The Best of Dads

Because I won't be near my computer on Father's Day I thought I would send a tribute out to my Dad! My Dad won't be here either as he is serving a mission at Martin's Cove, WY - but I just have to take a moment to remember him!

My Dad has always been my hero! He is so amazing to me and I am so grateful for all he has taught me and for the amazing example he has set for me.





As long as I can remember I've loved spending time with my Dad. He is so much fun. He tells the BEST stories - stories that teach great life lessons. My Dad has had some amazing spiritual experiences and I have been privileged to have heard many of them.

My Dad as set an example of following our church leaders - even though he might not agree with everything that is done. I have used that lesson many times in my life! It has helped me with decisions I have made - and because of his example I believe good things have followed!

My Dad is one of the hardest workers I know. He never stops. He had knee replacement surgery before they left on their mission. Nothing was going to stop him from going back on their mission and he worked hard to make it happen. Every time I call and ask about how he is doing - he is hard at work - painting, laying carpet, building, repairing. I know he is someone that will just plain wear his body out someday. I admire and envy the work ethic that he has. They just don't make 'em like that anymore!

I am grateful for the love I have always felt from my Dad. I remember calling him at work and asking him when he was going to be home. First off, we NEVER called our Dad at work. It was just known - you didn't bother Dad at work. He asked me why I was asking. When I told him I needed a blessing he said he would talk to me when he got home. Within the hour my Dad was home - much to my surprise - because I didn't think he would be there for at least 2-3 more hours. We talked about why I felt I needed a blessing and he gave me some advise. He didn't end up giving me a blessing, but I have always remembered that my Dad dropped what he was doing and came to my rescue and comfort! It is a sweet memory of mine!



Dad - I hope you have the best Father's Day ever. I LOVE you so much! I couldn't have picked a better Dad! I'm so glad you are mine! You will always be someone special to me. I miss you like crazy and no matter what you say. . . We DO need you here! I can't wait until September, 'cause then I know my Daddy will be home again!

I LOVE YOU!

Oh Happy Day!

In just 12 days Hope will be turning 10 years old! We will celebrate her birthday at the cabin this year so I thought I would take a moment to blog about her and the sweet girl she is!



Hope is such a joy to have in our home. It is so fun to still have a "little" one amongst all these teenagers! Hope still runs to give hugs whenever ANYONE returns home. She is an affectionate child and reminds me how much I will miss the innosence and sweetness of one so young. She is growing into a young women way too fast.

Hope will be joining our Activity Day girls group next month and I look forward to having one of my own daughters in our group! I have always loved serving with my girls in my church callings. It makes it that much sweeter!



Hope is definitely another mother in our home. She likes to make sure we are doing what we are suppose to - much to the annoyance of her sisters sometimes!

Hope tells great stories - in great detail! Hope is so sweet! She loves to help around the house and is anxious to learn new things - especially how to cook! I love to watch Hope dance! She is graceful and all girl!



It is going to be just Hope and I at the cabin some of the time and we have made great plans! We have lots of fun things to do together! It will be fun to have some Mommy and Hope time!

I can't believe my baby is 10 years old! WOW! I sure love her and all the love she shares with our family! She is one special girl!

Summer Lov'n

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SUMMER - by Diane Durfee

I love SUMMER because now I have TIME to teach my kids how to make dinner. I am now only cooking 2 glorious nights a week.

I love SUMMER because I get extra sleeping time! Zzzzzzz!

I love SUMMER because I get to spend time with my daughters.

I love SUMMER because now I actually have a reason to go to the library! (I can smell the books already!)

I love SUMMER because now I can read until the wee hours of the morning and sleep in if I want to. Stack of books - here I come!

I love SUMMER because it's CABIN TIME!


I love SUMMER because when it's cabin time - it's SPEND TIME WITH SIL's and Sister time!

I love SUMMER because then it's MOVIES with SIL's and sister at THE CABIN!

I love SUMMER because now I can Scrapbook!

I love SUMMER because now I can actually consider and Maybe get done all the organizing projects that I want!

YEAH for SUMMER!

Kids Camp = SO MUCH FUN!

My darling daughters are holding a Summer Kids Camp. This is their 2nd summer! It is so fun watching them prepare! Tomorrow is the first day! Anyone is welcome - they just have to be 3-8 years old! This year it is being held the first two weeks in June and July!

We had so much fun last year! The girls do so many fun creative things! This year they have really run with it and come up with their own ideas! I've hardly helped! But we do have fun working with them as a family! In fact Vaughan is in the family room making volcano's as we speak! TOO FUN! Check out the girls flier - just give us a call if you can come!

These pictures are from last year! I didn't use the ones with the kids 'cause I didn't have permission to post their pictures, but this gives you an idea of what they do!

Our Bird Friends!

Lost in Space!

BUGS!BUGS!BUGS!

More Space Fun!

Check out the Bug glasses!

Cute Mother's Day Gift

I'm a little behind... but you have to see this CUTE idea!

We made the cutest Mother's Day Gift with the Activity Day Girls earlier this month. We made bath salts and put them in these cute glasses to look like a yummy ice cream soda! Aren't these precious! And they smell SO good! We added sweet pea or rose thyme scent. It was lots of fun and so easy.



Now I have a confession to make... I totally forgot about Father's Day! What are we going to do??? We are only doing one activity this month and it is already planned! I'm going to have to really think about this one! We can't forget our Dad's!

Cutest Chicken EVER

This post is kinda late! A couple of months ago my sweet friend Theresa went to California. While there she went to the coolest of stores - Ti Pan. They have one in Utah and it is the funnest of Home Decor type stores! It is HUGE! And my favorite part is that the prices are the best!

So - in March Hillary discovered that they also have one in California! Can you say ROAD TRIP! I so want to go check it out! I'm going to do some serious thinking about that!

While Theresa was in California she decided to check it out! I was GREEN with envy! But being the most amazing friend that she is she brought something home to help ease the pain!



Is she not the most cutest of chickens! I just love her! Every time I look at her she reminds me of a friends love! How special is that?

WORKING

It seems like all I do is work lately... I'm not complaining. Well, maybe a little. But seriously, I want to do something fun. Like blog! Or clean my room! (yes that is fun to me.) Or not fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow because I'm so tired! Although, I will say I haven't slept so well in ages!

I have re-discovered muscles I forgot I had. They hurt! But in a weird way it kinda feels good.

When I walk out of a house I've cleaned there is a sense of pride. It looks good - and nobody better mess it up!!!

I still love my life. Mostly. I do wish some things were different. But I'm grateful for what I have.

I do wish I didn't tire so easily and that I felt like cleaning MY house when I get home. BUT - I am grateful for sweet daughters who actually cooked dinner almost every night this week. AND for a husband who rubbed my aching feet! Ahhhh - now if I could just convince Heidi to go into massage therapy school. She's just not buying it though! (something about me just wanting her to rub my feet all day. Whatever.)

I do get a few days off! I hope to re-energize and re-group! Maybe I'll read a book! I KNOW I'm going to watch some movies!

I hope I wasn't too whiny! I was just having a moment! Life is Good!