Classics and Favorites: Sibs and Kids

Don't you love it when pictures appear that you've never seen before? Especially if your kids are in them. This picture is a new favorite for me, it just came into my possesion in the last year or so.

This is my only sister; Lilian, and my baby brother; David, with my baby boy; Jeremy. I had three children before any of my siblings even started having kids. Consequently, although they missed out on having cousins very close to their ages, they had the benefit of being the "onlys" for a few years. The only grandchildren and the only nephews... on both sides of family.

My siblings loved my children and they built relationships with them that have endured through adulthood. Lilian and David were my best babysitters when the boys were little. Lilian grew up and started her own family, and teenager David one day proclaimed that he wasn't babysitting again... and he didn't; until Caitlin came along.

Lilian is my only sister and she's the best! I love going to her house and I often invite myself over for movies and her fabulous popcorn, Mike and I have a reserved seat. We can talk on the phone forever... and still have things to say an hour later. She is willing to help out at the deli on a moments notice if needed, and everyone likes it when she comes to work. She's fun! I love my sista Ririan!

David is my baby brother. He has a heart of gold. When he knocks on my door I know it's him because nobody can knock on a door the way he does. We have a telephone ritual that never fails. He can make you laugh 'til it hurts... but can also bring a tear to your eye.

When I see this picture of Jeremy I just want to cuddle him in my arms again. His little Tanner reminds me of him when he was the same age. What a precious baby boy, and he still is... my baby boy!

Love you Jer Bear and Leenz and Wayway!!

Classics and Favorites: First Family Picture 1993

Last week was Caitlin's birthday, so it seems appropriate to share a favorite picture taken minutes after her birth.

When I went to my very first OB appointment I told my Doctor that I would like the baby to be born on St. Patrick's Day. My due date was so close to that day, and after all... I was born in Ireland. I was induced early that morning and amazingly it was my longest labor ever. Caitlin Rose (perfect name for a St. Patrick's Day baby girl) made it with just 55 minutes to spare. I came to the conclusion that Caitlin and Ashleigh had spent some time together, and waited as long as possible to say "goodbye".

Caitlin's birth brought a lot of joy and healing to our family. Just look at the smiles on our faces. She was, and continues to be a gift. Happy birthday Rose!!

WHAT.A.WEEK!!!!!!

Why is it that some weeks just meander on by with the daily routines and other weeks are filled to over-flowing with stuff!!?! I sometimes wish that the days and weeks could just "average" out. This past week has been a whirlwind for me. Here's my list:

Weekend- Caitlin came home for the week for her spring break.

Monday morning- I was up at 5 am to take Mike to his surgery appointment. I waited there with him for 3 hours before they took him to surgery. It made me wonder why I had to get up at 5 am. I didn't get home until about 1:00 pm.

Monday afternoon/evening- Caitlin wanted a quilt for her birthday (17th). I bought the fabrics before she came home for break and was just starting the project Monday afternoon. The picture below is of the 10 fabrics chosen for her quilt. All afternoon and evening was spent cutting this fabric into 80 squares (and I couldn't find my rotary cutter) and sewing them randomly back together. AM I CRAZY!?! Don't answer that.


Tuesday- The original plan was to take Tuesday off work and spend the day with Caitlin at Gardner Village. I really needed the time to work on the quilt, so... we spent a couple of hours at the Gateway instead. By the time evening came I had finished sewing the entire quilt top. Whew!!!

Wednesday- I went to work and I was glad to be there. I wanted to come home and forget about the quilt until Thursday. The house needed some attention and it was Andy's birthday. So I went to Andy and Kristin's for a party. I can't believe my firstborn is 34 years old!!!

Thursday- I had to be in Salt Lake at 8 am to pick up Mike. He had undergone foot surgery as part of a study. Now he was all bandaged up and in a boot. Poor guy (I haven't heard one complaint from him the entire week... seriously). My plan was to spend the day caring for him, and I think I did, but... I was running from store to store trying to find backing and batting for the quilt. So while he reclused (without complaint) I continued work on the quilt Thursday night. I did one of my favorite quilt tricks (to get the job done faster). I laid the top and bottom pieces of the quilt on the floor, right sides together, then I put the batting on the very top. I pinned it all together taking care to match and then trim everything perfectly (I am an Apollonian you know), and then I sewed it all together leaving about a 12 inch opening to turn it all right-side-out. Hence, the edges of the quilt are all finished before it is even tied. After tying it all you do is slip-stitch to close the 12 inch opening. And it is done!

Friday- Back at work (I never thought of work as a rest from my labors before). I rushed home after work because my mom (who had a small window of opportunity) was coming over to help me put the quilt on the frames. Shortly after my mom left, my niece Rebecca came over to spend the evening with us. I had the quilt tied and off the frames by 6:45, and then me and Becca went to the store to buy birthday supplies for Caitlin (balloons, breakfast food, ice cream and candles). When we got home we made Caitlin's cake. After Becca left, I slip-stitched the 12 inch opening. At which point Caitlin came home, and at 12:01 am I said, "happy birthday" and gave her the finished quilt. She loves it!!!


Saturday- Happy Birthday Caitlin!!! St. Patrick's Day. I made Caitlin one of her favorite breakfasts. Had family over at noon for cake and ice-cream. Took Caitlin to Five Alls for dinner. The house is a wreak (by my standard). Went to bed way late... as I had done every night this week (thanks daylight savings time... no LOL here).




Sunday morning- 12:45 am this morning awakened to the noise, and I mean noise, of five smoke alarms going off. Running from alarm to alarm to figure out which one started it cause that's the only one that will end it. The smoke alarms were going off every ten minutes for well over an hour, in fact, the longer it took us to solve the problem, the alarms went off more frequently. We finally solved (temporarily) the issue. My poor hubby with his surgeried, booted foot had to climb a ladder (still not a negative murmur from him) to spray the detectors with canned air and replace the batteries. I replaced some as well. It was such a commotion. We were finally in bed about 2:30.

Sunday afternoon- I went to church where I had a difficult time keeping my eyes open. But sacrament meeting was so good. I taught a Sunday School lesson and then enjoyed a wonderful relief society lesson. Church was very uplifting for me today. Much of what was taught... was just what I needed to hear.

Sunday evening- Decided to document my week on my blog. I didn't even do a classics and favorites this week... too busy. Now I'm going to sit with my booted hubby and then catch up on some of your blog posts that I've missed. Unfortunately the tone of this post sounds a bit "murmur-ish", but all really is well. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new week... and the calender is looking pretty good until Thursday. I think I'll have time to wash the dishes. Maybe.

They're Baa-aack!!

My little peeps are back!!! I just turned on my computer and was informed that my browser was updated. For the last year my little "follower people" did not appear on my sidebar, and this morning there they are. Feel free to follow if you'd like. It's fun to see your cute little pictures smiling at me.

I Really Could've Used That Hour

It was a busy, busy weekend... every six months like clockwork (pun intended) Mike brings out his ladder so that we can move the clock forward/backward. While I change the battery and set the new time; Mike dusts the window ledge, the hanging light, the corners of the entryway ceiling, and washes the window. He's a keeper!!




Anyone remember my recent post about homemade fries? I decided I needed to make some, so... I invited the family over (not everyone could make it). It was a very busy Sunday, I attended two three-hour blocks of church meetings then came home to make the fries. Here are the before and after pictures of the fries. They are so yummy!!










Whenever our family comes over the children always end up in Grandpa Bears music room. They love it!! There are so many fun things to play with in there. The drums are probably the favorite... but then the microphones are a big hit as well. I laughed on Sunday as Avery called to Mike from the music room, "Grandpa, Grandpa come turn on the music." There are so many cords, and switches, and... stuff!! I didn't even know which one to turn on. Then Mason made me laugh, it seemed he was playing weather man as I heard his voice over the mic saying, "it's going to be sunny today." and then... "it's going to be windy today." Even cute little Jane discovered her voice over the microphone. Little Sander just watched... I'm sure in another year or two he will be drumming and singing as much as the rest of them.

Dresses For Sale

Caitlin is home for spring break and we are doing some spring "closet" cleaning. These are two dance dresses that she can part with. Both size 6. The periwinkle dress was worn once and the green dress (the zipper at the back is covered with tiny fabric covered buttons) was worn twice. We are asking $75 for the green and $50 for the periwinkle. If you are or know of someone interested in a great deal on dance dresses, just leave a comment.

Classics and Favorites: A Brand New Fav

Last week I posted a picture of Jeffrey Michael on his blessing day... this week I'm posting a favorite picture of Sander Michael on his blessing day (last Sunday), with me and Michael. We have been blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren; seven boys and two girls. Each is unique and we love them so much.

I recently picked up (5-year-old) William from his school bus. As the door to the bus opened I could hear the bus driver say to Will, "there's Grandma" as a smiling William literally leaped from the steps of the bus into my arms. What Grandma wouldn't love that?

I made each of the grandchildren a blanket last Christmas. The day after Christmas we were all at Jeremy and Emily's home for a family party. Little Tanner (soon to be two) had his blanket in his arms and was standing several feet away from me when I said, "do you know why Grandma made that blanket for you? 'cause I love you!" His face broke out in a big smile as he spontaneously ran across the floor to give me a hug. I'll never forget that.

I love it when Jane (19 months old) smiles and reaches for me when she sees me. My ego is really boosted when I say to her, "who loves Grandma?" and she raises her little hand and says, "me."

Mason (4 1/2) is our "true to the blue" BYU fan. When BYU and Utah played last fall and BYU scored a touchdown, I sent off a text to Mason's daddy saying, "yay!!" I've got to cheer for my little BYU guy as much as I do for my little (and big) Utah guys.

Adam (soon to be a 10-year-old) is our firstborn grandchild. He always has a hug for Grandma and Grandpa every time we see him. He has the nicest manners, and although he's getting older he still loves "Grandma Days" which makes me happy (and we need to schedule one).

I love spending time with Miss Avery (3-year-old). Recently she came over and we played with American Girl dolls.... but as girly as she is, when I asked her who likes the Packers? she replied, "me and Grandpa!!"

Zachary (soon to be an 8-year-old) is a good worker, and when I put him in charge he gets the job done. I'll never forget how hard he worked as a "mover" when we moved 2 1/2 years ago... and he was not quite 5 1/2 at the time.

Little James (just about to be 18 months old) just makes me smile. When he smiles his dimples appear and his whole face lights up. I could just squeeze and cuddle him forever.

Baby Sander (four months) is so sweet. He talks to me and has the most beautiful smiles. He is a precious baby boy and a wonderful addition to our family!!

All In A Days Work

Last week I took my camera to work so that I could take a picture of me and Morgan for my other blog. Well, it appears that a few of us were not very camera shy.

This picture of the crew was actually taken a couple of weeks ago, so I threw it in as well. There is Steve, Austin, Morgan and Kelci. Hey, I just thought of something... wasn't Steve Austin the name of The Six Million Dollar Man?

Back to last week... a year ago we were entertained daily by Caitlin; now it's Morgan who performs. Almost daily we can expect to hear "cause I'm your la-a-dy"; on this particular day she played to the camera and climbed up on the counter (umm... we wiped the counter down afterwards).

Me and Morgan busy at work preparing our fabulous soups for the day.

Kelci claims to be the "shy one" but even she got into the action.

Occasionally my sister Lilian fills in for us. She had worked a day or two before, and when she found out that she had tips waiting for her, she came in to get them. It appears they were good tips that day! Actually... take away the twenties and what's left is a more accurate representation.

Not only coincidental that Lilian showed up the day I had the camera, but Jeff as well. He's the #1 guy in charge.

So, we don't always climb on counters, and sing loudly, and dance around... but when the camera is there, what the heck! It's all in a days work!! What goofy things do you do at your job?

Classics and Favorites: Brothers

On Sunday Jeff will be blessing his baby boy, so today I'm sharing a favorite picture of Jeff on the day that he was blessed. It was December 1979 and we were living in Duchesne, in a cute little rental house that had previously been a garage. Our families were there on that special day and after church we had dinner at our home. I love this picture of the brothers. I had already changed Jeff from his blessing outfit into this one piece jammie; the same jammie that Andy wore after church on his blessing day. Time does fly on "wings of lightening".