Need a Smile?

With permission, I am posting one of my all-time favorite family pictures.  This captures the dynamics of this family perfectly!  How I laugh every time I see this picture!

Have a wonderful, happy day!!

Make-Up Tradtion a Must!

One of the best traditions a girl could ask for was started over 30 years ago when Grammy took her girls to the store for their own pick of make-up.  With a set budget, we would set off for the best deals, so excited that we got to pick our own stuff!
The tradition continues into the next generation.  My mom still takes her girls to Ulta, gives us a budget, and we scour the store for the best deals on our favorite brands.  Sometimes, we end up with one very expensive brush, and other times we splurge on different styles.  I am not one for much make-up, but this is one of my favorite traditions and I couldn't wait to start this with my own girls.  We now have a few more that join in, but it is always a fun hour at the make-up store!  We met up at Ulta, a budget was given, and the fun began.  Even Jade and Lilly wanted their own bags with lip gloss!  Girls just know what they need!

 

 

Happy Birthday Jenny

Our Jenny is the most forgiving and understanding of me!  She never complains that I am always late on blogging her birthday due to the holidays, school deadlines, and life.  It doesn't change how much we love this beautiful woman and terrific mom.  Jenny's style of teaching their girls is admirable and they flourish under the love in their home.  She is always one to notice what needs to be done, always has a listening ear for those who need a friend, and is happy to indulge me in many Grammy moments!!

J - Just about the best mom for 2 beautiful girls
E - enthusiastic about life, family, and everything in-between
N - Naturally very compassionate
N - Never waivers in her testimony and faith
Y - You are blessed to call Jenny your friend

Happy Birthday Jenny!!  We love you and the happiness you brings into our lives. 

Happy Birthday Jenny!

Jenny's birthday is between holidays and at the end of the year.  It seems every year, I blog her birthday late.  Fortunately for me, she is understanding and knows that I love her just as much.
Things I love about this remarkable woman, wife, mom, sister, and friend:

*  She sees the good in everything.  Even when life is hectic, she sees the positive and strives to find balance between being a wife, a mother, and fulfilling her callings. 

*  Jenny is a devoted wife and mother.  Jenny and Tyler are perfect for each other and work hard to create a wonderful home and family life for their two beautiful daughters.  I've never heard Jenny complain about long hours or long nights.  I'm pretty sure she is the only one that is able to convince Tyler to take family pictures!  She is a wonderful teacher and example of faith to Jade and Lilly.  I love to watch her teach her girls about choices and consequences! 

*  She is willing to help, whether that is cooking, cleaning, or anything else.  When we have family gatherings, Jenny is in the midst of the group working to make it a wonderful event.  (Of course, Tyler is so supportive and willingly "watches" the girls so she can help!)

*  Jenny brings love and laughter with her where ever she goes.  There is a warmth about her that allows each friend and family member to confide and trust in Jenny.  Her laugh is contagious and she has a way to show love to everyone she meets.

How we love Jenny!  One year older has only brought us more love and happiness!

Christmas Traditions still going strong

One of our favorite traditions is now well over a generation old.  My family consists of 4 girls.  My wonderful mom came up with a few traditions that as a mom, I have continued.  Make-up is a stocking stuffers that Santa's elves help with.  My mom would take all of her girls to a store and give each girl an allotted amount to spend.  We could spend that on any make-up we desired.  It could be one expensive brush to lots of cheap colors of eye-shadow (remember when blue was all the rage??)
We still do this as moms with our sweet mom.  I wish I had a picture to show how much it means to spend a few minutes together....literally, it could be a few minutes with our schedules, but my mom manages to keep that tradition alive.
I started doing this with my two girls when they were mere teenagers and wanting all the make-up that was popular.  Now, I have four beautiful daughters and we met at Ulta for a night of make-up shopping.  I had a camera, but forgot to get a group picture!  Savannah, Jenny, Jacque, and Aly had fun shopping together and deciding what to get.  I had the assignment of watching Jade.  Yes, Lilly and Jade came with us!  I thought this would be a fairly easy assignment.  Needless to say, I was laughing so hard, I forgot to keep watch over this little "angel".  Good thing Lilly is not old enough to roam the store as well! 

Grandpa getting some love before the girls leave

Jade wanted her own bag.  Then, she went to town! 

Obviously, she didn't get the memo about the dollar limit!!

Grammy telling Jade it's time to go home.  Here comes the mini-tantrum!

She KNOWS she is being a pill!  That is what was cracking me up!!

I love this tradition!!

Happy Birthday Jenny!!

Celebrating Jenny's birthday was sporadic at best this year.  Jenny and Tyler went on a quick trip right after Thanksgiving, and then the Christmas season was upon us.  We didn't even have a birthday dinner for her!!  And to top it off....I forgot to blog ON her birthday....the first time I have ever forgotten.  I think it is due to the holidays!  About 3 days later...I realized it and called to see if Jenny could ever forgive me.  Of course she did, because that is the type of daughter Jenny is.  I still owe her a birthday shopping spree...but we are taking a rain check on that one...a post will follow on that!Jenny has a way of always looking for the positive in any situation.  She encourages those who are struggling, she looks for ways to help those who are over-whelmed, and she has a way of knowing when their beautiful daughters could make a smile out of a frowny day.  She is someone who can always see the good and positive in all of life.Jenny is a wonderful mom who has encouraged sweet Jade to explore and develop in her own unique way.  Watching Jenny have "teaching moments" with Jade always brings a smile to my face.

Jenny is a wonderful part of our family and we are blessed to have a daughter like this beautiful young mom.
Happy Birthday Jenny.....even if it is late!!

Perfect Moments of Life

Is my life perfect?  No - far from it - but every once in awhile, moments happen, events that when reflected upon bring a smile to your face and can lighten any mood.  We had one of those on Sunday.  I wish I had more pictures to share.
Usually, on Sunday, my wonderful parents have their family over on Sunday evening for an amazing meal that they have usually spent most of the day preparing.  It always includes warm, homemade bread, a wonderful main dish - or as we say - "a culinary masterpiece", and the best part - all family who can come.  Sunday evenings are a tradition.  I look forward to this special evening with my parents and family.
On occasion, all families have other conflicts.  So, Sunday evening, our family of cooks created a meal for Grammy and Grampy at our house.  We have some very talented cooks amongst us, so we cooked up an Italian taster's delight.  Aaron worked on the meatballs and spaghetti - I was put in charge of "watching" the sauce.  This is what happens when you do NOT watch the sauce!

(hmmm....no....it's balsamic for Jenny!)

We also had "Chicken and Shrimp with Panceta Chimichurri" which is grilled chicken and shrimp with the delicious sauce with pancetta sprinkled on top.  Jacque whipped up her "Fusilli with Spicy Pesto" - all handmade and de-li-cious!  Jenny created a salad with greens, fruit, and a wonderful poppy seed dressing.  And of course - Grampy brought his bread sticks - seasoned to perfection for an Italian dinner!

After, we were all stuffed past being comfortable, so we rested awhile and watched old movies.  After all these years, Brad finally found a program to his liking and now......

drum roll please.....

Our old movies - OLD movies - are on our computer and can be accessed from our TV....WA-LA!!

We cracked up as we watched Aaron perform Tae-kwon-do, Tyler battle for the last chair playing Musical chairs on his 8th Birthday, Jacque performing and remembering how little she was, and Aly - her hair and her low "man-voice" when she was small. 

During this time...you ask...what was Jade doing?  Oh, she found a new toy amongst a few we have accumulated...it was the drawer all the toys are in.  Funny, Funny little angel!

Dessert was created by Savannah - some yummy brownies with ice-cream.  A perfect ending to a perfect meal and a wonderful evening with our family.  Life is good and sweet - I plan on relishing these moments for a very long time!

Ahhh!

This is Jenny Broby. She makes Tyler smile even when she isn't around.......which isn't very often. Mark your calendars....Nov. 17th for the wedding. Dec. 1st for the reception in Yuma. We couldn't be happier for both of them. Tyler proposed and made it official up on Mt. Graham...a special place since that is where Brad asked me to be his eternal companion!

New Beginnings Part 2

What you say?? Another ring? Another wedding? Another daughter-in-law? Another wonderful day to be a part of? YES to all of the above. Tyler asked Jenny to marry him up on Mt. Graham this past weekend. They are planning to get married in the AZ temple. What a exciting time we are going to have in the Weech family!!