Joyful Sadness

We have lost the beloved president and prophet of my church and it is with joyful sadness that we celebrate his life. He accomplished much in his long and productive life. Click here and here for articles about him. His wisdom, wit, and love was felt by all who came in contact with him, whether it be his warm handshake, quick smile, kind words, or message to all about our purpose in life. "Be a little better" was my favorite quote I heard often from him. Those four words simplified the overwhelming task of doing all we are required to do on this earth. Those words made it possible for me to understand the pursuit of perfection is not to be perfect, but to "be a little better". While looking for photos for this post I found this picture of President Hinckley at his wife's funeral in 2004. It touches me so. I imagine she has been anxiously waiting for her beloved husband to join her on the other side of this earthly existence. President Hinckley's passing is her joy and our sadness today. It will be her joy in which we celebrate. When President Hinckley spoke about his wife following her death he said, "My children and I were at her bedside as she slipped peacefully into eternity. As I held her hand and saw mortal life drain from her fingers, I confess I was overcome. Before I married her, she had been the girl of my dreams, to use the words of a song then popular. She was my dear companion for more than two-thirds of a century, my equal before the Lord, really my superior. And now in my old age, she has again become the girl of my dreams." His tender heart was the best example and teacher to all who would listen.

Sneak Peak at Miss K and Mr. B

I had such a great time with this family even if it seemed like it was only two degrees outside. All were good sports...even their Dad! I hope they love their pictures...I am always anxious for the finished product to be what a family is looking for. Will post more soon.

Gauley River

This is photo documentation of an annual trip where we take on the Class 5 rapids of the Gauley River in West Virginia. So far we have kept all our teeth and our football coach! (I know...very poor taste in making a jab at the bitter WVU fans! But it is really getting unreasonable over there!) We usually go the first weekend in October. There is an open invitation for all who want to join. We will pick you up at the Charleston airport! It is incredible! Click on the photos to enlarge the image.

Where You Stay At

Last Saturday I went on a fieldtrip with some friends to the city of Detroit. We had all kinds of fun buying fresh fruit and veggies at the Eastern Market (for more info click here). The tulips were out, the fresh green beans were 3 lbs for $1, the cherries were sweet, the hot cider was delicious, etc. While exploring all the options available I saw this cute little man with his walker and smiled and said hello. His response was "where you stay at"? I said "pardon me"? He repeated "where you stay at" with a little more emphasis. Seriously Mister?

My friends asked what Mr. Walker Man said to me, so I told them.

Me: "That man just asked me where I stay at!"

Friend's response: "That's what we thought he said".

Me: "What WAS that?"

Friend: "He just tried to pick up on you."

Me: without words

Friend: "Hey, a pick-line is a pick-up line. Consider it a compliment!"

Really people? I guess when you're single, every pick-up line counts! What about saying hi means I want to meet you later for a date? One of my friends, all of which were laughing hysterically, took a picture of my potential suitor. Who knows.... I guess it could work. At my age, people tell me I should consider ALL options. A pick-up line IS a pick-up line after all!

What about a "Jesus La (aka love) You" from an over-anxious asian lady giving me a Billy Graham pamphlet......is that a pick up line too?

Bucknuts Cracked

Wouldn't you say the "Tressvestite" looks a little dejected. Can't say I am anything but VERY pleased with this development. 2008 has started out great! Michigan wins in fantastic form and OSU is O-1 for the year. Not only did they lose, but they appeared to have all the athletic prowess of school girls during the entire game! Call me evil....I don't care. I detest that open-enrollment school for convicts. My two favorite teams are Michigan and any other team that beat the thugs down south! If Michigan can't beat them, at least a former, if somewhat undesirable, Michigan Man beat them in the bowl game. My new favorite t-shirt is the one emblazoned with purple and yellow letters reading L S U!

Blog Design Givaway by Chuckles and Grins

My very creative friend Carly of Chuckles and Grins is giving away a free custom blog design. Go leave a comment on her post to be considered as a candidate. You only have until Thursday Jan 10th!

Cousins

Dad, Mom, and All The Memories of Colorado

As you can see we had a great time and no one got mad at me for wanting to take their picture. In fact, I believe we completed all these pictures in record time with so many people involved. We only had one small problem with my brother-in-law Jim looking away from the camera. Sarah always says he is her fifth child! I may be inclined to agree today. :-) I am only quoting Sarah and teasing Jim a bit.

Here are some of my favorite memories. If I forget anything email me and I will add to the list!
* Tyson's cabbage patch doll (thanks Jim)
* Kurt's Rook strategy calling for the yellow ten as his power partner
* Finding one nude Jameson outside in the Colorado winter
* "I told you all to be quiet and now I'm done with you." Chloe age 5
* Jim's special present to Jared....a picture of himself (thanks to clever Tyson)
* Luke and his passion for football
* Rachael shooting a 9 mm handgun for the first time and hitting the target (not everyone did and I was certain we would start an avalanche)
* Discovering Dad cheats at Rook.....the knee press
* Megan strapping her doll to her chest with her new rope from grandpa while moving her luggage upstairs
* Jack's new found love for Martinelli's apple cider
* 2 high chairs and three babies
* Sarah and Rebecca trying to open their birthday presents amongst the chaos of all their children
* Tyson getting "rained" on (there was a leak upstairs) while taking care of some personal bathroom business
* Yummy food and cooking together....2 deep fat fried turkeys
* Fantastic family fun and enjoying each other
* Snow on Christmas
* Cassie's Christmas letter to Gracey....best friends
* Rhino rides and seeing a herd of elk not even 30 yards away
* Mom starting the paper towel's on fire..."I am not used to a gas stove" she says
* Nana and Tyson sledding with the kids
* Nana teaching Gracey the finer points of blowing her nose without a tissue and Tyson admonishing Gracey not to do that on her first date
* Gracey reporting to Nana her mother said she "couldn't go in for three hours"
* After sledding and slightly hitting a low tree branch, Megan pulling her hair back and asking Nana "Do you see any ticks?"
* Megan listing all the things she's been concerned about in her life which include "aliens, global warming, the bird flu, cholesterol, and ticks"
* Caden's lego masterpieces
* Jack's red cheeks
* Church and everyone laughing at Dad's rolling R's while singing a hymn "Rejoice Rejoice"
* Pinecone doughnuts taking 45 minutes to find....it was worth it

We Missed Them Mightily

Jack's Family

Too Many to Name But Oh So CUTE

Family of C's

Simon's Family

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from my family. We Christmased (not sure this is a word but I want to use it anyway) in Colorado this year. We missed my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew mightily! (I am very happy with my new tripod which allows me to be in a picture! Thanks Santa!)

Urban Myths are Alive and Well

It appears there aren't as many urban legends as Florida would like there to be! Please let me digress! We won! We won! We won! There was nothing sweeter than observing the disconcerted and perplexed look on the face of Florida's urban myth today. Mr. Urban "our goal is to be the New England Patriots of college football" Meyer didn't have any answers for us today (yes, he actually said that)! My team came out and played like we know they can. I have lost my voice due to yelling with great excitement during the game. There were small children who were very afraid....my parents too. I can't seem to maintain my refined, dignified, and feminine disposition during Michigan Football. Did I mention WE WON!!!!