooo cute.

4. Every day that is good, Cus says, "This is the Best day of my life." Oh to be so innocent. I wish he would stay that way forever.

5. Living with Brittany makes me realize what an amazing person she is. She can do everything. She is a great mama and wife. She can fix anything!!!! Just as well as Ben, she's says. And she can multi-task like crazy. I adore her. Wish it would rub off on me!

6. My Sabrina Belle is so cute and sassy. She says, "Just wait! I gonna bite your face!"

7. Three of my grandkids have a birthday this weekend and I am excited. Atticus, Jessica, and Emme. They are so wonderful and are having a triple birthday. It will be fun celebrating all together. I called Emme today and she says, "I love you guts." What fun kids! Jessie can hardly wait...she is squeezing her face off. They are nutty like me!

DO I HAVE THE CUTEST GRANDKIDS--OR WHAT?

These are some of the pics we have taken the last few weeks, with Britt's kids here. The naked ones are Britt's Belle, and Natalie's Emme. Reagan with a dirty face, and Lila on her birthday. I love their little faces and bottoms!

LILA'S DANCE RECITAL

What a fun week we have had! My Lila Risha (yes, she looks like her dad but has my name!) danced at a recital this week. She not only was the prettiest, cutest, and best dancer; But she looked like a million bucks. ( I hope I don't sound a little prejudice.) It was fun...even if it was rained out.

Also we went to Boise to visit old friends, George and Linda. Neil has been friends since jr. high and they have a bond. When we get together, they trade jabs, see who can eat the most, and Neil always laughs at George's raucous stories. Linda and I bond and I am amazed what a great builder she is, from refurbishing homes, to plumbing, to laying floors, to making sheds. She does sewing, loves antiques, and gardens. Talk about an all around talented woman. I learn alot from her. We had a great time. George wanted my kids to know a few discourses from our visit he wanted me to share!

One was when Linda asked him if he wanted eggs for breakfast, and he said, "I don't eat anything that comes out of a chicken's a@@! Then after her and Neil had bought 2 dozen pastries, and had eaten most of the in one day, the next day he had chocolate cake and six more pastries to start the day. George reached up on the fridge to get some pills. When I asked what the pills were for, he answered; " These are carb blockers! Look at me and tell the kids, "Wow, look how these carbs blockers are working." Needless to say, he probably put on 5 pounds when we were there. Now we are both on a diet to see who can lose the first 25 pounds!

THIS HAS BEEN A CRAZY WEEK!

I got a few more pictures that I love. So many grandkids, so little time. But they are all fun and beautiful and I adore being with them. I'm goint to miss my little Skousens.

MEMORIAL DAY PICS

It was fun to have so many come to dinner and hang out. I have a good fmily and am glad when we can be together. The big kid is Titan, who is now 14, soon to be 15. The littlest is Reagan who is 8 months and trying to stand alone. Atticus had Mason and Roman to play with and I couldn't get them to hold still long enough for pictures. Emme and Sabrina Belle have a contest to see who can get naked first. Lila just cuddles Atticus every chance she gets, and Jessica tried to take down all the boys cousins...some twice her age. She did pretty well...she is strong. It was a good day.