This Is The Year

I know I'm a little late to the party - but I really miss blogging!  So I'm squeezin' in a post before it's time to pick the kiddos up from school! I'm linking up with 2 parties today - check the buttons at the bottom. Ten things to smile about: 1 - One more week until school is out for summer!  It has been a loooooong year!  I'm excited for that first morning of NOT setting the alarm!  Also, really excited to spend some fun time with my kiddos.  The school year is so hectic, and it will be nice to relax a little! 2 - Freedom.  I am so grateful for the privilege of living in this country.  And humbled by the great sacrifice of those who gave all to defend my freedoms.  We spent part of our day yesterday attending a Memorial Day tribute put on by our city.  There were touching words spoken, beautiful songs performed, the reading of the names of those from our state who have given the ultimate sacrifice since last Memorial day, along wi...

It is a crazy week for this mama, but I wanted to take just a few minutes to whip out a quick FMM post. And I apologize for my visiting slackerness!!  I'm working on getting back into the groove! Here are the questions from Kenlie for today: 1- Three of your favorite movies: Clear and Present Danger A Knight's Tale Son's of Provo 2 - Three of your favorite things to drink: Water Dr. Pepper Cherry lime-aid from Sonic 3 - Three of your favorite songs: So hard to narrow down!  I'll go with: All In - Lifehouse The Spirit of God - Hymn O' Holy Night - Christmas 4 - Three people who have recently been a positive influence in your life: Elder Samuel W. Clark (LDS General Authority who spoke in our Stake Conference this weekend) His wife My primary children I serve in church. 5 - Three things you do to keep yourself entertained: TV texting crafting 6 - Three things you are attracted to in the opposite sex: Hotness Intelligence Hum...

I haven't really gone into detail too much about my family outside of my husband and kids.  But today I'm going to share a little bit about my dad. I have mentioned a couple of times that he is in bad health, but I've never really shared on my blog the extent of his health issues. My dad has been unable to return to the workforce since I was 9.  He was placed on a medical retirement after his second back surgery, which damaged the nerve endings in his back and promoted the growth of scar tissue all around his back nerves, left him unable to do activity for more than a few hours at a time without having to lay down for a couple of hours to recouperate. As time went on his pain got worse.  He now suffers from chronic pain pretty much around the clock.  He ended up going from being able to be up for a good part of the day, and lay down for a couple of hours occasionally, to being in bed for a good part of the day, and only being up for a couple of hours occasional...

Our family had the great honor this weekend to attend an evening of celebration.  It was an event to honor an amazing musician.  Jack Ashton. My son is amazingly fortunate to be taking private violin lessons from Jack.  He had to audition to get a spot as one of his students.  When his previous teacher first referred us to Jack, I googled him.  I found that he was quite the accomplished musician, principal violinist in the Utah Symphony, and was highly admired within the Utah classical music scene. We have been with Jack for about 2 years, and have come to know that he is much more than an amazing violinist.  But it wasn't until last night that we all realized just what a privilege it is for Bookworm to be studying under him.  He is truly a legend among elite musicians. The night was put on by several former students who have gone on to become masters (maestros even) in their fields.  As we were sitting watching a skit/musical number being p...

Disclaimer:  My family speaks very candidly about death, and other topics that some may find morbid.  Sorry. So my mom recently informed us that she has decided to be cremated when she dies. Really? The rest of us aren't really sure how we feel about this decision.  I mean, I know it's not like she'll be doing anything with her body anytime soon after she's six feet under.  But I always thought it would still exist , you know?  And she'd have a nice little grave marker that said something lovely about her, that we could bring flowers to on special days, or just because.  I mean I don't think about it OFTEN, but I guess I just didn't think of her as being a pile of ashes in a vase after she was gone.  You know? But she insists that it is just too expensive to buy a burial plot in a cemetery, purchase a casket, pay for a grave marker.  And she is being stubborn. So I'm thinking about looking into some senior burial insurance , or maybe ...

I thought I'd join up today with Emmy Mom and Kmama , to do a little braggin' on my son. If you remember here , I told you about our school's Pedals for Hope cancer research fundraiser.  As part of the event, my son committed to ride his bike 40 miles and collected pledges from friends and family.  I was a little unsure if he'd be able to complete the full 40, since he doesn't really get a chance to ride much, and he had only been on a bike ONCE since winter got over. But I'm proud to say my boy did it!  He completed the full 40 miles. Not only that, but we picked him up from the trail and immediately dropped him off at his Scoutmaster's to head to scout camp.  He returned from Scout camp and changed his clothes and immediately went to his soccer game (they won!).  Let me tell you that that boy was sore for a good couple of days after!! Thank you to those of you who helped him pass his fundraising goal.  He ended up having the highest amount of ...

I just wanted to let you know about a fun little hop that's going on over at MiMi's , and Mindi's . It's a Pinterest party where you can show off and discover fabulous Etsy shops!  Go check it out!