Beautiful Winter Snow!

This storm came through the first part of November. I was amazed by the beauty of it. Just on our street, in our yard, so much beauty. In our own "spaces" we can find simple joys.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Today in our family prayer, Russ prayed that we would notice the love of our Heavenly Father by His creations. As I was on lds.org getting some help with my lesson for Sunday, I saw this youtube post In the Spirit of Thanksgiving. Loved it. Then, I saw these pictures at sunset. God truly does love us and I am grateful for all around us that testifies of His love.

Michigan at Halloween Time!

What a gift it is to visit any time but this trip was especially fantastic! I love Halloween and since all my kids are grown, I don't have all the fun of school parties, trick or treating, and just the excitement for the holiday that children have. I was able to go to the school parties, a ward party and a party at Ryan and Liz's house-awesome! We also went to a pumpkin patch-with cider and doughnuts! So very yummy. You have to taste the cider from Michigan. I have to say it is the best. And the doughnuts fresh out of the fryer with cinnamon sugar-to die for!
I watched soccer games-in the FREEZING cold-and I mean bone chilling cold! Kids are incredible in that they don't even seem to notice.
Oh, and if you haven't seen the Halloween show of Modern Family-it is a must see. I have watched it 3 times now-so hysterical! I never would have known if not for Ryan and Liz.
Thank you Ryan and Liz for having me. I love you very much!











We decorated cookies and then danced:)

Just a few more summer pics!

I couldn't find this group of pictures. I knew I had taken more but they weren't on any camera. On Saturday, I saw them on Jeff's phone and then discovered they were on the external hard drive-so yea! Summer went away too fast!

Amazing Surprise!

When we got home from our vacation, we had the most wonderful surprise-A NEW BATHROOM! While we were gone Lib, Em, Jeff, and Scott redecorated our bathroom. I absolutely love it. Each time I see it, I feel so grateful. Thanks again everyone!

August!

Family! Beach! Boating! Love it!!


Future nurse?!







Lib taught us to surf!

Poor Panda :(

My dog Panda is getting old. She is literally petrified of thunder. It she even smells rain or hears the wind blow, she shivers. She won't even go outside. She puts her nose through the doggy door sniffs and goes back in.
Last night she woke me up-licking her chops(this alone makes me want to smack her). So, I get out of bed walk with her to the door let her out but because it was beginning to rain, she went out and came right back in. I was not pleased! But I do feel sorry for her when she gets afraid. Poor little pup.

Summer fun!

The last week of June and the first week of July brought wonderful times to the Elders. Russ came home from his mission in the Philippines (after 2 years, I am able to spell that right). Ryan, Liz, Collin, Ashlyn, and Shaylee drove the LONG way from Michigan to visit-a complete surprise (I literally almost fainted when I saw them). Jeff up from Texas to defend his dissertation so the brothers were able to see each other for 24 hours. I love my family!








Boating-gotta love it!


"The Brothers" together for the first time in 3 years!


Almost everyone-we missed you Lib, Breena and Trey!




Russell is HOME! His Mom is so happy she can't even put it into words!

Austin and Best of all Jeff, Lib, Bree and Trey!

We were lucky enough to get to vacation this last week in Austin, Texas and what made it all the better was the visit we had with Jeff, Lib, Bree and Trey. I have to say it is HOT in Texas. On the news the weather man said it was July weather in May. I am guessing the Texans stay inside for most of the summer or else they melt outside. We did see some joggers and walkers out in the heat of the day. Maybe you could get used to it?



We love this family!





We were able to be with Bree on her 5th birthday! What a beauty she is inside and out!



Trey is growing so fast! I loved that he called me "Grammy". He was so excited to look our the window in our hotel and said to me, as he was pulling my hand, "Grammy, mere, mere!"



Hill's Cafe



Rudy's BBQ. Their motto is "The Worst BBQ in Texas!" Hardly-it was delicious!



This is a BBQ outside of a small town called Bastrop. We stopped here only to find out it was not the place to be. We went to the restroom-which is a story in and of itself-and saw the cook come out without washing his hands. Red flag this was not the BBQ we wanted to try!




The "Lone Star State". The capital was beautiful. So much workmanship inside and out. I found that Texans are proud of their state. They are really a country inside the United States. In the capital building in the center of everything,on the floor well below the star was the inscription, "The Republic of Texas". In WalMart where all the 4th of July clothes were, there was a T-shirt with the American Flag in the shape of Texas. Wait-aren't we the United States? I have to say though good for the people of Texas to have such state pride:)





Downtown Austin and view of the Colorado River that runs just to the south of town.