4th of July Weekend!

If you know me... or have read this blog for any amount of time... you've gotta know how much I Love Independence DaY!It is truly my favorite time of the year. This year my town opted to celebrate our traditional small town activities on the 1st & 2nd- to keep things consecutive. This being God fearing country- we don't not have parades & such on Sundays. There is a patriotic program tonight- but we didn't request tickets in time & they are all gone. I have to admit, I miss my kids who cannot be here terribly this time of the year. I hope & pray to have them all here next year! Oh how I love to have my family all together this time of year.

It was a glorious time- I loved every second.

Marcus, Brittany & Johnny were here!

Look- Proof- Johnny is a RED HEAD!!

WOO HOo!! WE of course love the red heads at our house. I have considered offering a cash reward for the first red head grandchild- but Brett says NO to that. I should explain... that I like to offer cash rewards a lot.Is he CUTE or what!!?

Love the outfitthis is Laura's first year at the concert. We were so happy to have her & Brian with us. We eat the same foods- Fried Chicken, Pasta salad w/shrimp, fruit salad & sodas- every year. The pasta salad is a huge hit & I only make it for the 4th. I don't know why- but it's just for the 4th- and that makes it highly anticipated & extra special.

There was a children's parade, magic show, concert (great band by the way),

and of course...

FireWorks!

{lame firework pictures this year}

The fireworks are timed to patriotic music- my heart swells & my eyes fill with tears. Oh how I love this great land!
Friday night we stayed up too late- and Saturday morning we were up bright & early. Trent & Ethan ran in the kids race- Trent came in dead last, but it doesn't matter where you finished just that you finished! WAY to go TREnT! He was so excited & thrilled to run, got a little lost (it was only a mile?) but made it! He was so excited to get a ribbon & two coupons for WEndy's frosties!

Ethan stayed & came to the parade with us. The parade was GREAT- I love a small town parade. I remember when we first moved to our town. I asked one of the neighbors if the parade was crowded & if we should get there early? She told me it was packed- set out your chairs the night before! REmember, I am from Seattle, I was thinking--thousands of people packed? Umm- NO. It's just perfect.

Somehow I went the whole time without getting a picture of Brittany? She was here- I don't know how I missed you- sorry Brit!

maybe we were just smitten with this fella?

My favorite part of the parade this year- the Centerville Stake Float- the modest Ms. Utah, the Samoan band- they come every year & they are AwesoME- but most of all the Veterans. There were at least a dozen veterans or more. Many of them from WWII. They were so handsome, most of them in their uniforms! What a wonderful time, a wonderful weekend to celebrate our many blessings.

If you don't have plans for the real Independence day tomorrow- I hope you'll make some. If nothing else- Fly Your Flag!

Another Independence day almost over...

honestly I can't wait until next year- when Jack will be home!
miss you megan, tony, charlie, joey & jack

introducing~drum roll please...

Joey

Joseph Garrett

Born June 24, 2011 7:52 PM

7 lb. 19 inches

Last week I was privileged to travel to Megan's home a day 1/2 before this beautiful baby was born. We shopped & played & then she went to the hospital & had a baby... no sweat, right Megan? It was one of the best experiences of my life. I can't explain in words the joy of a grand baby or the ultimate joy of a grown up child who is doing all the right things in life. She & Tony are such wonderful parents. Charlie & I had SO MUCH FUN. I love being a grandmother & hate being so far away. I'm so grateful for the time we get to be together.
WElcome Joey!
We are so happy to have you in our family

well, just where the heck have I been...?

Having the time of my life!
now I'm home- boo hoo- and I have a million & one things to do for my favorite holiday of the whole year! -hooray-
More blogging to come, maybe... I am in mourning... I miss them so terribly bad...

big business

{photo by Hailey}
Last Saturday Trent wanted to have a lemonade stand- my first instinct was to say... how about next week? Then it dawned on me- it was hot- and I hadn't seen one in the neighborhood yet this summer?
What would it hurt?

We made lemonade with lots of fresh lemons & limes & guess what?

At .50 a cup- two gallons later...
That kid made bank!
$40!!
of course now he wants to have a stand everyday. I can't say I blame him... still- once a month is the goal.

5 minutes for friday

start-
Like everyone else... I have been so busy- SO BUSY- these past couple of weeks. Every night I lay down to bed & feel like I have ran a race. I have worked tons (over 1/2 the people at work requested this week & last for vacation??) and I leave next week for Megan's house. I am so excited to go I can hardly wait. If she hasn't had the baby by next Friday, she is being induced early that morning. I am so thrilled to spend some time with her & her sweet family (charlie!!!!) and meet my new grandson. Ah- good times.
I have been getting things ready for me to be gone a full week- shopping & making baby quilts in between work & regular life. There is a lot to do!
The girls, Trent & I have also spent some wonderful quality time together. Yesterday we went to lunch & shopped for groceries. I bought them lots of fun things to eat while I'm away & I'm afraid they may be sad to have me come home -JK.
This has been recital week for ballet!!! I will have some photos up as soon as Chloe can find her camera charger- so you can see how absolutely gorgeous she is in her costume! She was so beautiful- she is such an amazing ballerina.
Last Sunday I was called into work for an emergency- the girl teaching the technique class had an abscessed tooth- so I ran in & taught for her- with 40 minutes notice- aaah! I taught Memphis BBQ & how to make ribs in a pressure cooker. Talk about Pressure!?
done-

surprise!

Last Saturday was Laura's birthday.

Like a good new husband- Brian surprised her with exactly what she wanted!!

Nya

A 5 week old Maltese puppy.

He also surprised her with nearly 30 people hiding in their little apartment when they came home from her birthday dinner! So fun

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA

WE LOVE YOU

just t & me

Last week the girls left for 3 days & 2 nights. They went to Youth Conference (a retreat for youth 14-18 from our church congregation) up at Utah State University. They had the best time! They stayed in the dorms, went to classes, danced with boys (ooh, la, la) and ate Aggie Ice Cream. At home during the day it was... just T & me. This summer we've decided to have what Trent calls, "summer school." Summer school is an hour in the morning where we 1. have a prayer 2. talk about a value (last week was honesty) 3. work on writing skills (from a Costco work book) 4. do some math drills THEN 5. read together for 15-20 minutes. It's a big commitment from me... but he LOVES it. Well, he loved it last week (the first week- ha). This week he has recommended, "having pajama day -- or just plain taking a couple of days off." Umm- no way jose- he is the one who has been begging me to home school! (only because he has a friend who tells him it's easy) The fact is, he really needs the help so it's what we need to do. He is also going to a tutor 30 minutes a week.

Any hooooo
It was Trent & me.

Besides school, he took me this photo from his tree house. There were some baby robins living up there- so exciting! He couldn't quite see them so- hoping to see something- he stood on his tippy toes & held his camera over the nest & took this random shot. WA LA- awesome sight.
(p.s. we've been eating dinner at back & watching the mommy & daddy robin take worms to the nest, then last night we saw the teenage birdies fly away!!!)


We went on a field trip-- well, lunch at Mickey D's. Kind of a stretch, I know.

Friday we ran loads & loads of errands. Bought Father's day gifts, Laura's birthday present, post office, grocery store, bought a new sprinkler -- then hooray

took the car through the car wash!

I bet you wish you would have been here?

a quilt for laura- well & brian too!

Over a month ago...

My friends & I were going to throw a shower for Laura. I started this little quilt for her. Then, the shower had to be postponed & the quilt went to the bottom of my very busy list.Last week

I finished it!

It's very basic- just the way I like it. It is made from Moda's Central Park line & some Kona Solid.

I love the way it turned out. I really wanted to feature the fabric. When I saw this fabric it screamed --- LAURA--- to me & I knew I had to make something with it.

I know I make a lot of simple square quilts... but really I'm still just a beginner.

I love this quilt & I love Laura.

She is the perfect addition to our family.

missionary jack

As the mom of a missionary, there is nothing better than hearing from my boy. Well, nothing this is- but pictures.I love how he is all creative with photos. It really cracks me up.
People who don't know Jack tend to think he is reserved & quiet... that is until they get to know him. Then- they find out he is very thoughtful & opinionated & absolutely hilarious.


He continues to surprise me by remembering birthdays, other important dates, events & people.

I mentioned in my last letter that my sweet nephew who has autism had visited.

He replied back that he remembered this diagnosis & since before he left for his mission... he has included him in his prayers everyday. oh golly- who knew?

You continue to amaze me.

busy weekend

Last weekend we celebrated Brett's birthday!For Brett's birthday I bought him a guided fishing trip in Park City- one of the best birthday presents I have ever gotten him! I was so thrilled for him to go, he LOVEs fishing & never allows himself time to go- it was for two people so Brian got to go too. They had a fantastic time & now want to go fishing again sooo bad. Unfortunately-- real life has prevented another fishing trip. Again, GREAT Present- he had to go because I spent the money on the trip & it was scheduled. If I just suggested it... I would still be waiting for him to go. With a new job, family & church duties he is just too busy!

Saturday night we had cake & ice cream.
He requested our new favorite coconut cake.

It was an extra special celebration because we had company here.

The Brittany's- Marcus, Johnna & the baby.

Isn't he tiny & so cute? -- Marcus' hand looks giant!

Also- Aimee & Sean were here!! We were so thrilled to have them. It has been a couple of years since they moved back to Washington state & we miss them so much.

They brought their two darling kids & spent the night.

We loved it. It was so nice to visit & see what wonderful parents they are.

aaah- kids around the house again- fun times.

Just before they got here, Brett put up a swing on one of our backyard trees. It was perfect. Lucky for us & them the weather finally turned summer. It hit 80 degrees- crazy considering we had slushy snow on the back deck five days prior.

Now- summer has officially begun. I haven't blogged because I have been running. Running to get things done- everyday... I have so much to do & get done before my new grandson is born! I cannot- CANNOT wait to go out & see him!!

last day of school

The last day of school is pretty much the best day of the whole year.

Well, for the kids anyway- that was sarcasm.{Elementary school year end flag lowering ceremony}Trent & his teacher. Fifth grade has been a hard one for me & Trent. There has been a lot of learning, mixed in with mom feeling discouraged & Trent wanting to be home schooled. Trent's two best buds from last year moved schools. It's rough being a kid. Even rougher if you are a kid with Aspergers. He has a difficult time reading other kid's body language & communicating in general. Math - it gets harder in fifth grade. I'm talking algebra & geometry hard.... ya, rough. Reading & writing- they get harder too- like you are supposed to read real books (not comic books) and write something that happened in such book. dang.

Summer vacation~ bring it!Chloe spent the day signing year books & hanging out with friends!

the best part of the last day of school-

lots of friends mixed with pizza & root beer

this year I even made chocolate cake!

Trent has five friends over-
which means lots of boys trying to play- mixed with Trent getting confused & upset then crying & screaming. I have a headache. These poor boys. I think I'm going to be crying & screaming next. Heaven help me it could be a looong summer.

baby blessing day

Yesterday was a wonderful day!

Marcus & Brittany blessed their sweet baby at our house. He is just under 2 weeks old now- both sets of Grandparents are in town- they wanted to bless him while they were here but didn't want expose him to a multitude of germs. So- our house was the perfect place- well I thought so.

He was blessed in the blanket Marcus was blessed in. He couldn't wear Marcus' blessing clothing... Marcus weighed 10lb. 5 oz. when he was born! So, he was more like the size of a 3 month old when he was blessed.
These are not the best photos~ but it's what I've got so they will do.


Is he the cutest little thing you've ever seen or what!

Ya- we all think so! We had a wonderful brunch... if I do say so myself... recipes will be on the cooking blog soon.

The newlyweds were here- they have the MOST darling apartment- post coming soon! and Hailey- I love this picture of her.

My sister & niece Brittany stayed until dinner- we had such a great visit.

Chloe treated us with some of her FANTASTIC Artisan bread.And just because we hadn't eaten enough...

after everyone left I made some blueberry cobbler.

No one appreciates blueberries like my sisters & I.

Oh how i love them.....