Monday's Memory--Amy's Bunny

I'm not sure when Amy made this, or any of the particulars about it, but I've always loved it.  If I had to guess, I'd say in Brownies in 2nd grade.

Monday's Memory--The Pig

Mom and I had grilled cheese sandwiches today for lunch, and out came "the pig".

It's actually a cutting board that my brother, Milo, made in high school.  But it works great to compress grilled cheese sandwiches, to help the cheese melt better.  Notice the burn marks around the edges, where we had the fire up to high and singed the poor guy.  He's pretty old, but well loved.

On a side note, notice the griddle.  It's even older than the pig.  I don't remember a time that we didn't have it.  It was so caked with dried gunk, that early in their marriage, Todd M took a grinder and made it look new.

Small Things

Today, on my walk, I heard a seagull...and it put a smile on my face because it instantly took my thoughts to the beach.  Throughout the rest of my walk, I thought about those small things that make me smile, and I usually don't even recognize them.  Life is full of small wonders that get ignored. One of my favorite sayings is

I have it on a plaque in the front room and on a tile in my bed room.  If you notice, it's even the subheading of my blog.  I didn't realize until just now that it actually comes from quotes from both  President Uchtdorf and President Monson.

I'm afraid that even though I'm surrounded by this saying, I usually don't take it to heart.  This week, I'm going to notice those small wonders and report them back here.

I have been reminded several times this week of those small, sweet moments that makes our lives so much happier...
*while in the temple, a man stopped me and told me I had a beautiful smile
*getting an unsolicited hug from Wyatt
*sitting on the porch swing, cooling down from my walk
*actually looking at this on my wall, something I made many years ago

*Sunday evening because I didn't have to go to work the next morning (I know I'm retired, but I still   remember that pleasure and I still feel it every Sunday!)

*Getting an "I love you" from both of my kids this week

Happy Anniversery

I've been using my fitbit for one year, and I have to say, most of the time, it has caused me to make more active choices.  Often, if I need to go somewhere nearby, I'll walk to get some steps in. I take the stairs instead of the elevator, and even walk up the escalator.  I've even figured out a way to attach it to my shoe when I'm riding my bike, so I can get "credit" for that exercise as well.  Here's a recap of my accomplishments this year.  If I do say so myself, I'm pretty impressed with myself!

Earned 7 times

Earned twice

Pig Party!

If You Give a Pig a Party...

Of course, you have to have balloons!

For FHE, we finally had our pig party, the second to last book in the series.  The last one will come in August when Owen goes to school.  

Anyway, after reading the book, we decided to build a giant fort, tents and tubes included...

...and have a fun game of hide and go seek.

Emma and Wyatt were the definite winners of the game.  Wyatt hid behind the TV, all cramped,  and didn't make a sound.  Emma was inside the fort, on top of greatgrandma's walker, again all cramped.  She said she didn't want her legs showing if someone looked under the blankets!  It took quite some time for her to get the feeling back in her feet!  

Our party ended with homemade scones and ice cream.  Yummy

Looks Like Spring...

...But Feels Like Summer!

Thanks Ann

When Ann and I were still working, I usually left a little before her.  If there was a particularly beautiful sunrise, I'd call her and she'd go out in her backyard to share it with me.  Now, with her gone, every time I see a beautiful sunrise or sunset, I smile, look heavenward, and say, "thanks, Ann!"  I picture her up in heaven with the job wielding a paintbrush to make all that beautiful color.
This is what I got to see this morning...thanks Ann.

Happy Birthday Mom

Amy and family and Mark and Kris came over yesterday to celebrate mom's birthday. After pizza, she opened presents (with a little help) and had cake (banana creme pie, her request!).

We had early morning church today, so we had birthday pancakes for dinner. 

 It still counts, doesn't it?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM

Mad Science Party

When Amy puts on a party, she goes all the way.  The kids wanted a mad science birthday party, so she spent hours on pinterest, getting all sorts of great ideas.

After the kids played around with slime, elephant toothpaste, and lava lamps, they opened present and had cake.  I have to say, the cake was the best thing about the party!!!