A step back in time ...

Jenn and Tyler have taken a little vacation and I have become the stand in caregiver. We had a fun first day- a swim at the condo pool with Uncle Jake, guitar hero, and a new t-ball set left by Mom and Dad. This takes me back about 27 years, to the time my two boys were about the same age. I remember being tired back then but oh what 27 years will do!!!

Father's Day talk from days gone by

Let me tell you about the greatest dad on earth, MY DAD.
MY DAD likes to do things with me like build things. We built a pinewood derby together and it won second place and looked real good too. He teaches me how to use his tools but isn't too happy when I don't put them back after I borrow them.
MY DAD like to take me places. He takes me to the mountains, to the ocean, to the desert, and even to work with him on my birthday. Once every month he takes me to breakfast all by myself.
Another thing about MY DAD is that he loves my Mom. He helps her cook and wash dishes. He takes her on dates every week and hugs her a lot. He doesn't like it when she is sick and he has to be Mr. Mom.
MY DAD is a better cook than most dads. He makes the worlds best omelets. He makes good cookies and muffins. He makes rhubarb pie and is even learning to make cinnamon rolls.
MY DAD helps other people a lot. My mom says that was what she like about him when they first met.
I could tell you some other things about MY DAD. He likes to read and can read really fast. He knows a lot about computers and fixes cars. In fact, my dad can fix about anything.
MY DAD likes to camp but he doesn't like to sleep on the ground. He always takes a mattress with him when we camp. He likes to hike and take pictures of animals but doesn't like to hunt them with a gun.
MY DAD holds the Priesthood. He gives us blessings when we are sick or when he is going away. He gives me blessings on the day before something important, like the first day of school.
He baptized me and gave me the gift of the Holy Ghost when I turned eight.
The most important thing about my dad is that I love him. I think he is the greatest guy on earth and I am glad that he is MY DAD.

Readers

I have had so much fun reading with my two 5 year old granddaughters, Audrey and Belen. They seem to have picked up the "I love to read" gene (if there is one). They are both getting pretty darn good at decoding those one syllable words and are not afraid to tackle the multi-syllable ones. Here Belen has fallen asleep with her nose in a book. What a great way to drift off! I think I'll go follow her example.

Family Visits

We have enjoyed seeing a bit of family this past week. Patty and Jack stopped by on Monday for breakfast and a trip to the zoo. Jenn and boys joined us there. Then on Thursday, Chris and family drove out from their home in Colorado. We had fun with them.

Jacob's Graduation

Tonight Jacob graduated from High School. Can you believe it? I mean, this is my baby!

Busy, busy, busy!

Sorry that it has been so long since I have posted a blog. I have kind of been living between two places for the past month or more. I don't think I even began to understand what a big project I had taken on when I decided to move out of my home of 30 years. Can you even begin to imagine how much "stuff" can be collected under one roof in that much time? It didn't help that the condo that I bought was in need of a fair amount of work. We are still working on the finishing touches and putting things away but I am beginning to feel settled in. I could not have done it without my kids. Walter in particular has been there as my #1 handyman. He tore out all of the carpet and the kitchen cabinets. He put down tile in the kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. He has worked with the plumber, electrician, carpet layers, and cabinet installers. He has lugged countless boxes from one house to another. On top of moving mom - he was moving his family also. In my old house - his new house - he has put down new tile, painted, and is getting ready to put down laminate flooring in one more room.
I can't leave out the contributions of my other children. All have helped in the move. Even Chris and Kara gave up most of the week-end that they were here to help. Chris hung 11 sets of blinds and he and Kara delayed their return home to move much of my furniture up here. Thank you all.

Lyla's- See how she grows!

Lyla just had her 5 month check up. She was in the 90th + percentile for both height and weight. That means that she weighed 18 lbs 14 oz and was 27 inches long. She seems determined to not be the baby sister for long. Lyla belongs to Walter and Vero. She is such a happy little girl, smiles at everyone.