NATALIE'S BIRTHDAY AND OTHER MOMENTS

My camera isn't feeling well, so I only have a couple of good pictures. But we did have a good time at Natalie's Birthday luncheon. Even Neil came...therefore the picture. Natalie got some goodies and a couple of maternity shirts from Megan, a wooden rolling pin and some extras from me and a night of dinner and babysitting from Bethany. As well as balloons and yummy lunch! It was a little downplayed from other years, before so many grandchildren and younger years. She used to want a "birthday week" but now I think one day suffices. That what kids do to you!

Also, I got a couple of pictures of Scout getting into my lotion. Can you guess which face is before and after. When she finally go it open (which I couldn't do) she said, "I did it." Neil and I had enough lotion on us to slide down a banister. But she was happy.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!

There is a song called "I have been Blessed." That should be my theme song! I have really been blessed with my family. Each of them is a gift to me, and each of them is special. They play such an important part in my life. I couldn't live without them. Each day some little thing happens that makes me glad I am me, and I have my good life.

Today I had Scout and Atticus while Megan worked on two reports. She makes me color with her and tries to help me with my dishes. She checks on Neil every little while and copies her brother. She loves to kiss Boo, and giggles when she licks her. Atticus is now into He-Man and has such an appetite...he ate a homemade taco and three scrambled eggs for dinner. I said I needed a boy to love me, and he said, "I"m the one, grandma."

Lila helps her little Emme even with potty training. She follows Emme who has her pants around her ankles, and tries to wipe her bottom. Lila got donuts at the store, and Emme took them and ran. When Lila saw what Natalie got for her birthday, she said, "You got a roller! You have been so spoiled." She talks like her mama. I am excited to find out what the next one is. I am impressed with Josh. He helps Natalie out alot when she is sick. I notice he helps her with dishes, dinner, bathing the kids and so many other things. He is a blessing to her too.

Reagan goes in for his check up tomorrow..since he got his plugs in his ears. I can't wait to hear if he is better. Bobby has been sick and I hope he is better soon too. I love their little faces.

Neil is a blessing too. He has his quirks, and sometimes gets a little hot under the collar, but he is a determined man who will not let his bad health get the best of him, and he never stops working hard for all of us. He takes care of his family...and we are blessed to have him in our life.

RAD ROMAN'S SLEEPOVER

We had the best time with Roman yesterday and last night. It was so much fun to have him for a day. We made treats for Natalie for her birthday, watched Indiana Jones (and I had a play by play through the whole movie), and went to the park. He never wore out. He is just the best kid, and what a memory for a 6 year old. He has such knowledge in that sweet, little head. Lots of important information like: sharks, dinosaurs, storms, Star Wars, books, movies, etc. I'm was amazed at how much he knew. When I told him how great he was, he'd say, "I know." Then he was a great sleeping buddy and went right to sleep. He had ebleskibas for dinner and breakfast, so it wasn't hard to please him. And he promised he would come once a month for a sleepover and kite flying. Thanks to Aaron and Erika for letting him come, and for producing such a great kid!

SOME THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY!

These are some of my happy places. They make me smile! I HAVE A GOOD LIFE.

1. Little Bobby's eyes when they move to the side when he is talking or singing.

2. Katrina's voice when she calls me and asks me to come and visit.

3. Emme's nod and "ya" when she agrees.

4. Natalie's birthday week...which used to last a week and now she is lucky to get a day.

5. Scout's coloring with both hands.

6. Atticus, how he says every syl-la-ble.

7. Getting a good report from the Huntsman Ctr. on dad.

8. Hearing the birds sing because they are hoping Spring is here.

9. Megan's eyelashes.

10. Brittany making me laugh when I want to be grumpy.

11. Bryton and Bobby singing to "Mama Mia!"

12. Getting some things done is my house.

13. Sharing my days with Neil.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEST FRIEND!!!!!

Happy Birthday to my best friend, Jette! You are as beautiful as you were 15 years ago. And you are even a better friend to me each day in every way. We had been through many stratum's of life together: from raising children, to disappointments, to cancer in our immediate families, to great miracles and blessings. We have had quite a ride, and I wouldn't have missed one minute of it for all the world! This poem is for you, my dearest friend:
Oh, the comfort--the inexpressible comfort
of being safe with a person,
Having neither to weigh thoughts,
Nor measure words--but pouring them
All right out--just as they are--
Chaff and grain together--
Certain that a faithful hand will
Take and sift them--
Keep what is worth keeping--
And with the breath of kindness
Blow the rest away.
I love you dearest friend, forever, for always, no matter what!

Our 45th ANNIVERSARY

Natalie just sent me the pictures of our get-together for our anniversary. They turned out pretty well. We had a great dinner at Lonestar with just the grown ups and we actually got to visit and laugh and enjoy each other. It's not that we can't when all the grandkids are there, it's just easier to hear each other and share memories. Each of the kids had a special shirt of Neil and me 45 years ago...my we haven't aged a bit! But the shirts were a nice touch. The only down side to this night was missing my Brittany. It isn't the same without her. She livens up the whole family.

I have the greatest family and am so grateful to them for all they do and all they are! I LOVE YOUR LITTLE FACES!

NEW PICS

I haven't received the pictures from my anniversary yet, so I will show a couple of my recent favorites. Scout is now into coloring! That is all she wants to do! And she asks "You coloring?" constantly, so that you can help out. She is ambidextrous, and so she used both hands to double the pleasure of her masterpieces. I'm so glad she has found something she loves.

Emme meanwhile is trying to nap while Natalie is driving. Everytime we look in the back seat, Lila is trying to get the balloons. It finally wakes Emme, and she isn't pleased that someone is butting in on her balloons!