How things change

T.J. is turning 17 today. It seems like yesterday he was a roly poly little guy with the cutest dimples who smiled all the time. He still likes to smile occasionally but he isn't roly poly anymore. Things change as they get older here are just a few about T.J.


T.J. loved the tub when he was young, we had a big huge net that attached to the tub to hold all of his toys, it was his favorite part of his day. Now, he loves showers, for hours. There is never any hot water for the rest of us. Although there are not any toys in his shower (I don't think).
This little rocking horse was his favorite thing to play with, he would scoot it all over the house and ruin all of my walls. Now, he loves his mountain bike, the steeper the hill, the better. The little rocking horse wasn't as scary to watch him ride, the mountain bike, I'm a little scared.



T.J. now has traded his bat and 13 years of sitting in the bleachers with no shade and yelling at the umpires that the pitch was not high, or he was safe, strike 3 are you kidding me.

Now we sit in our comfortable chairs with umbrellas, watching matches that move quite quickly. There aren't any umpires to yell at (just your kid for calling something in that was clearly out). He gets to work on his Postal Worker tan, he doesn't have to cut his hair and the biggest bonus of switching sports, there are girls on the team.

T.J. has gone from driving the Barney car when he was 3 to driving his Toyot Forerunner (I know the "A" is missing from Toyota but if you see his car the "A" is missing on the back, it drives me crazy. If you drive around town you will notice, there are tons for Forerunner's without "A's". I think it may be a gang thing, who knows. If you have a spare "A" send it our way.)

I can't believe how time flies, it seems like just yesterday your dad and I were walking around our little neighborhood in Clovis, New Mexico at 2 a.m. trying to decide if the contractions were bad enough to go to the hospital. We had our little what to expect when your expecting manual out and we would read it under the street lamps. We finally decided that it was time and you were born 20 minutes later, with the biggest dimples and chubby legs. That was a great day. Happy "17th" tav.

19 years of my favorite things....

19 years ago today, Brett and I were married in this beautiful castle, it was a restaurant with a great victorian atmosphere. We were one of the first weddings to be held here. There was nothing around it but fields of wheat and a Junior High School about 2 block away. It must have been a sign that Brett and I were meant to be together because now next door is....
What a marvelous idea, your in the middle of your reception and you need a quick pick me up of a Route 44. And across the street is....




If you need a little red cart romance it's right there. My two favorite things. Oh wait 3 favorite things. I forgot my husband makes three, a match made in heaven. Happy Anniversary.

After all these years and this is what they do to me.......

This morning as I was driving thru for my morning pick me up, I was informed that Sonic is doing away with their 99 cent sticker coupon for a Route 44. As I was told this devastating news, (CPR was required, this means I gulped my Route 44), I asked how soon this travesty would take place, and I was informed it would take about a month. I was also told that Sonic would extend happy hour an extra hour, (Big Whoop). As I drove off and I pushed the button to roll up my window, which doesn't work due to stopping at Sonic way to much for about 7 years, I don't get angry over it because I am getting a route 44 for 99 cents. Now I am ticked. After all of my faithfulness, getting to know those people who fill my cup with that blessed caffeine this is what they do to me. Please tell me now what do I do in the morning, after I drop off the 4 hoodlums, my gift is a Route 44 for 99 cents. As I pondered this news on my way home I have come to the conclusion that 7-11 is the answer. As I drove by one, which there is one on every corner, I realized it just won't work, they need better cups, better ice, lower price, and most importantly a drive thru window. But then I thought my window is going out and maybe I could get used to the slippery plastic cups and large ice cubes, but it just wouldn't be the same. I think I'll write to the corporate offices of Sonic in Oklahoma City and plead my case.

New Hairdo, 50th Wedding Gala & Two Birthdays

Avery has been begging for a haircut and she would only have one person touch her hair and that is her aunt Annie. We took over Anne's salon with the girl cousins, you know girls, hair products, chairs that go up, down and turn quite fast and blow dryers everywhere, they were in heaven, Anne was not.
She was quite thrilled with her new look and I was pleased not to see it in a ponytail and it made her look older, (which is the part Avery liked.)
We then ventured for a nice dinner at Trio in Salt Lake City, the girls posing outside the restaurant.
The 50th Wedding anniversary did arrive, with chilly weather for utah in August, but it was perfect. Brett's parents were very excited to see friends and family celebrate with them on this special day.
The girls wouldn't leave the food alone. They were caught in the act stealing strawberries again.
We were finally able to get a family picture with Brett's family and a big thank you to Jer for arriving early to snap this gem. The partyin was alot of fun!
Finally, a birthday gift to a niece and nephew on time. We ventured to Caitlin's birthday cookout for her 9th birthday.
And this little guy is so destination worthy, little Zane turning 3. It was so cute to see him so excited to open all of his gifts. This was a great way to end our summer.

A Wedding to Remember

All-Stars 2009

Trevor played in the 11 and under all-star tournament this past week. The boys enjoyed having their name called as they ran out of the dugout.
The all do this hand bump thing as they line up. The team played great and ended up in the semi-finals. We finally got them to line up for a picture after one of the games. This was difficult to do due to the most important aspect of all-stars, not the game but pin trading.
After our last game they posed under the lights.
Good job, Trevor!

Glinda, Elphaba and Randy

Arriving in San Francisco for our Wicked Weekend, waiting for a taxi that would hold 5 of us. It was alot cooler than Las Vegas but lovely.
We met our sister-in-law who arrived earlier and had lunch with Trent at California Pizza Kitchen.
We could hardly wait to get to the theatre and in my haste in posting I put this picture out of order, but the Orpheum was beautiful and had an enchanting feel which was perfect for the play. The play was incredible and worth every effort to travel to see this great show.
We stayed at "The Omni" where your every need is met. These six ladies are ready for a wickedly good night on the town.
We woke up bright and early the next morning and headed to the "Farmer's Market." There were fresh flowers, fresh vegetables and fresh fruit everywhere. The food was incredible.
We had a great view for breakfast looking out over the Bay Bridge.
With eating such a big breakfast, Ghiradelli square came upon us and yes we made room for ice cream with chocolate. It was difficult but we did it.

Walking the hills overlooking the Bay was incredible. We got our exercise for the week.
This was after the hot fudge sundaes, and yes our calves were screaming.
The Palace of Fine Art was beautiful, and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance was great.
Randy Johnson taking the field at AT&T park. What a fabulous park. We thought we would freeze being a night game but it was perfect.
These were our seats, yeah right. These guys are crazy just waiting for any fly ball.
The game was exciting, we dragged my youngest sister along who isn't really a sports fan, but her deduction of the game was: 1. Where can you go and see someone get injured right in front of you. (A line drive foul ball hit someone on the front row, we were on row 22.) 2. Where can you go and see everyone yelling for their team, literally. The whole section next to us got cleared out when the San Francisco Police showed up and playing the rival across the bay brings out the best in everyone. As the head honcho routing for the Oakland A's left with the men in blue his lovely finger gestures were so touching. 3. GARLIC FRIES, need I say more. 4. And of course a great game, the Giant's pulled it out in the end. Thanks San Francisco for a great weekend.