Moosman invasion of the good kind -

Today, we celebrated a visit from the Roger's group with a slight invasion at the local Costa Vida for lunch. We absolutely missed those who couldn't come, but surely had a great time with those that could. Have a look -

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mother's birthday and I want to acknowledge just how much I love her and am so grateful to have her in my life. I didn't have a real recent picture of her to post, but I thought this one was an appropriate one to post because I know that her whole life has been dedicated to 1) Our Father in Heaven, 2) my father, and 3) her family (both posterity and ancestors).
I am so thankful for her wonderful example of faith, dedication and grace - even though she is facing some uncertain times ahead, I know she will continue to rely on our Father in Heaven for strenght and guidance. She is one of my true hero's . Curt's Grandmother used to tell him when he was dating to look at and observe the girls mother - for that would be a good indication of the type of person she would turn out to be. He is ALWAYS reminding me that, that what he saw in my mother is exactly what he wanted, so (after 30+ years of marriage) would I please start to embrace some of her qualities? Mom, I'm going to try.

Last night in the temple I saw one of our former Orchard 5th Ward members (Carol Peherson) and she came up to me and said as she was looking around and saw me she thought "Oh, there's Sister Moosman", but then thought - "wait a minute, she's too young to be Vauna", then recognized me for me. She said she never realized the resemblence until now - SO, maybe, just maybe, I will slowly start to not only aquire your looks mom, but your attributes as well. I LOVE YOU -

Little Nan

One on one with Catie

Curt & I had our first one-on-one time with little Catie while her parents and big sister Annie had an activity. We were excited to spend some time with Miss Cate, she is 5 months old now and growing like she should.
Her first bottom tooth popped through last week, so we gave her a cold carrot to chomp on while we stood around - facinated - watching her munch away.

None of our grandkids have enjoyed this little walker - until they were well beyond the recommended age or attention span for it - but we still put her in it to see how she would do. No opinion one way or the other. She reached grabed and bounced a bit - we'll wait and see.Cate has finally reached the age where this right of passage has come to pass. She gets to sit in Grandma's sink (while Grandma does her thing - whatever that is) just like her sister, cousin, mom and uncle before her. Little Ez is the only one so far that has escaped this family tradition, I do hope he isn't scared for life because of it. After our afternoon of play and entertainment, Cate fell asleep in my arms and I got to sit and hold her, grateful for such a beautiful little girl in our lives.

I can't believe how fast she is growing. She is a very content baby and we are so happy to have her as part of our little family. We look forward to watching her grow - and although it doesn't happen that often, we loved our first "one-on-one" with Cate.

You know you're a Utah native if....

You've ever driven by this wonderful piece of art in the dessert and asked "why?" We did, just last night and again this morning. To refresh your Utah history I'm passing on this tidbit of information to store in your memory banks - so the next time you're passing by and someone asks "why", you can tell them like a TRUE Utah native!

The Tree was created in the early 1980s by European artist Karl Momen. It is also known as "Metaphor: The Tree of Life." It was dedicated in 1986 as "A hymn to our universe whose glory and dimension is beyond all myth and imagination." We guess the Mormons like this sort of thing, or it wouldn't be here (though it is pretty far from Salt Lake City...). Artist Momen doesn't have to look at it; he bought a patch of land, built the thing, and went back to Sweden. Near the base of the Tree, there are several fallen "leaves" -- large spherical segments intentionally scattered on the salty ground. It's where your traveling companions would pose if this were a tourist attraction instead of a work of art. As dumb as it is, Metaphor is the only thing for hours worth photographing.

One thing -- they don't want people stopping (Momen didn't spring for the cost of an exit ramp). There is no parking lot or pull-off, and there are "Emergency Parking Only" signs along the highway. Fortunately, our emergency happened right there, as it did for another car going in the opposite direction.

Until we meet again -

The holiday's are over, life is returning to semi-normal and our kids have returned home to Philidelpha for the LAST time! In a few more intense, busy, exam/application filled months, they will be returning back home to Utah to stay. It was hard to see them leave, we had such a wonderful time with them but will wish them the BEST over these next few months - until we meet again.
THANKS to YOU - Brandon, Jamie, Berlynn & Ezra!

Happy Birthday Curt

I know January 1st is a special day for everyone - but in our family, it's a VERY special day, it's also Curt's Birthday. We have always had a fun time celebrating it and I want him to know how much I appreciate him and what he does and means to our family. He is a proud father of his children and just adores his grand kids. The girls refer to him as "King" (when they are Princesses) and he loves it. So - Happy Birthday Curt, may good health and happiness continue to bless you throughout the year!
"Happy Birthday to you!"
Riding the Merry-Go-Round with Annie Reading stories
Hanging out with little Ez
"King of the Castle"
Snuggling with little Cate
I LOVE YOU CURT!