Berlynn is 7!

Our oldest grand daughter turned 7 today! 7 years old! She is such an amazing girl and we are so proud of the special person she is -In her 7 short years she is proving to be a really responsible BIG sister to her younger brothers, an excellent student, a really good friend, and a good athlete in every aspect (surprise!). She also has the most beautiful smile and the cutest freckles.

We weren't able to be with her on her special day, but our thoughts were all about her, all day long. Here she is in her matching outfit with her favorite doll "Berlynn 2", and the stuffed animal I made for her -

Happy Birthday Berlynn!

R.I.P Macho Man

I heard on the news today that Randy Savage had died. At first I thought "why does that name sound so familiar" - then it hit me. Randy Savage was THE "Macho-Man"....Oh -- the memories that came flooding back into my mind. Memories of a much simpler time, a fun time - actually - for our little family when Friday night sleep-overs and Saturdays were filled full of watching "WWF Wrestle-Mania" When Hulk Hogan was a hero and household name (before he turned to..... the dark side)
When even I was captivated watching Bret "The Sharpshooter" Hart (hey, my Dad told us that even my Mother used to love watch wrestling - alot!) When we took the kiddo's (several times) to watch Hulk Hogan battle the "Grave Digger" - LiVe and upclose!

When in 4th Grade while giving reports on hero's in their lives, Marisa gave her report on Davey "Brittish Bulldog" Smith - HA! I wonder if her teacher is over the shock yet! Oh yes, when I think of Randy "Macho Man" Savage, I am transported back in time - to a good and happy time of raising children - and how some "fads" come and go but are none-the-less a valueable part of your life. I don't know where the time goes, but it does. Thanks for the memories Randy, may you rest in peace!

Tip Toe(ing) Through The Tulips.....

Well, Mr. Sun did make a rare appearance this week so we quickly planned time to visit one of our favorite places to eat and take in the BEAUTY of Temple Square before the tulips disappear for another year. If you haven't been here - you are missing out on a treat!
No visit to the Joseph Smith Building would be complete without a visit to the 10th Floor, where Kathy lives! The Garden Resturant is also a most favorite place to stop and eat, but we had a time deadline to meet (a Kindergarten deadline) so we did a quick "walkby" to say hi!
Then, out into the gardens - they are SO beautiful, everywhere you look -it's stunning (kids too)!We did a lot of smelling and gentle touching -

Oops, a little too close!

Cate was mostly facinated with the fountains - more specifically, the water - she wanted "in"

Kiss the coin -

Make a wish and throw the coin over your shoulder!

Cate did "NOT" want to leave our trip to see these tulips!

Temple Square is beautiful every time of the year - but the tulips this year were especially beautiful

Mr. Sunshine - P.L.E.A.S.E

I'm dying to wear my new pair of these ---

without FREEZING (Please!)

Getting our hands dirty ----

Been waiting for some warm weather to finally be outside "getting my hands dirty". My parents have always had a most beautifully landscaped yard - my Mother especially loves plants and flowers and made sure lots of tender care went into the cultivating of them, but she is no longer able to work in her beautiful yard. Wendy had the idea (we all agreed) it would be fun to each take a little bit and plant some things around the yard for Mom's Mothers Day. I asked Marisa, Annie and Cate to come help me plant some flowers in their yard - today was actually one of the best weather day's we've had all year. Annie is all ready to plant her pot She too, takes tender care while planting -
Nice job! Mom overseeing the activities, Dad watering I LOVE these sweeties Cate had her own agenda (sleep) and didn't help much! Maybe next year -
almost finished
We walked around the yard to have a look - found this beautiful hillside of blooming phliox Here is their Magnolia bush in full bloom. It's beautiful. They planted it after they returned from their Mission to New Jersey, where my Mother LOVED spring, summer and fall with all the beautiful foliage back east, they wanted something to remind them of their wonderful experience. I think of their mission every time I see it too. So, after all this, I didn't even get pictures of what we planted. But we did plant. It was fun. Can't wait to see how it all grows in. I love you MOM! Thank you for your help girls --

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!