Reflecting

So last night and today I've been feeling very grateful for my blessings. We had a tragedy in our Ward. A family lost 2 of its members in a tragic manner and it has caused me to reflect on what is really important in life. We don't know how much time we have on this earth to grow and to learn and to be grateful for what we have. These photos are only a small sample of happy memories. Hopefully they are a good representation of my gratitude list. I have been blessed with a wonderful family.We have 5 children, 2 daughters-in-law that I love and a favorite son-in-law *S*. We have 4 grandchildren that I love with all of my heart and miss always; with another 1 on the way; what more could I ask for?(well, I guess I could ask that we live closer!) I am grateful for the knowledge I have of Heavenly Father's plan and am continually learning and hopefully improving along the way. It has taken me a while just to pick out these photos and I'd love to add more photos of family and friends as well for they have taught me so much and enriched my life as well. I'm thankful to know that I can choose joy no matter what and I am working on that. I guess I just really wanted to express my feelings with some photos to help illustrate them.

Kaylee walking Baxter

I don't know that I'll ever get the hang of putting the photos in the correct order so I don't comment on each individual photo anymore!*S* We went to St. George, UT last week(the 23rd). Rob and Brent were able to go and also Julie, Bo and Kaylee and Cooper made the long drive up from Texas. They had just gotten a Honda Odyssey and wanted to try it out (actually I think I was the one who suggested that they come up!*S*). So our first day there we wanted to walk down and visit with Grandma and Grandpa. Kaylee wanted to walk Baxter, but sometimes I wasn't sure who was walking who!

Jessica's 10th birthday party

Jessica Johnson turned 10 on March 5th! Shannon and Josh, Amy and Jon Springen with their 3 children(Emry, Brock and Ella) and Kent, myself and Rob met at El Sombrero for a birthday dinner and presents. (I know I'm almost a month behind, but lately when I've tried to upload photos, it hasn't worked for me.) Better late than never, right?*S*

First of all, YAY! these pics uploaded!LOL Baxter got a haircut!

A week ago I took Baxter to a dog groomer so he could get a "trim". I think my definition of a trim and the dog groomer's were 2 different things! It is growing back now and hopefully in a week or 2 will look like himself again.*S*

Meet Baxter!

Baxter is officially our dog. We did have him for one night last week and thought we weren't going to be able to keep him, but on Saturday we found out that they wanted him to go to a good home; I guess that was us!*S* So he is here with all of his "puppy energy" LOL Today I went to Wal-mart and bought a little dog collar, retractable leash, chew toys and rawhide chews. He uses the cat bed we bought for Toby and Carmen (they never used it!). He has slept with Rob at night and has done well with that. If I could only just wave a magic wand with the house-breaking thing!*S*

A Pleasant Surprise!

Okay, so the BIG birthday is coming this weekend! I wasn't going to post anything about it but today I got the nicest surprise from my Mom and Dad! Holly's flowers delivered this flower arrangement! I have the greatest parents and am really thankful for them. I really miss being able to go to lunch with them or just drop by like I was able to when I was in Texas for such a long time (well, long to me was from Nov. 13th until Jan.2nd). Thanks Mom and Dad! And just because it's MY BIG one doesn't mean you're any older, right?*S*

Welcome Home to Us!

Kent, Rob and I arrived home (from Texas) Friday (Jan.2nd) night around 9:45 or so. This is what we opened the door and saw! We knew that we had a pipe break on Christmas day; one of our friends was watching the cats and the house and called us to ask where the water turn-off valve was! By the time he had seen the water, it had been going for quite a while. So, he cleaned up some of the water and Kent had been in touch with our insurance company off and on with no results.
When we got home, Kent shoved the sheetrock and insulation into garbage bags and then went up in to the attic to isolate that pipe so that we could turn on the water and live here. An insurance adjuster came by on Sunday. It smells like mold, the wood parque' in the dining room is ruined, there is even water in the room I use as my "office"! I'm sure it will all work out; I'll keep you posted.