A Little TLC

Before school started, Aaron and Savannah decided I needed a little tender-loving-care and convinced me to come and visit them in their new home-state of Kansas.  They love it there and after visiting, I can see why.  Of course, I didn't visit during the frigid months of winter, so I'm pretty sure my loyalty to this state is greatly biased!  Aaron and Savannah had planned quite the adventure with many historic sites to visit and many restaurants to explore.  We were able to attend a session in the Kansas City Temple, visit places such as Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Far West, Haun's Mill, Independence, Liberty Jail, and other church historic sites.  We sampled Kansas BBQ, Asian cuisine, and more BBQ.  Kansas City and the surrounding vicinity were quite impressive!  I want to visit again!!

A Picnic at the site prepared by these two!

 

 

 

I couldn't have asked for a more relaxing time.  These two really know how to treat their guests!

It was a much needed TLC before another full semester of school!

LOVE YOU!  Aaron and Savannah!!

Happy Birthday Savannah!

How we love this lady!  Savannah is such a wonderful part of our family.  I sure do wish that I had pictures to show all the wonderful things that she does for Aaron and for us.  But since they are far, far away and "someone" won't send pictures.. (hint - hint!) I don't.  So, our family blog will have a picture of this beautiful lady and my attempt to capture her personality in a poem!

S - Serves as an example to many young women
A - Always looking for an adventure
V - Valiant in her testimony
A - Aaron is the love of her life
N - Needs food to ward off any crankiness
N - Notices when others need extra tender love and care and has a way to make others feel special
A - Appreciates a good burp!
H - Has the best cookie/cupcake recipes!
Happy Birthday to an amazing woman...in every way!!
We love you!!

And They are Off!!

It was a sad day to say good-by to our favorite state-travelers.  Aaron was offered a job-transfer in Kansas City, Kansas and after much contemplation and excitement - he accepted the offer.  I think they will always be our travelers as they love the true seasons and the cold.  Where exactly THAT came from, I don't know!  But I do know one thing - we are going to miss them tremendously!!

Their cute home all packed into two cubes!  Savannah is quite the packer-upper!!

Saying good-by isn't really this fun!

Happy Birthday Savannah!!

This picture is my new favorite of Savannah because it shows so many things about her that I love:

*  She is beautiful on the outside and the inside.  Her heart is pure and she would do anything for you if she knew you needed a friend, a listening ear, or a clean kitchen.

*  She is sassy - in a good way of course!  She isn't afraid to share her opinions, but never wants to hurt your feelings.  She is honest and trustworthy and her family loves that about her.

*  She is Aaron's life.  If I need a happy thought, I think of these two flirting in my kitchen, shopping together and bickering over what fruit to buy, trying new recipes, flying to all sorts of new destinations, working out together, trying to live a healthy lifestyle together....they are together in every way...I love that about them!!

*  Savannah is a family girl.  She is the one that calls to set up dinner night, she is always holding one of the babies at our house, she pitches in even when she is tired, she doesn't complain about life's plan for her, and her humor can cheer anyone needing a lift.

Savannah, I hope you have a wonderful birthday.  You are such a vital part of our family and I love you as if you were one of my own.  I feel blessed to call you my daughter!
LOVE YOU!!

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, Savannah!!

It's birthday time in our house and our "oldest" is celebrating another wonderful day.  We love this girl!

We have had fun getting to know her and the love she has for others.  I can't tell you how many times she is cooking up something for someone...just because she knows they need a "pick-me-up" or a thank-you or a "just thinking of you" something.  She knows how to cheer up anyone!  She loves her family and it shows!

We really feel blessed to have both Savannah and Aaron living with us right now.  As they continue to search for a home, we have the pleasure of having their expertise in cooking (Savannah is the queen of desserts!) and computer help (I don't need to remind anyone how amazing Aaron is....and this IS about Savannah!)
Another thing I love about Savannah is her zany humor.  She has a special way of making us laugh....even if it is at ourselves. 

So many times, when I am at church, I have a friend stop me in the hall and tell me how much they "LOVE" Savannah.  They love the confidence she has, her zest for life is evident in everything she does, and she is always willing to help.  I couldn't agree more!!  I feel blessed to have Savannah as a daughter!
We love you Savannah!!
Happy Birthday!!

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!